What does the comparative method examine?

The comparative method is a key approach in the study of animal behavior that focuses on identifying and analyzing the differences and similarities between species. By comparing behaviors across various species, researchers can identify evolutionary patterns, ecological adaptations, and the influence of phylogenetic relationships on behavior. This method allows scientists to make inferences about how certain behaviors may have evolved or been selected for in different environments.

Through comparative analysis, it is possible to assess what traits are shared among species due to common ancestry, as well as which traits may have independently evolved in response to similar environmental pressures. This comparative framework provides a broader understanding of behavioral phenomena, highlighting the diversity of behavioral strategies that exist in the animal kingdom and how these strategies relate to survival and reproduction.