The book by the famous German animal behaviorist Norbert Saxer presents the current state of behavioral science. The author's main conclusion is that over the past 20 years, a paradigm shift has occurred in ethology: "little brothers" have become closer to humans. They are sad and happy, just like us. They are cunning and deceitful, learn new things all their lives, have their own character and are aware of their "I". Where does the line between them and us lie? How are we different from animals and what can we learn from them? How do mice save themselves from Alzheimer's syndrome and how do guinea pigs avoid stress? How many words can dogs remember and can birds recognize themselves in the mirror? What are scientists studying animal behavior doing today? What methods do they use and what other sciences come to their aid? The reader will find answers to all these questions in this book.
The publication is addressed to everyone interested in animal behavior.