Which of the following best compares animal behavior and social behavior?

• A. Animal behavior is always learned, while social behavior is always innate.
• B. Animal behavior only occurs in groups, whereas social behavior occurs in solitary animals.
• C. Animal behavior includes all actions performed by animals, while social behavior specifically refers to interactions between members of the same species.
• D. Social behavior is unrelated to animal behavior and involves only plant interactions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of 'animal behavior' and 'social behavior.' Animal behavior encompasses all actions performed by animals, including innate and learned behaviors, solitary and group behaviors, and interactions with the environment.
2. Step 2: Define 'social behavior' as a subset of animal behavior that specifically involves interactions between members of the same species. Examples include mating rituals, communication, cooperation, and competition.
3. Step 3: Compare the options provided in the problem. Evaluate each statement to determine its accuracy based on the definitions of animal behavior and social behavior.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the statement 'Animal behavior is always learned, while social behavior is always innate' is incorrect because animal behavior can be both innate and learned, and social behavior can also be a mix of innate and learned behaviors.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct answer: 'Animal behavior includes all actions performed by animals, while social behavior specifically refers to interactions between members of the same species.' This aligns with the definitions and distinctions between the two concepts.