Which field of study looks at the impact of natural selection on the social behaviors of animals?

The field of study that examines the impact of natural selection on the social behaviors of animals is sociobiology. This discipline specifically looks at the biological basis of social behavior, exploring how evolution influences the social structures and interactions within animal species. Sociobiology aims to understand how behaviors that may appear social or altruistic can arise from evolutionary processes and the survival advantages they may confer.

Sociobiology combines principles from both biology and social science to provide insights into the patterns of behavior observed in animal species, including humans. It focuses on the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping behavior, thus considering how social behaviors may evolve to enhance reproductive success and survival.

While ethology is the study of animal behavior in natural settings, it does not necessarily focus on how these behaviors evolve as a response to natural selection. Anthropology investigates human societies and cultures, lacking the primary focus on animal behavior. Evolutionary psychology explores human thought and behavior through an evolutionary lens but is more focused on cognitive processes than on social behaviors across different species. Hence, the emphasis on natural selection's role in shaping social behaviors specifically aligns with sociobiology.