Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #102929 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 564 pages

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

About the Author
JOHN ALCOCK is at the Arizona State University.

Customer Reviews

Animal behaviour
John Alcock provides a detailed approach to the topic of Animal Behaviour. This is a well illustrated book which clearly and concisely discusses this wide subject in depth. Beginning with the evolution of behaviour in animals Alcock then goes on to describe a number of behaviours and explains why they occur. This fascinating book gives a wide range of examples to exemplify each point, these examples also incorporate human behaviour. As a student in this field I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Animal behaviour. This book would be suitable for general public upto post graduate students.

From sea slugs to siblings
There's benefit in starting this book at the final chapter. After all, we consider humans the most important member of the animal kingdom. A quick perusal of Chapter 15, "The Evolution of Human Behavior", introduces you to many issues within that topic. The question that must arise, is "how did we get to be that way?". To answer that question, simply turn to page 1 and start reading. The rewards gained by following John Alcock's presentation are beyond measure. He's an outstanding researcher and analyst. His writing demonstrates the importance of understanding why this book is necessary for both professional and novice. The behavioural traits he explains show the workings of evolution. We are but one of the products of that process.

Stating that Darwin's concept of evolution was a "blockbuster" of an idea, he argues it illuminates everything once you have the courage to look. He uses the concept of "proximate" and "ultimate" causes in analysing traits and deriving their origins. What we see in nature are the "proximate" causes of behaviour - how do a moth's muscles make the wings move in a particular way? The "ultimate" cause is what, if anything is gained by the action or behaviour? Answering the second question leads to a probable explanation of how evolution brought the feature about. Traits are the result of a long series of tiny steps leading to what is seen today. Alcock demonstrates that there are many influences affecting the course of evolution.

Alcock presents an array of examples neatly arranged in groupings such as environmental impact, heredity, mating and feeding. How does the ungainly seaslug discern predator approach and how does it escape? Why do so many male birds sing, and so few females? How do night-flying moths evade the sonar-equipped bat? Why is the Monarch butterfly so brilliant in colour while other butterflies and moths seem drab and muted? How do we recognize faces? The underlying question in each example is whether the observed property is a beneficial adaptation.

Every trait is subject to a balance of "benefits" and "costs" - camouflage to hide from predators may also cloak you from a possible mate. Alcock examines this balance for many species, noting that some assessments remain in dispute. Testing alternative hypotheses is a major sub-theme of this book. Considering "cost/benefit" of human behaviours is only now being undertaken, but is just as applicable to us as to other animals. What are the benefits of a social environment such as ours? What are the costs involved in maintaining this type of existence? One "cost/benefit" analysis is the evolution of "helpers". Humans long believed the rest of the animal world never exhibited altruism. Yet, now it's known that "assistance to others" can range from adoption of offspring to a variety of reciprocal trade-offs of many types across many species.

Although this book is designed as a classroom text, the writing style, illustrative material and references make it a worthy purchase for anyone. At first glance the cost of this book seems staggering. Looking at the bibliography, however, suggests you could spend this figure many times over in detailed studies. Alcock presents the work of many researchers, summarising it effectively. Further examination of a single topic is easier with the "head start" Alcock offers in many topics. The value of this book is inestimable and Alcock's frequent upgrades ensure you will be kept abreast of recent findings. With luck and effort, you might even contribute some of your own. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]