Who are considered the founders of ethology?

The founders of ethology are recognized for their significant contributions to the study of animal behavior, particularly in understanding how behavior is influenced by evolutionary processes. Konrad Lorenz, Nico Tinbergen, and Karl Von Frisch are known for their pioneering research that laid the foundation for this field.

Lorenz is famous for his work on imprinting in birds, demonstrating how young animals form attachments to their caregivers. Tinbergen developed key concepts in ethology, including the four questions framework: causation, development, evolution, and function of behavior. Von Frisch is celebrated for his studies on the communication patterns of honeybees, revealing how they convey information about food sources through their "waggle dance." Collectively, their research established important methodologies and areas of study within ethology, shaping our understanding of animal behavior from a biological perspective.

This combination of their contributions marks them as the formative figures in ethology, differentiating them from other scientists noted for different fields or perspectives. The other choices include notable individuals in various domains but do not specifically pertain to the foundational principles and studies related to ethology.