Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach - Brossura

Alcock, John

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0878939660 ISBN 13: 9780878939664

Casa editrice: OUP USA, 2013

Riassunto

Published by Sinauer Associates, an imprint of Oxford University Press.

This new edition of Animal Behavior has been thoroughly rewritten with coverage of much recent work in animal behavior. The scope of the changes for the tenth edition, however, is much more all-encompassing than that of past revisions. Thoughtful suggestions from many readers inspired a major reorganization of the material, such that the new book presents the central concepts of animal behavior in a different sequence from prior editions:

The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Instead of introducing the concept of proximate and ultimate causation and then focusing heavily on the proximate mechanisms of behavior in the early chapters, this edition focuses first on the evolutionary basis of behavior. Chapter 1 presents the concept of a Darwinian puzzle, a trait that exists even though it seems to reduce the reproductive success of individuals, in which case it should have been eliminated by natural selection. The emphasis on Darwinian puzzles continues, with an in-depth discussion of the evolution of altruism in Chapter 2 (versus Chapter 14) and subsequent exploration of the adaptive value of a broad range of traits from anti-predator activities to reproductive and parental behaviors.

The Distinction between Proximate and Ultimate Causation in Biology. Once the major findings of behavioral ecology have been examined, the book turns its attention to the proximate mechanisms underlying animal behavior. Here, too, the emphasis remains on the evolutionary puzzles provided by particular developmental and neurophysiological mechanisms. This approach provides continuity with earlier chapters while helping readers see the connections between adaptive behaviors and the adaptive internal systems that make those behaviors possible.

The Procedures That Scientists Use to Test Their Tentative Explanations for Such Things as Darwinian Puzzles. Throughout, the text shows how researchers use scientific logic to study the underlying mechanisms and the evolutionary bases of behavior. The emphasis is on how evolutionary theory unifies the various subdisciplines within animal behavior. These points are highlighted again in the final chapter on human behavior, with its treatment of the proximate and ultimate causes of language and the evolution of mate choice in our species.

Enduring features of prior editions remain evident in this new book: the clear, engaging writing style; text beautifully illustrated with many new photographs; references to a large number of new scientific articles; and a substantial number of new and old discussion questions embedded in the text.

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Recensione:

The tenth edition talks about behavioral ecology early and often. I commend this conceptual shift and the overall bold revision of a classic textbook. It would have been adequate to simply sprinkle in new studies within the existing framework, so the changes seem to reflect a heartfelt desire of Alcock to make an excellent volume even better. This is clearly a labor of love and has a strong personal flavor for a textbook. As in previous editions, the narrative is powered by Alcock's infectious desire to present science, evolution, and behavior clearly and memorably. I recommend this volume to all students of animal behavior. It is a great place to first discover the field, or to rediscover the big picture after years of work within the field. (Peter A. Bednekoff, The Quarterly Review of Biology)

I absolutely love this book. I have become a great fan of John Alcock. His discussions within the chapter are extremely gripping and I love his approach connecting all aspects of the genetics, environment, and evolution to the animal’s behavior. Kudos! (Madeline Mignone, Dominican College)

Descrizione del libro:

The new tenth edition of this established textbook includes coverage of recent work in animal behaviour and features a major reorganisation as well as many new photographs and scientific references

Su questa edizione

• Editore: OUP USA
• Data di pubblicazione: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0878939660
• ISBN 13: 9780878939664
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 522