Why we need ecology and evolution for a better understanding of misdirected behaviour

John Bosu Mensah, Bárbara Freitas , Max Ringler, Diogo Antunes, Eva Ringler

Animal behaviour emerges from the complex interaction between internal states, as well as biotic and abiotic environmental conditions. When observed behavioural responses differ from researchers’ expectations, they are often described as “misdirected behaviour” and potentially maladaptive. However, several factors including genetic background and developmental conditions, sensory perception and information processing, social and ecological context, and delayed rewards may all contribute to the observed response. Moreover, mechanisms that generate apparently erroneous behaviour may also contribute to behavioural variation, learning, and innovation. Hence, to classify unexpected behavioural responses as either adaptive, maladaptive or neutral, the frequency at which the unexpected behaviour is expressed, and its fitness consequences must be investigated. Using parental care as a focus topic, we argue that seemingly misdirected behaviours are context-dependent and may, in some cases, be adaptive when investigated across longer timescales. Finally, we discuss how anthropogenic environmental change can further disrupt established cue-environment relationships, potentially increasing misdirected behaviours, and how long-term studies are important to determine if these behaviours are a transient response that populations can overcome. In summary, we highlight that a comprehensive understanding of animal behaviour requires consideration of the underlying mechanisms, ecological and social contexts, and long-term fitness consequences.