Ethologists are scientists who study animal behavior in natural environments. They observe how animals interact with each other and their surroundings, focusing on instinctive behaviors and social structures. This field helps us understand the evolutionary significance of behaviors and how they contribute to survival and reproduction. The work of ethologists often involves field studies, where they collect data on various species, including birds, mammals, and insects. Notable figures in this field include Konrad Lorenz and Nikolaas Tinbergen, who contributed significantly to our understanding of animal behavior through their research and observations.