Describe the difference between group and individual behaviors in animals

Question

Animal behavior and survival.

Answer 1

Biologists look at animals in groups often first to define the group behaviors, then look at individuals. Certain group patters include birds flying south with a rotation of the front bird in the formation so that all birds know the path. Or look at how pack wolves hunt: they tend to split up and follow a herd, then gradually cut off a small group and attack the weaker members of the herd. Group behaviors tend to be either based on overall survival and/or sexual success. In birds, there are often mating rituals based on behavior and color. Some of these rituals may help the female select the most successful male in the population, so as to preserve the strength of the species. 

Within groups, closer observation is required to see individual behaviors. You might watch a mother bear teaching her cubs certain skills. Some of that is group behavior but there might be differences in how different cubs are treated. In some animals you will see grooming or other behaviors, such as sharing food, between siblings. Or you might see a parent noticing the cry of the offspring among a large number of babies, finding the baby and then teaching it how to swim, climb, or fly. Other individual acts might be for one member of the group to go off on his own (usually a male) while others choose to stay with the group.