Gal Gangs, Worm Lessons, and Elephant Bones

Abstract

Scientists today believe that many nonhuman animals possess emotions. Additionally, they find that emotions are not limited to mammals, but that birds, reptiles, and fish also have feelings. Studying animal emotions may be the key to understanding creatures’ relationships with each other. In particular, what relationships do animals form when living in small groups? Ethologists observing animals in their natural habitats reveal many answers. First, animals in small groups employ a variety of leadership styles. Second, family relationships between parents and offspring, brother and sister, and elders and adolescents help the group survive and thrive. Third, when animals lose a member of their group, they appear to grieve in ways synonymous to humans. As they examine these relationships, animal behaviorists, including famed ethologist Marc Bekoff, help us dive deeper into the lives of animal communities so we can live with them in harmony with them.