Which behavior illustrates the concept of focal sampling in research?

Focal sampling is a research method used in animal behavior studies where the focus is on observing a specific individual for a designated period of time. This approach allows researchers to collect detailed data on the behaviors and activities of that individual without the distraction of observing multiple animals at once.

In this context, the observation of one monkey's grooming habits represents focal sampling because it centers on a single subject, enabling an in-depth analysis of that particular individual's behavior. This method is valuable for understanding social interactions, habits, and other behaviors in great detail, as the observer can capture nuances that might be overlooked in broader group studies.

The other options reflect broader observational strategies that do not align with the focused approach of focal sampling, such as studying a whole group of dolphins or collecting data from multiple parrots simultaneously, which dilute the specificity and depth of behavioral insights on a singular subject. Mapping the territory of a wolf pack also involves a wider scope rather than concentrating on an individual behavior.