The Evolution of Social Behaviour

The Evolution of Social Behaviour
Author: Michael Taborsky
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 446
Release: 2021-08-26
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1108788637

How can the stunning diversity of social systems and behaviours seen in nature be explained? Drawing on social evolution theory, experimental evidence and studies conducted in the field, this book outlines the fundamental principles of social evolution underlying this phenomenal richness.To succeed in the competition for resources, organisms may either 'race' to be quicker than others, 'fight' for privileged access, or 'share' their efforts and gains. The authors show how the ecology and intrinsic attributes of organisms select for each of these strategies, and how a handful of straightforward concepts explain the evolution of successful decision rules in behavioural interactions, whether among members of the same or different species. With a broad focus ranging from microorganisms to humans, this is the first book to provide students and researchers with a comprehensive account of the evolution of sociality by natural selection.

The Evolution of Social Behavior in Insects and Arachnids

The Evolution of Social Behavior in Insects and Arachnids
Author: Jae C. Choe
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 556
Release: 1997
Genre: Arachnida
ISBN: 9780521589772

'Social' insects and arachnids exhibit complex forms of behavior that involve cooperation in building a nest, defending against attackers or rearing offspring. This book is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to sociality and its evolution in a wide range of taxa.

Social Behaviour

Social Behaviour
Author: Tamás Székely
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 575
Release: 2010-11-18
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0521883172

A comprehensive analysis of the genetic, ecological and phylogenetic aspects of social behaviour, by experts in the field.

The Role of Behavior in Evolution

The Role of Behavior in Evolution
Author: Henry C. Plotkin
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 222
Release: 1988
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9780262161077

These six original essays focus on a potentially important aspect of evolutionary biology, the possible causal role of phenotypic behavior in evolution. Balancing theory with actual or potential empiricism, they provide the first full examination of this topic. Plotkin's opening chapter outlines the "conceptual minefields" that the contributors attempt to negotiate: What is an adequate theory of evolution? What is behavior and is it possible to maintain a distinction between behavior and other attributes of the phenotype? is all, or only a special subset, of behavior both a cause and a consequence of evolution? And what do the theoretical issues mean in empirical terms? He concludes that any attempt to understand the causal role of behavior in evolution requires a more complicated theoretical structure than that of orthodox neoDarwinism, a conceptualization of behavior as a distinctive set of phenotypic attributes, and the accumulation of more data. David L. Hull (Northwestern University) provides an alternative account of the evolutionary process by developing a hierarchy of replicators-interactors-lineages to replace the traditional one of genes-organisms-species. Robert N. Brandon (Duke University) also posits hierarchy as an appropriate architecture for the theoretical complexity needed to support an examination of the role of behavior in evolution. F. J. Odling-Smee (Brunei University) outlines a theoretical structure to encompass the behavior of phenotypes, concentrating on the unrestricted definition of behavior (everything that an animal does). The remaining chapters are as much concerned with evidence as with theory. Plotkin concentrates on a restricted definition of behavior (behavior that is a product of choosing intelligence), reviewing our empirical knowledge of how learning might influence evolution. R.I.M. Dunbar (University College, London) uses empirical studies of vertebrate social behavior to deal with the question of how the social systems, especially of primates, might have a causal role in species evolution. A Bradford Book

The Evolution of Canine Social Behavior

The Evolution of Canine Social Behavior
Author: Roger Abrantes
Publisher: Dogwise Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1997
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9780966048414

This book discusses the evolution of social behavior in canidae, such as wolves and dogs. From the book: "Saying that a dog is a fear-biter, is equivalent to saying that the dog does not behave purposefully. By saying that the dog shows submissive-aggression we simultaneously answer the question of how to solve the problem. The dog is submissive, which means reacting to a threat by another, giving in, and surrendering. It only becomes aggressive because its behavior does not have the desired effect. The dog is then under threat and ready to react by flight or immobility. If flight is not possible, it may freeze. Some do and die. Others resort to their last defense, they attack, and then the drive of aggression takes over. This situation is easily avoided by accepting the dog's submission or allowing it to flee."

The Evolution of Social Behaviour

The Evolution of Social Behaviour
Author: Michael Taborsky
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 429
Release: 2021-08-26
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1107011183

First book to outline the fundamental principles of social evolution underlying the stunning diversity of social systems and behaviours.

Comparative Social Evolution

Comparative Social Evolution
Author: Dustin R. Rubenstein
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 479
Release: 2017-03-24
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1108132634

Darwin famously described special difficulties in explaining social evolution in insects. More than a century later, the evolution of sociality - defined broadly as cooperative group living - remains one of the most intriguing problems in biology. Providing a unique perspective on the study of social evolution, this volume synthesizes the features of animal social life across the principle taxonomic groups in which sociality has evolved. The chapters explore sociality in a range of species, from ants to primates, highlighting key natural and life history data and providing a comparative view across animal societies. In establishing a single framework for a common, trait-based approach towards social synthesis, this volume will enable graduate students and investigators new to the field to systematically compare taxonomic groups and reinvigorate comparative approaches to studying animal social evolution.

Lizard Social Behavior

Lizard Social Behavior
Author: Stanley F. Fox
Publisher: JHU Press
Total Pages: 476
Release: 2003-02-25
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9780801868931

Introduction: The evolutionary study of social behavior and the role of lizards as model organisms / Stanley F. Fox, J. Kelly McCoy and Troy A. Baird -- Variation among individuals. Introduction / Peter Marler. Intra- and intersexual variation in social behavior : effects of ontogeny, phenotype, resources, and season / Troy A. Baird, Dusti K. Timanus and Chris L. Sloan. Evolution and maintenance of social status-signaling badges : experimental manipulations in lizards / Martin J. Whiting, Kenneth A. Nagy and Philip W. Bateman. Ecological and social contexts for the evolution of alternative mating strategies / Kelly R. Zamudio and Barry Sinervo. Social behavior and antipredatory defense in lizards / William E. Cooper, Jr. -- Variation among populations. Introduction / Gordon H. Orians.

Tree of Origin

Tree of Origin
Author: Frans B. M. de Waal
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2009-07-01
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0674033027

How did we become the linguistic, cultured, and hugely successful apes that we are? Our closest relatives--the other mentally complex and socially skilled primates--offer tantalizing clues. In Tree of Origin nine of the world's top primate experts read these clues and compose the most extensive picture to date of what the behavior of monkeys and apes can tell us about our own evolution as a species. It has been nearly fifteen years since a single volume addressed the issue of human evolution from a primate perspective, and in that time we have witnessed explosive growth in research on the subject. Tree of Origin gives us the latest news about bonobos, the make love not war apes who behave so dramatically unlike chimpanzees. We learn about the tool traditions and social customs that set each ape community apart. We see how DNA analysis is revolutionizing our understanding of paternity, intergroup migration, and reproductive success. And we confront intriguing discoveries about primate hunting behavior, politics, cognition, diet, and the evolution of language and intelligence that challenge claims of human uniqueness in new and subtle ways. Tree of Origin provides the clearest glimpse yet of the apelike ancestor who left the forest and began the long journey toward modern humanity.