The primary goal of this volume is to advance the conceptual unification of primatology and the other evolutionary sciences by addressing the evolution of behavioral flexibility in the Primate Order. One of the first lessons learned in introductory statistics is that events in the world vary. However, some species exhibit a greater range of phenotypic plasticity, including behavioral flexibility, than others. Primates are among those taxa advanced to display an uncommon degree of behavioral diversity. The proposed volume would explore the behavioral ecology and evolution of behavioral flexibility in primates in relation to the optimization of survival, (inclusive) reproductive success, and phenotypic influence.

Behavioral Flexibility in Primates: Causes and Consequences proposes that genetic conflicts of interest are ubiquitous in primates who may employ force, coercion, persuasion, persistence, scrambles, cooperation, exploitation, manipulation, social parasitism, dispersal or spite to resolve or manage them. Where one individual or group imposes severe costs to inclusive fitness or to the phenotype upon another individual, the latter may adopt a counterstrategy in an attempt to minimize its own costs. Counterstrategies may, in turn, impose costs upon the original actor(s), and so on, possibly yielding an evolutionary "chase" ("interlocus contest evolution"). The evolution of phenotypic plasticity in primates may often pertain to attempts to mitigate genetic conflicts of interest, and classic work in behavioral ecology leads to the conclusion that for females ("energy-maximizers"), conflict will pertain primarily to competition for food (that can be converted to offspring) while, for males ("time-minimizers"), conflict will pertain primarily to competition for mates. These related and novel perspectives are developed in this new volume.

This publication contains proceedings of a Seminar on GLUCOSINOLATES IN RAPESEEDS - Analytical Aspects, held in Gembloux (Belgium) from 1 to 3 October 1986. The meeting was organized by request of the Commission of the European Communities in the context of the CEC Programme of Research on Plant Productivity. The main aim of the Seminar was to contribute to the elaboration of reliable quantitative methods for glucosinolate determination in rapeseeds. Fourty Experts from thirteen countries participated in this Seminar. Original contributions which were considered of special importance for the subject covered by the Seminar were presented and discussed. Thanks are due to the Chairmen, Dr. Heaney R., Dr. Biston R., Dr. Ri- baillier D., Prof. Dr. Robbelen G., authors and participants in the meeting for their contributions, friendliness and cooperation. Special thanks go to Dr. Mc Gregor (Canada) and Dr. Uppstrom B. (Swe- den) who gave Members the benefit of their knowledge. Finally, I would also like to thank those who have helped in organizing this Seminar Director Lecomte R. (Centre de Recherches Agronomiques de l'Etat, Gembloux), Rector Ledent A. (Faculte des Sciences Agronomiques de l'Etat, Gembloux), Prof. Severin M., Dr. Biston R., Mrs Bock and all my colleagues.

In just one concise and lucidly written volume a multitude of topics is covered introducing the results of extensive research on the processing of environmental information in vertebrates. Practical examples are provided to illustrate points made in the text. Many factors, both from the external environment and from within the animals own cells or tissue makeup can directly serve as a pressure to elicit physiological and/or behavioral responses in the organisms studied. Light intensity, photoperiod, circadian rhythms, seasonal variation and daylenght, just to name a few, are among the environmental factors that are correlated in these studies to behavioral or hormonal changes, organ function, and reproduction. This work will serve as a guidebook and easy reference source for students and research professionals in physiology, endocrinology, comparative zoology, and veterinary science.

Human exploitation of other mammals has passed through three histori cal phases, distinct in their ecological significance though overlapping in time. Initially, Homo sapiens was a predator, particularly of herbivores but also of fur-bearing predators. From about 11 000 years ago, goats and sheep were domesticated in the Middle East, rapidly replacing gazelles and other game as the principal source of meat. The principal crops, including wheat and barley, were taken into agriculture at about the same time, and the resulting Neolithic farming culture spread slowly from there over the subsequent 10 500 years. In a few places such as Mexico, Peru and China, this Middle Eastern culture met and merged with agricultural traditions that had made a similar but independent transition. These agricultural traditions provided the essential support for the industrial revolution, and for a third phase of industrial exploita tion of mammals. In this chapter, these themes are drawn out and their ecological signifi cance is investigated. Some of the impacts of humans on other mammals require consideration on a world-wide basis, but the chapter concen trates, parochially, on Great Britain. What have been the ecological consequences of our exploitation of other mammals? 2. 2 HISTORICAL PHASES OF EXPLOITATION 2. 2. 1 Predatory man Our nearest relatives - chimpanzees, orang utans and gorillas - are essentially forest species, deriving most of their diet from the fruits of forest trees and the shoots and leaves of plants.

In the last few years there has been an excltmg upsurge in seabird research. There are several reasons for this. Man's increased ex ploitation of natural resources has led to a greater awareness of the potential conflicts with seabirds, and of the use of seabirds to indicate the damage we might be doing to our environment. Many seabird populations have increased dramatically in numbers and so seem more likely to conflict with man, for example through competition for food or transmission of diseases. Oil exploration and production has resulted in major studies of seabird distributions and ecology in relation to oil pollution. The possibility that seabirds may provide information on fish stock biology is now being critically investigated. Some seabird species have suffered serious declines in numbers and require conservation action to be taken to reduce the chances that they will become extinct. This requires an understanding of the factors determining their population size and dynamics."

Unique 'graphic novel' format and short length will engage students immediately, including those with limited background knowledge. An efficient and accessible academic resource to illustrate the technical concepts, theories and frameworks of socio-ecological approaches. This new graphic approach to degree education is exciting and highly engaging, encouraging creativity that can deepen academic understanding. No other book introduces the complexities of interdisciplinarity and valuing nature in such an accessible way. The sections reflect a logical and natural progression from an initial introduction to meanings to the wider context. Approaches the concept in a simple, chronological and visual manner that sets it apart from other educational resources on ecology. The book contains a variety of pedagogical tools and orientation that help guide the reader through the book, offer further reading, jump between sections, and provide the opportunity to review what has been learned so far. The characters depicted in the book reflect the diversity of the student body, with BAME students included as well as different personalities. Ideal for undergraduates in the fields of ecology, human and physical geography, conservation science, environment social science and spatial planning. The materials work pedagogically for 1st Year (Supplementary and Specialised) and 2nd year (Core and Introductory). Particularly useful for natural scientists with limited training, but expectations to engage, in the critical social science dimensions of resource management. Secondary market among policy makers and practitioners either new to issues of valuing nature or those wishing to clarify or contextualise further their understanding.

This book provides a unique perspective on the destruction - both natural and human-caused - of coral reef ecosystems. Reconstructing the ecological history of coral reefs, the authors evaluate whether recent dramatic changes are novel events or part of a long-term trend or cycle. The text combines principles of geophysics, paleontology, and marine sciences with real-time observation, examining the interacting causes of change: hurricane damage, predators, disease, rising sea-level, nutrient loading, global warming and ocean acidification. Predictions about the future of coral reefs inspire strategies for restoration and management of ecosystems. Useful for students and professionals in ecology and marine biology, including environmental managers.

Despite the potential synergy that can result from basing management applications on results from research, there is a polarization of cultures between wildlife managers and wildlife researchers. Wildlife Science: Connecting Research with Management provides strategies for bridging cultural and communication gaps between these groups.

Contributors present case studies highlighting the role of state and federal agencies and private organizations in management and research; the lingering disconnects between grassland birds, quail, and deer research and management; as well as the development of management techniques from field research, rangelands management, and ranch management.

Case Studies:

• The Disconnect between Quail Research and Quail Management
• Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and the Disconnect between Research and Management on Public Lands in the American West
• Ecological Goals, not Standardized Methods, are needed to Create and Maintain Habitat for Grassland Birds
• A Historic Perspective of the Connectivity between Waterfowl Research and Management
• Deer in the Western United States
• Whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Eastern United States
• Impacts of Wind Energy Development on Wildlife: Challenges and Opportunities for Integrated Science, Management, and Policy
• The Role of Joint Ventures in Bridging the Gap between Research and Management
• Developing Management Strategies from Research: the Pushmataha Forest

This book is based on more than 1000 references to English and French articles produced in the region over many decades. A comprehensive review of the achievements in farming and research in both wet and dryland is given, related to the grasslands of: Eastern Africa, extending from Malawi to Eritrea, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan and eastern Zaire. Sown grasses, within the time-proven system of mixed-farming based on crop-grass rotations. Fodders, e.g. Elephant grass, dryland-Sorghum, lucerne, Leucaena, tropical legumes and hay. /LIST The main objectives of the book are to illustrate the value of East African grasses and fodders for: Livestock: East Africa is the gene-centre of the world's most famous cultivated tropical grasses capable of achieving high animal performance, also without fertilizer. Soil fertility maintenance: local farmers pioneered the practice of grass fallows with Elephant grass to restore soil fertility. This was later extended to sown grasses to accelerate the restoration process. Crop yields are doubled following pasture. Environmental protection: priority in natural grassland is to prevent deterioration. In crop-pasture rotations grasses are effective in trapping rainfall and in reducing erosion by improved soil structure. Topics discussed include animal manure versus fertilizer; zero versus direct grazing; fodder crops (annual and perennial) versus grass conservation; seed production and plant breeding. The main species in cultivation are described in detail.

Sense organs serve as a kind of biological interface between the environment and the organism. Therefore, the relationship between sensory systems and ecology is very close and its knowledge of fundamental importance for an understanding of animal behavior. The sixteen chapters of this book exemplify the diversity of the constraints and opportunities associated with the sensation of stimuli representing different forms of energy. The book stresses the events taking place in the sensory periphery where the animal is exposed to and gets in touch with its natural habitat and acquires the information needed to organize its interaction with its environment.
"Ecology of Sensing " brings together the leading experts in the field.

This volume offers a collection of papers on the quantitative assessment of age and growth in Chondrichthyan fishes. It details new hard parts for assessments of age, such as caudal thorns; new techniques like bomb radiocarbon for validation; and reexaminations of previous age and growth models. It also examines the importance of assessing the precision and accuracy of statistical formulas, analyses, and models used in age and growth studies.

Arid lands require that organisms inhabiting them be well-adapted to thrive or even just to survive. This book provides a review of the ecological adaptations - be they behavioural, physiological or morphological - of carnivores to arid environments. Following a general introduction into aridity and arid lands in Africa, the major carnivore families are presented. Ecological adaptations of carnivores in arid lands reveal the amplitude and resilience of the ecology of these animals. In setting up conservation measures, the nature and extent of such adaptations are important facets in determining the effective area and degree of heterogeneity required as habitat by a carnivore population so as to produce a viable unit.

In the last decade, research on the previously dormant field of camouflage has advanced rapidly, with numerous studies challenging traditional concepts, investigating previously untested theories and incorporating a greater appreciation of the visual and cognitive systems of the observer. Using studies of both real animals and artificial systems, this book synthesises the current state of play in camouflage research and understanding. It introduces the different types of camouflage and how they work, including background matching, disruptive coloration and obliterative shading. It also demonstrates the methodologies used to study them and discusses how camouflage relates to other subjects, particularly with regard to what it can tell us about visual perception. The mixture of primary research and reviews shows students and researchers where the field currently stands and where exciting and important problems remain to be solved, illustrating how the study of camouflage is likely to progress in the future.

This innovative book integrates practical information from restoration projects around the world with the latest developments in successional theory. It recognizes the critical roles of disturbance ecology, landscape ecology, ecological assembly, invasion biology, ecosystem health, and historical ecology in habitat restoration. It argues that restoration within a successional context will best utilize the lessons from each of these disciplines.

This book draws together a wide range of papers from researchers around the world that address the conservation and biodiversity of vertebrates, particularly those in terrestrial habitats. Collectively, the papers provide a snap-shot of the types of studies and actions being taken in vertebrate conservation and provide topical examples that will make the volume especially valuable for use in conservation biology courses.

Lemurs: Ecology and Adaptation brings together information from recent research, and provides new insight into the study of lemur origins, and the ecology and adaptation of both extant and recently extinct lemurs. In addition, it addresses issues of primate behavioral ecology and how environment can play a major role in explaining species variation. Moreover, in a larger context, the information contained in this volume expands our knowledge of primate ecology and allows us further insight into mammalian adaptations to unusual and often harsh environmental conditions that arise from both natural and anthropogenic factors.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section is a background to lemurs and their ecology and it includes chapters on origins of lemurs, history of ecological studies on lemurs in Madagascar, theories relating to the evolution of lemur traits, and ecology of the recently extinct (sub-fossil) lemurs. Section two is comprised of chapters focusing on the ecology and adaptations of many species of extant lemurs to the diverse habitats found on Madagascar, and in some cases, adaptations to extreme climatic variability and natural disasters.

A fascinating work that provides a wealth of information on one of the world 's most biodiverse ecosystems. This is the result of investigations by almost 30 groups of researchers from various disciplines. They performed ecosystem analyses following two gradients: an altitudinal gradient and a gradient of land use intensity and ecosystem regeneration following human use. Based on these analyses, this volume discusses these findings in a huge variety of subject areas.

This book is the first complete biography of one of the founders of fishery science, William Edwin (Bill) Ricker (1908 - 2001), immortalized in the Ricker Curve. This book combines Bill s own recollections with contributions from those who knew him and worked with him as a colleague during his multifaceted career. In an article written shortly before his death, Bill gives his own account of his career and intellectual development. "

This volume discusses the rich and interesting properties of dynamical systems that appear in ecology and environmental sciences. It provides a fascinating survey of the theory of dynamical systems in ecology and environmental science. Each chapter introduces students and scholars to the state-of-the-art in an exciting area, presents new results, and inspires future contributions to mathematical modeling in ecology and environmental sciences.

This book should be of interest to students of animal ecology; ecology.

Fred Van Dyke 's new textbook, Conservation Biology: Foundations, Concepts, Applications, 2nd Edition, represents a major new text for anyone interested in conservation. Drawing on his vast experience, Van Dyke 's organizational clarity and readable style make this book an invaluable resource for students in conservation around the globe.

Presenting key information and well-selected examples, this student-friendly volume carefully integrates the science of conservation biology with its implications for ethics, law, policy and economics.

This volume contains the proceedings of the conference of the same name held in July 2006 at the University of Chester in the United Kingdom. It includes all the latest research on chemical communication relevant to vertebrates, particularly focusing on new research since the last meeting in 2003. Topics covered include the chemical ecology, biochemistry, behavior, olfactory receptors, and the neurobiology of both the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems of vertebrates.

Things have changed. In 1969 when the Convention for the Conservation of the Vicuna was drafted, in an attempt to save the vicuna from its tumbling decline towards extinction, both the science and the philosophy of wildlife conservation were radically different. It is thus a tribute to the prescience of those involved at the time that the rescue plan had, even through the harsh lens of hindsight, a d- tinctly Twenty First Century flavour. After all, it was predicated on the expectation that if vicuna could be saved, they would one day become a valued asset, generating revenue for the human communities that fostered their survival. Embodied in this aspiration are the main structures of modern biodiversity conservation - not only is it to be underpinned by science, but that science should be of both the natural and the social genres, woven into inter-disciplinarity, and thereby taking heed of e- nomics, governance, ownership and the like, alongside biology. In addition, it should include, as a major strut, the human dimension, taking account of the affected constituencies with their varied stakes in alternative outcomes. This c- temporary framework for thinking about biodiversity conservation is inseparable from such wider, and inherently political, notions as community-based conser- tion and ultimately sustainable use."