Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach - Hardcover

Alcock, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0878930051 ISBN 13: 9780878930050

Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc.,U.S., 2005

Synopsis

This new edition of Animal Behavior maintains the organizational structure of previous editions, but has been completely rewritten with coverage of much recent work in animal behaviour, resulting in a thoroughly up-to-date text. Notable is the inclusion, for the first time, of discussion questions embedded in the text itself, rather than appended to the end of each chapter. This format is designed to encourage students to reflect on the material they have just digested while also making it easier for instructors to promote a problem-solving approach to the subject. Like previous editions, the book shows how evolutionary biologists analyze all aspects of behaviour. It is distinguished by its balanced treatment of both the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary causes of behaviour, and stresses the utility of evolutionary theory in unifying the different behavioural disciplines.

About this title

From the Publisher

Reviews and Contents
Reviews:

'...top-notch and well developed introduction to the field of animal behaviour. Alcock's is a very engaging book.' - Animal Behaviour

'In summary, this is one of the most comprehensive textbooks on the study of behavior. Its readability is exemplary. Concepts and discoveries are presented from an evolutionary perspective and through the logic of hypothesis-testing. Students learn not only about animal behavior, but they are shown how scientists pursue knowledge.' - Quarterly Review of Biology

Contents:

Evolutionary Approach to Animal Behavior

The Proximate Causes of Behavior: Analyzing Communication

Development of Behavior: Role of Genes

Development of Behavior: Role of the Environment

Control of Behavior: Neural Mechanisms

Control of Behavior: Organizing Mechanisms

Evolution of Communication: Historical Pathways

Evolution of Communication: Adaptation in Signalers and Receivers

Adaptive Responses to Predators

Adaptive Feeding Behavior

Choosing Adaptively Where to Live

Male and Female Reproductive Tactics

Evolution of Mating Systems

Adaptive Tactics of Parents

Evolution of Social Behavior

Evolution of Human Behavior

Book Description

This classic text offering a balanced treatment of the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary bases of behavior has been thoroughly rewritten and updated with recent work in the field

Edition details

• Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc.,U.S.
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0878930051
• ISBN 13: 9780878930050
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 556