 An increase or a loss in complexity, either becoming more stereotypical or conversely more random in their behaviour patterns, indicates that there has been an alteration in the functionality of the individual.Using fractal analysis, it is possible to examine the movement sequential complexity of animal behaviour and to determine whether individuals are experiencing deviations from their optimal range, suggesting a change in condition.For example, it has been used to assess welfare of domestic hens, stress in bottlenose dolphins in response to human disturbance, and parasitic infection in Japanese macaques and sheep.