Niko Tinbergen

The four questions of Tinbergen: What is the causation of the behaviour? How does it develop? What is its survival value? How did it evolve?

Ethology, the biological study of behaviour, is a science that has its roots in natural history.

The ultimate aim of ethology is to understand the function of behaviour in the life of the animal.

Observation is the first step, and often the most difficult one, in any scientific endeavour.

To understand an animal's behaviour, one must first understand its natural environment.

The study of animal behaviour is not merely a collection of anecdotes, but a rigorous scientific discipline.

The beauty of ethology lies in its ability to bridge the gap between biology and psychology.

We must be careful not to anthropomorphize animal behaviour, but to understand it on its own terms.

The comparative method is a powerful tool for understanding the evolution of behaviour.

The study of instinct is not a denial of learning, but an exploration of its biological basis.

The concept of the 'fixed action pattern' highlights the stereotyped nature of some behaviours.

Supernormal stimuli demonstrate how animals can be 'tricked' by exaggerated cues.

The environment plays a crucial role in shaping the development of behaviour.

Understanding the proximate causes of behaviour is essential for understanding its ultimate functions.

Ethology is a truly interdisciplinary field, drawing on biology, psychology, and even philosophy.

The study of animal communication reveals the complexity of social interactions.

The adaptive value of behaviour is often not immediately obvious, requiring careful investigation.

The evolution of behaviour is a continuous process, shaped by natural selection.

To truly understand life, we must understand the behaviour of living organisms.

Science is not just about facts, but about asking the right questions.