sociobiology

noun

so·​cio·​bi·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ō-bī-ˈä-lə-jē 

ˌsō-shē-

: the comparative study of social organization and behavior in animals including humans especially with regard to its genetic basis and evolutionary history

sociobiological

ˌsō-sē-ō-ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

ˌsō-shē-

adjective

sociobiologist

ˌsō-sē-ō-bī-ˈä-lə-jist 

ˌsō-shē-

noun

Examples of sociobiology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This was precisely the premise that the most radical neoliberals sought to use sociobiology to question. — Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

Every new science since the mid-century, including sociobiology and neuroscience, has claimed to answer the big questions about humanity’s meaning. — Stefanos Geroulanos, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2024

Along with this activist work, Dagg also writes about her work on sociobiology, as well as her local environmental efforts. — Guest, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2019

Another concern is that Fukuyama's attempt to ground social structures in sociobiology is unsuccessful; listing supposedly innate attributes of human beings does not help explain their social and political institutions. — Michael Mann, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sociobiology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Medical Definition

sociobiology

noun

so·​cio·​bi·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ō-bī-ˈäl-ə-jē, ˌsō-shē- 

plural sociobiologies

: the comparative study of the biological basis of social organization and behavior in animals and humans especially with regard to their genetic basis and evolutionary history

sociobiological

-ˌbī-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

sociobiologically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb