What term refers to the systematic study of the biological bases of social behavior?

The systematic study of the biological bases of social behavior is referred to as sociobiology. This field integrates aspects of sociology and biology, focusing on how evolutionary principles, such as natural selection, influence social behaviors in animals and humans. Sociobiology examines the genetic, behavioral, and evolutionary factors that affect social structures and relationships, providing insight into why certain social behaviors may have developed over time and how they are maintained within populations.

Sociology, while related, is a broader field that encompasses the study of society, social institutions, and social relationships without necessarily linking them specifically to biological factors. The sociological imagination is a concept introduced by C. Wright Mills, emphasizing the ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social forces; it does not focus on biological influences. Sociocultural evolution pertains to the ways societies change and develop over time, often through cultural and social advancements rather than biological aspects. Thus, sociobiology specifically targets the intersection of biology and social behavior, making it the correct answer.