What does the term Ethology refer to?

Ethology refers specifically to the scientific study of animal behavior, focusing on how animals interact with each other and their environment. This field investigates various aspects of behavior, including instincts, habits, and social interactions, often through observation in natural settings. Ethologists analyze behaviors as they relate to evolutionary processes, offering insights into how certain behaviors may have developed for survival or reproductive advantages.

The other choices involve different fields of study: human behavior is studied in psychology and sociology, sociocultural dynamics pertain more to cultural studies and anthropology, while psychological disorders are examined within clinical psychology. Thus, the correct association of ethology exclusively with animal behavior distinguishes it within the broader context of behavioral sciences.