Animal Behaviour: An Evolutionary Approach - Hardcover

Alcock, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0878930175 ISBN 13: 9780878930173

Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc.,U.S., 1993

Synopsis

This fifth edition of "Animal Behavior" shows how biologists analyze all aspects of animal behaviour. The book is contains a balanced treatment of both the underlying mechanisms and the evolutionary causes of behaviour. Important concepts are explained by reference to illustrative studies which are described in sufficient detail to help students appreciate both how researchers have carried out their work, and its theoretical significance. Examples are drawn evenly from the vertebrates and invertebrates, and are supported by more than 1000 reference citations many of them publications that have appeared in the last three years. As in previous revisions, Dr. Alcock has completely rewritten the book which includes new examples, citations, and illustrations as well as an expanded set of colour plates which are cross-referenced in the text. Although the book mantains its fundamental organization based on proximate and ultimate topics, there is a new chapter on communication and the chapter on parental care has been moved to better bridge the chapters on reproduction and social behavior. Still more emphasis has been placed on identifying alternative hypotheses, predictions and tests, so that readers can better understand the logic underlying scientists' efforts to discriminate among competing explanations. The discussion questions have also been revised to cover a broader range of conceptual issues.

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: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0878930175
• ISBN 13: 9780878930173
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 620