Zebrafish in a surreal aquarium, symbolizing social dynamics and environmental influence.

Can Your Surroundings Change Who You Are? The Surprising Impact of Environment on Behavior

Reese Marlowe in Mind & Education June 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals how a change of scenery can significantly influence social interactions and behavior, even in adulthood."

In our daily lives, we often navigate diverse environments—from the tranquility of our homes to the hustle and bustle of busy city streets. But have you ever stopped to consider how these surroundings might be shaping your behavior? Animals, like us, display remarkable behavioral flexibility, adapting to seasonal changes, fluctuating habitats, and human-altered landscapes. Scientists are increasingly interested in understanding how physical environments, both early in life and during adulthood, can leave a lasting imprint on behavior and the neural mechanisms that drive it.

While it's well-established that early developmental experiences can profoundly influence later behavior, the impact of adult experiences is equally compelling. Social context, for instance, can trigger persistent changes in behavior and brain function. Now, new research is shedding light on how the physical environment itself affects adult social behavior. Researchers are exploring whether a simple change of scenery can alter how individuals interact and behave in novel situations.

In a recent study, scientists examined the social behavior of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) after exposing them to different physical contexts. By observing these fish in both simple and complex environments, the researchers uncovered surprising insights into how recent experiences can shape social interactions. These findings highlight the importance of considering both physical and social history when predicting animal behavior in new settings, with potential implications for understanding human behavior as well.

The Zebrafish Experiment: How Environment Shapes Social Behavior

Zebrafish in a surreal aquarium, symbolizing social dynamics and environmental influence.

Researchers at Indiana University and Arizona State University conducted an experiment using adult zebrafish to investigate how different physical environments influence social behavior. Adult zebrafish were divided into groups and housed in two different physical contexts for two weeks:

Less Complex Environment: Groups of zebrafish were placed in plain aquariums with only a small submersible filter.

More Complex Environment: Groups were placed in aquariums with a small submersible filter, half of a 11-cm clay pot, and three sections of plastic plants.

After the two-week period, the researchers measured the group behavior of the zebrafish in a novel context. They used two different testing arenas:

Implications and Future Research

This study emphasizes the importance of considering recent experiences and physical environments when studying social behavior. The findings suggest that environmental context can have a lasting impact on how animals interact with each other. Future research should further explore the mechanisms by which previous habitat experience influences social behavior, with potential implications for understanding human behavior in various settings. Understanding these dynamics could lead to better strategies for managing stress, enhancing social interactions, and promoting overall well-being in both animal and human populations.

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Everything You Need To Know

What does the study investigate regarding environment and behavior?

The study examines how the physical environment influences social interactions using adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were placed in either a less complex environment (plain aquariums) or a more complex environment (aquariums with plants and clay pots). After two weeks, their behavior was observed in a novel context to see how the different environments affected their social interactions. This is significant because it helps us understand how surroundings can shape social behavior.

Why is it important to consider the physical environment when studying animal behavior?

The physical environment significantly influences the social behavior of adult zebrafish. The study showed that zebrafish housed in more complex environments exhibited different social interactions compared to those in simpler environments. This highlights the importance of considering the surroundings when studying or predicting social behaviors in animals, as their recent experiences in different settings can impact how they interact with others.

What were the different types of physical environments used in the study?

The study uses two different physical contexts: less complex environments (plain aquariums with minimal features) and more complex environments (aquariums with added structures like plants and clay pots). These different environments were designed to observe how varying levels of environmental complexity influence the social behaviors of adult zebrafish.

How did the experiment measure the impact of the environment on the zebrafish?

The experiment measured the group behavior of adult zebrafish in a novel context after they had been housed in either a less complex or more complex environment for two weeks. Researchers observed how the fish interacted in new settings to determine if their previous environment had influenced their social behaviors. This approach helps understand how recent experiences and surroundings shape social interactions.

What are the broader implications of understanding how the environment affects behavior?

Understanding how physical environments impact behavior can help develop strategies for managing stress, enhancing social interactions, and promoting overall well-being. By recognizing the importance of environmental context, we can create more supportive and enriching environments for both animals and humans, potentially leading to better mental and social health outcomes. Further research in this area can provide insights into optimizing environments for various settings, such as workplaces and living spaces.