A Fishy Tale

Abstract

Before the emergence of the theory of evolution, people believed that there was a clear distinction between human beings and animals. It was believed that the wonders of animal behaviour were due to instinct, and that it was the gift of reason that made human beings unique. The theory of evolution challenged this distinction and forced people to review their studies of both human beings and animals. It was no longer enough just to describe animal behaviour as instinctive, and a need developed to explore how animals behave in the way they do and why.