What is an ethogram?

An ethogram is a catalog of an animal’s behavioral repetoire, detailing the different forms of behavior that are displayed by an animal. In most cases, it is desirable to create an ethogram in which the categories of behavior are objective, discrete, and do not overlap with each other. Definitions should be clear, detailed and distinguishable from each other.

Ethograms can be as specific or general as the study warrants. A research project dealing strictly with aggressive behavior in chimpanzees can be composed simply of the various forms of aggression displayed by that species. Alternatively, some studies seek to describe all facets of a particular animal's behavior, and the appropriate ethogram will comprehensively categorize any and all behaivors that may occur.

Who sponsors this site?

This site is a product of the Behavioral Advisory Group (BAG) of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). Lincoln Park Zoo provides Web server space and administers the site.

Questions/Comments

If you have any questions or comments about this Web site please e-mail us at ross@lpzoo.org.