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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Zoology & animal sciences > Animal behaviour
Omnipresent in virtually all terrestrial ecosystems and of undisputed ecological and economical importance, the study of social insects is an area that continues to attract a vast number of researchers. As a consequence, a huge amount of information about their biology and ecology has accumulated. Distilling this scattered information into a highly focused reference, Food Exploitation by Social Insects: Ecological, Behavioral, and Theoretical Approaches unites traditional behavioral and ecological studies with theoretical and mathematical models. The book covers foraging ecology and behavior of social insects, their communication mechanisms, and theoretical models of important aspects. It examines two different but inseparably interlaced levels of social insect foraging: the macroscopic or colony level and the microscopic or individual level. The chapters include discussions of foraging decisions, patterns and strategies of social insect colonies, and information use and information transfer between workers. The book provides examples of how this biological knowledge can be used as a basis for the construction of mathematical and neural network models that in return may increase understanding of social insect foraging. The contributors provide a fresh look on their topics, covering a wide range of subjects and recent scientific developments that are unprecedented in breadth and depth. The coverage of ants, bees, and wasps in one resource is a unique feature of the book. This taxonomic content combined with the variety of research approaches, allows the book to provide deeper insight into the subject.
"The Gestural Communication of Apes and Monkeys" is an intriguing
compilation of naturalistic and experimental research conducted
over the course of 20 years on gestural communication in primates,
as well as a comparison to what is known about the vocal
communication of nonhuman primates. The editors also make
systematic comparisons to the gestural communication of
prelinguistic and just-linguistic human children. An enlightening
exploration unfolds into what may represent the starting point for
the evolution of human communication and language.
The 2nd international tagging and tracking symposium was held in San Sebastian, Spain, in October 2007, seven years after the first symposium was held in Hawaii in 2000 (Sibert and Nielsen 2001). In the intervening seven years, there have been major advances in both the capability and reliability of electronic tags and analytical approaches for geolocation of tagged animals in marine habitats. Advances such as increased data storage capacity, sensor development, and tag miniaturization have allowed researchers to track a much wider array of marine animals, not just large and charismatic species. Importantly, data returned by these tags are now being used in population analyses and movement simulations that can be directly utilized in stock assessments and other management applications. Papers in this volume are divided into three sections, the first describing insights into behavior achieved using acoustic, archival, and novel tags, the second reporting on advances in methods of geolocation, while the final section includes contributions where tag data have been used in management of marine species. Accurate documentation of animal movements and behaviors in critical marine habitats are impossible to obtain with other technologies. The management and conservation of marine species are critical in today s changing ocean environment and as electronic tags become more accurate and functional for a diversity of organisms their application continues to grow, setting new standards in science and technology."
This book develops Gregory Bateson's ideas regarding "communication about relationship" in animals and human beings, and even nations. It bases itself on Bateson's theory of relational communication, as he described it in the zoosemiotics of octopus, mammals, birds, and human beings. This theory includes, for example, the roles of metaphor, play, analog and digital communication, metacommunication, and Laws of Form. It is organized around a letter from Gregory Bateson to his fellow cybernetic thinker Warren McCulloch at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. In this letter Bateson argued that what we would today call zoosemiotics, including Bateson's own (previously unpublished) octopus research, should be made a basis for understanding the relationship between the two blocs of the Cold War. Accordingly the book shows how Bateson understood interactive processes in the biosemiotics of conflict and peacemaking, which are analyzed using examples from recent animal studies, from primate studies, and from cultural anthropology. The Missile Crisis itself is described in terms of Bateson's critique of game theory which he felt should be modified by an understanding of the zoosemiotics of relational communication. The book also includes a previously unpublished piece by Gregory Bateson on wolf behavior and metaphor/ abduction.
"The Gestural Communication of Apes and Monkeys" is an intriguing
compilation of naturalistic and experimental research conducted
over the course of 20 years on gestural communication in primates,
as well as a comparison to what is known about the vocal
communication of nonhuman primates. The editors also make
systematic comparisons to the gestural communication of
prelinguistic and just-linguistic human children. An enlightening
exploration unfolds into what may represent the starting point for
the evolution of human communication and language.
This book is a general guide to understanding horse behavior, how the horse learns and how horse handlers can adjust their behavior to avoid creating anxiety in the horse. The author begins by providing an overview of the evolution of the horse and the consequences of domestication. She goes on to provide a very detailed description of normal equine behavior and its impact on husbandry and training. This is followed by the causes of abnormal and undesirable behavior in the stable, handling and when being ridden. The author links difficulties arising from the management of horses today with the natural behavior of the horse and recommends therapeutic, as well as training, methods for horses exhibiting behavioral problems. The central theme of this book is prevention or cure of undesirable behavior through understanding making this book useful to anyone who routinely works with horses, and is concerned with equine wellbeing.
'Animal Behaviour is an important and popular subject, but all too often core texts focus on easy-to-digest aspects of the field. Barnard's book is different. He covers all the current, as well as historically important, aspects of animal behaviour with a clarity that encourages curiosity. This book takes a much needed, deep and serious look at the most popular subject in organismal biology. 'Mike Siva-Jothy, University of Sheffield'This excellent textbook deals with the complexities of animal behaviour in a readable and informative style. Its balanced treatment of mechanisms, development, functions and evolution provides an overview which is lacking in most of the other textbooks in this area. It could be the main text for any animal behaviour course in biological sciences or psychology, but would also greatly benefit students taking courses in behavioural ecology, evolution, experimental psychology, and others. 'Ian R Hartley, Biological Sciences, Lancaster University Animal behaviour has been one of the fastest-growing scientific disciplines of recent years. Its impact on the way we think about biology has spawned lucid 'best sellers' like The Selfish Gene and widespread scienti
The book aims to integrate our understanding of mammalian societies into a novel synthesis that is relevant to behavioural ecologists, ecologists, and anthropologists. It adopts a coherent structure that deals initially with the characteristics and strategies of females, before covering those of males, cooperative societies and hominid societies. It reviews our current understanding both of the structure of societies and of the strategies of individuals; it combines coverage of relevant areas of theory with coverage of interspecific comparisons, intraspecific comparisons and experiments; it explores both evolutionary causes of different traits and their ecological consequences; and it integrates research on different groups of mammals with research on primates and humans and attempts to put research on human societies into a broader perspective.
In "What Animals Teach Us about Politics," Brian Massumi takes up
the question of "the animal." By treating the human as animal, he
develops a concept of an animal politics. His is not a human
politics of the animal, but an integrally animal politics, freed
from connotations of the "primitive" state of nature and the
accompanying presuppositions about instinct permeating modern
thought. Massumi integrates notions marginalized by the dominant
currents in evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and
philosophy--notions such as play, sympathy, and creativity--into
the concept of nature. As he does so, his inquiry necessarily
expands, encompassing not only animal behavior but also animal
thought and its distance from, or proximity to, those capacities
over which human animals claim a monopoly: language and reflexive
consciousness. For Massumi, humans and animals exist on a
continuum. Understanding that continuum, while accounting for
difference, requires a new logic of "mutual inclusion." Massumi
finds the conceptual resources for this logic in the work of
thinkers including Gregory Bateson, Henri Bergson, Gilbert
Simondon, and Raymond Ruyer. This concise book intervenes in
Deleuze studies, posthumanism, and animal studies, as well as areas
of study as wide-ranging as affect theory, aesthetics, embodied
cognition, political theory, process philosophy, the theory of
play, and the thought of Alfred North Whitehead.
The "Progress in Infancy Research Series" is dedicated to the
presentation of innovative and exciting research on infants, both
human and animal. Each volume in the series is designed to stand
alone and contains autonomous chapters which are based on high
quality programs of research with infants. These chapters integrate
the work of the authors with that of other experts working in the
same or related areas. The authors wish to present high quality
critical syntheses bearing on infant perception and sensation,
learning and memory processes, and other aspects of development.
This series will be a forum for the presentation of technological
breakthroughs, methodological advances, and new integrations that
might create platforms for future programmatic work on the
complexities of infant behavior and development.
The " Progress in Infancy Research Series" is dedicated to the
presentation of innovative and exciting research on infants, both
human and animal. Each volume in the series is designed to stand
alone and contains autonomous chapters which are based on high
quality programs of research with infants. These chapters integrate
the work of the authors with that of other experts working in the
same or related areas. The authors wish to present high quality
critical syntheses bearing on infant perception and sensation,
learning and memory processes, and other aspects of development.
This series will be a forum for the presentation of technological
breakthroughs, methodological advances, and new integrations that
might create platforms for future programmatic work on the
complexities of infant behavior and development.
Play is a paradox. Why would the young of so many species--the very
animals at greatest risk for injury and predation--devote so much
time and energy to an activity that by definition has no immediate
purpose? This question has long puzzled students of animal
behavior, and has been the focus of considerable empirical
investigation and debate.
Animal Intelligence is a consolidated record of Edward L. Thorndike's theoretical and empirical contributions to the comparative psychology of learning. Thorndike's approach is systematic and comprehensive experimentation using a variety of animals and tasks, all within a laboratory setting. When this book first appeared, it set a compelling example, and helped make the study of animal behavior very much an experimental laboratory science. This landmark study in the investigation of animal intelligence illustrates Thorndike's thinking on the evolution of the mind. It includes his formal statement of the influential law of effect, which had a significant impact on other behaviorists. Hull's law of primary reinforcement was closely related to the law of effect and Skinner acknowledged that the process of operant conditioning was probably that described in the law of effect. The new introduction by Darryl Bruce is an in-depth study of Thorndike's legacy to comparative psychology as well as a thorough retrospective review of Animal Intelligence. He includes a biographical introduction of the behaviorist and then delves into his theories and work. Among the topics Bruce covers with respect to Thorndike's studies are the nature of animal intelligence, the laws of learning and connectionism, implications for comparative psychology, and relation to theories of other behaviorists. Animal Intelligence is an intriguing analysis that will be of importance to psychologists and animal behaviorists.
Written by experts in different areas, this book presents an up-to-date account of the behavioral biology of dogs. Split in three parts, the book addresses the specific aspects of behavioral biology. The first part deals with the evolution and development of the dog, whereas the next part deals with basic aspects of dog behavior. The final part emphasizes on the behavioral problems, their prevention and cure.
Evidence-based, yet entirely practical, this important new text builds upon the basics of neuroscience to describe the links between olfaction and animal behaviour, and the effects of odours in animal welfare. Animals use smells in a multitude of ways: to orientate themselves, to create social bonds, to recognise food, to initiate reproduction, and to avoid predators and imminent threats such as fire. Starting from the scientific basis of olfaction and odour perception, the book covers pheromones and behavioural tests, before describing the role of olfaction in feeding behaviour, reproduction, disease detection, and animal housing. The book: * is written in an evidence-based way, yet with an easy-to-understand style, making it accessible to non-experts * focuses on animals managed by humans, i.e. farm, zoo, lab and companion species * is illustrated by in-depth research examples of many different species This is a captivating introduction to the world of smells, suitable for advanced students, researchers, and teachers of applied ethology, animal welfare and veterinary science.
CHOICE 'Highly Recommended for all readers' June 2021 Vol. 58 No. 10 This stunningly illustrated book goes far beyond a run-of-the-mill nature guide. It explores the fascinating life histories of Britain's freshwater fishes, a group of animals which, despite their importance and ubiquity in our diverse still and flowing fresh waters, has before now been rarely regarded and respected as 'wildlife'. Our native fishes tend generally to be considered as simply something for anglers to catch or for people to eat, yet they work enormously hard for us. Author Mark Everard, avid nature-watcher, angler and scientist, shows how freshwater fish provide food, ornamentation, sport and cultural identity, and highlights their huge importance for conservation as part of the living ecosystems upon which we all depend. He dives into the mysteries moving below the surface of our rivers and lakes, bringing the wonderful and fascinating world of the diversity of British freshwater fish species into plain sight and into mind. This unique book features over 100 full-colour photographs by pioneering photographer and filmmaker Jack Perks, whose work has featured on BBC Springwatch, The One Show and Countryfile. The book is filled with technical detail useful to conservationists and biology students. Most importantly, it is also presented in an accessible, visually attractive and engaging manner that will appeal to anybody with an interest in the natural world: the conservation-minded public, the angling community, and our nation of wildlife enthusiasts. Whatever your background, this book will open your eyes to our freshwater fishy wealth, and the many ways in which it enriches our lives.
Covers all the main aspects of crustacean biology and ecology. Explains the main ethology issues also in view of applicative purposes. Is oriented to aquaculture, biofouling and parasitology biotechnologies. Covers both theoretical and practical issues. Is authored by a select list of outstanding world experts.
As seen on ITV's This Morning 'You really can learn to talk to your pet' - Daily Mail We all want what's best for our pets, but what if we simply don't understand what that is? With this easy introductory guide to animal communication, you can leave out the guesswork and open yourself to a deeper, richer relationship with your pet. In this book, you will: * Learn exactly what animal communication is, how it differs from being a pet psychic and the different types of ways you can psychically communicate with your pet, including Beth's unique PACT method * Receive important messages from your pet, learn to communicate with other people's pets, as well as read messages via photographs * Understand how to solve behavioural issues in your pet and help them with their wellbeing * Be able to learn how to use animal communication to help cope with the loss of a beloved pet as well as learn how to use your new skills to locate a missing animal. Your pet is part of your family, they know what you are feeling, and now you can really understand what they are feeling too.
This volume provides a broad overview of issues in the philosophy of behavioral biology, covering four main themes: genetic, developmental, evolutionary, and neurobiological explanations of behavior. It is both interdisciplinary and empirically informed in its approach, addressing philosophical issues that arise from recent scientific findings in biological research on human and non-human animal behavior. Accordingly, it includes papers by professional philosophers and philosophers of science, as well as practicing scientists. Much of the work in this volume builds on presentations given at the international conference, "Biological Explanations of Behavior: Philosophical Perspectives," held in 2008 at the Leibniz Universitat Hannover in Germany. The volume is intended to be of interest to a broad range of audiences, which includes philosophers (e.g., philosophers of mind, philosophers of biology, and metaethicists), as well as practicing scientists, such as biologists or psychologists whose interests relate to biological explanations of behavior. "
The first book on zoo/captive animal behavior and how this applies to welfare. Despite growing evidence of the need to implement more suitable, naturalistic practices into zoo animal welfare, it still seems to be somewhat overlooked - this book will address this oversight. Includes specific detail and examples focusing on taxa, a huge factor in managing animals in zoos that has not previously been addressed in this way. Covers invertebrates as well as vertebrate species. Would be a recommended or core text on Zoo Biology courses, BScs in Animal Science, and Animal Welfare MScs, as well as an invaluable practitioner reference. A lot of students interested in animal behaviour are interested in zoos. Each chapter covers species-specific content include the following information: Ecology and natural history as relevant to the zoo, behaviour and welfare measures based on ecological knowledge, feeding ecology and nutritional management, mating systems and reproductive characteristics, enrichment and behavioural diversity. The chapters are consistently formatted for ease of information, with end of chapter summaries, boxes with selected enrichment devices or welfare assessment methods for assessing welfare state, and directed reading of peer reviewed and other reputable sources that help advance care. A final Part explores welfare assessment tools, quality of life, veterinary interventions and evidence-based approaches. It looks at ways to increase the value of zoo and aquarium animals by enhancing visitor interest and visitor behaviour change. Also, research needs for keepers and how to build evidence into a daily routine, as well as management of native species programmes and the future of zoo research.
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