Alternative Reproductive Tactics

Alternative Reproductive Tactics
Author: Rui F. Oliveira
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 490
Release: 2008-03-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1139469525

The study of alternative reproductive tactics (the behavioural strategies used by individuals to increase their reproductive success) is an evolutionary puzzle, and one of great interest to researchers. For instance, why do some males guard both nest and eggs, while others sneak into nests while pairs are spawning and fertilise those eggs? The field offers a special opportunity to study the evolution and functional causes of phenotypic variation, which is a general problem in the field of evolutionary biology. By integrating both mechanistic (psychological) and evolutionary (behavioural ecology) perspectives and by covering a great diversity of species, Alternative Reproductive Tactics addresses this integrated topic of longstanding interest, bringing together a multitude of otherwise scattered information in an accessible form that is ideal for graduate students and researchers.

Alternative Reproductive Tactics

Alternative Reproductive Tactics
Author: Brockmann H Jane Taborsky Michael Oliveira Rui F
Publisher:
Total Pages: 519
Release: 2014-05-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780511388637

The study of alternative reproductive tactics (the behavioural strategies used by individuals to increase their reproductive success) is an evolutionary puzzle, and one of great interest to researchers. For instance, why do some males guard both nest and eggs, while others sneak into nests while pairs are spawning and fertilise those eggs? The field offers a special opportunity to study the evolution and functional causes of phenotypic variation, which is a general problem in the field of evolutionary biology. By integrating both mechanistic (psychological) and evolutionary (behavioural ecology) perspectives and by covering a great diversity of species, Alternative Reproductive Tactics addresses this integrated topic of longstanding interest, bringing together a multitude of otherwise scattered information in an accessible form that is ideal for graduate students and researchers.

Mating Systems and Strategies

Mating Systems and Strategies
Author: Stephen M. Shuster
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 546
Release: 2019-12-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0691206880

This book presents the first unified conceptual and statistical framework for understanding the evolution of reproductive strategies. Using the concept of the opportunity for sexual selection, the authors illustrate how and why sexual selection, though restricted to one sex and opposed in the other, is one of the strongest and fastest of all evolutionary forces. They offer a statistical framework for studying mating system evolution and apply it to patterns of alternative mating strategies. In doing so, they provide a method for quantifying how the strength of sexual selection is affected by the ecological and life history processes that influence females' spatial and temporal clustering and reproductive schedules. Directly challenging verbal evolutionary models that attempt to explain reproductive behavior without quantitative reference to evolutionary genetics, this book establishes a more solid theoretical foundation for the field. Among the weaknesses the authors find in the existing data is the apparent ubiquity of condition-dependent mating tactics. They identify factors likely to contribute to the evolution of alternative mating strategies--which they argue are more common than generally believed--and illustrate how to measure the strength of selection acting on them. Lastly, they offer predictions on the covariation of mating systems and strategies, consider the underlying developmental biology behind male polyphenism, and propose directions for future research. Informed by genetics, this is a comprehensive and rigorous new approach to explaining mating systems and strategies that will influence a wide swath of evolutionary biology.

The Evolution of Insect Mating Systems

The Evolution of Insect Mating Systems
Author: David M. Shuker
Publisher:
Total Pages: 355
Release: 2014
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0199678022

Insects display a staggering diversity of mating and social behaviours. Studying these systems provides insights into a wide range of evolutionary and behavioural questions, such as the evolution of sex, sexual selection, sexual conflict, and parental care. This edited volume provides an authoritative update of the landmark book in the field, The Evolution of Insect Mating Systems (Thornhill and Alcock, 1983), which had such a huge impact in shaping adaptationist approaches to the study of animal behaviour and influencing the study of the evolution of reproductive behaviour far beyond the taxonomic remit of insects. This accessible new volume brings the empirical and conceptual scope of the original book fully up to date, incorporating the wealth of new knowledge and research of the last 30 years. It explores the evolution of complex forms of sex determination in insects, and the role of sexual selection in shaping the evolution of mating systems. Selection arising via male contest competition and female choice (both before and after copulation) are discussed, as are the roles of parasites and pathogens in mediating the strength of sexual selection, and the role that parental care plays in successful reproduction. The Evolution of Insect Mating Systems is suitable for both graduate students and researchers interested in insect mating systems or behaviour from an evolutionary, genetical, physiological, or ecological perspective. Due to its interdisciplinary and concept-driven approach, it will also be of relevance and use to a broad audience of evolutionary biologists.

Sexual Selection

Sexual Selection
Author: Regina H. Macedo
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 479
Release: 2013-09-25
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0123914566

Sexual Selection: Perspectives and Models from the Neotropics presents new sexual selection research based upon neotropical species. As neotropical regions are destroyed at an alarming rate, with an estimated 140 species of rainforest plants and animals going extinct every day, it is important to bring neotropical research to the fore now. Sexual selection occurs when the male or female of a species is attracted by certain characteristics such as form, color or behavior. When those features lead to a greater probability of successful mating, they become more prominent in the species. Although most theoretical concepts concerning sexual selection and reproductive strategies are based upon North American and European fauna, the Neotropical region encompasses much more biodiversity, with as many as 15,000 plant and animal species in a single acre of rain forest. This book illustrates concepts in sexual selection through themes ranging from female cryptic choice in insects, sexual conflict in fish, interaction between sexual selection and the immune system, nuptial gifts, visual and acoustic sexual signaling, parental investment, to alternative mating strategies, among others. These approaches distinguish Sexual Selection from current publications in sexual selection, mainly because of the latitudinal and taxonomic focus, so that readers will be introduced to systems mostly unknown outside the tropics, several of which bring into question some well-established patterns for temperate regions. - Synthesizes sexual selection research on species from the Neotropics - Combines different perspectives and levels of analysis using a broad taxonomic basis, introducing readers to systems mostly unknown outside the tropics and bringing into question well-established patterns for temperate regions - Includes contributions exploring concepts and theory as well as discussions on a variety of Neotropical vertebrates and invertebrates, such as insects, fish, arthropods and birds

Sociobiology: Beyond Nature/nurture?

Sociobiology: Beyond Nature/nurture?
Author: George W Barlow
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 479
Release: 2019-06-26
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1000312097

To most biologists, sociobiology represents the concept of strict Darwinian individual selection married to an analytical application of ecological principles and brought to bear on social behavior in an unusually exciting and productive way. Joining the biologists are a small number of social scientists. But there are radically divergent views as to how the field should be delimited, and sociobiology is one of the most widely discussed fields in biology and anthropology today. The symposium on which this book is based was arranged by a biologist and an anthropologist. The participants, leaders in their fields, ably present contrasting and responsible views on current issues. This is the first collection of essays on sociobiology in which opposing views are aired. It is an exciting, timely book and an important historical document.

Evolution and the Theory of Games

Evolution and the Theory of Games
Author: John Maynard Smith
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 244
Release: 1982-10-21
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521288842

This 1982 book is an account of an alternative way of thinking about evolution and the theory of games.

Game Theory and Animal Behavior

Game Theory and Animal Behavior
Author: Lee Alan Dugatkin
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 335
Release: 2000-03-23
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0195350200

Game theory has revolutionized the study of animal behavior. The fundamental principle of evolutionary game theory--that the strategy adopted by one individual depends on the strategies exhibited by others--has proven a powerful tool in uncovering the forces shaping otherwise mysterious behaviors. In this volume, the first since 1982 devoted to evolutionary game theory, leading researchers describe applications of the theory to diverse types of behavior, providing an overview of recent discoveries and a synthesis of current research. The volume begins with a clear introduction to game theory and its explanatory scope. This is followed by a series of chapters on the use of game theory to understand a range of behaviors: social foraging, cooperation, animal contests, communication, reproductive skew and nepotism within groups, sibling rivalry, alternative life-histories, habitat selection, trophic-level interactions, learning, and human social behavior. In addition, the volume includes a discussion of the relations among game theory, optimality, and quantitative genetics, and an assessment of the overall utility of game theory to the study of social behavior. Presented in a manner accessible to anyone interested in animal behavior but not necessarily trained in the mathematics of game theory, the book is intended for a wide audience of undergraduates, graduate students, and professional biologists pursuing the evolutionary analysis of animal behavior.

Atlantic Cod

Atlantic Cod
Author: George A. Rose
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2019-02-26
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1405119101

A comprehensive handbook, covering all aspects of the Atlantic cod including the biology, ecology, life histories, behaviour, commercial exploitation and conservation Not only is Atlantic cod one of the most valuable food fish in the world’s oceans, it is an important component of North Atlantic ecosystems and has been subject to much research into its biology, ecology and exploitation. After hundreds of years of exploitation, overfishing in the last half of the 20th Century caused many stocks to collapse, most famously the Northern cod stock off Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Since then, most cod stocks have been better researched and managed, but remain in a variety of states, from fully recovered to continued decline. This book, written by world experts, describes that research and management, and the importance of cod and its fisheries on North Atlantic cultures and economies, with impacts well beyond the range of the species. Atlantic Cod: Bio-Ecology of the Fish offers insightful chapter coverage of cod nomenclature, taxonomy, phylogeny and morphology; physiology and ecophysiology; reproduction and spawning behavior; early life history and pre-recruitment processes; migrations, movements and stock identity; feeding, growth and energetics; the place of cod in the ecosystem; the exploitation of cod through history and present day commercial fisheries and precautionary management for sustainable fisheries; impacts of climate change on cod biology and ecology; and the future of the species and its fisheries. Discusses the major commercial importance of Atlantic cod through history Provides a comprehensive treatment of the bio-ecology of the most researched and highly exploited fully marine species Examines how the decline (and recovery) of cod stocks is of great political and scientific interest An essential purchase for marine fisheries scientists Atlantic Cod: Bio-Ecology of the Fish is a vital book for all fisheries scientists, managers and fish biologists.

Fish Reproduction

Fish Reproduction
Author: G. W. Potts
Publisher:
Total Pages: 432
Release: 1984
Genre: Nature
ISBN:

This book comprises a much needed review of recent developments and new ideas in fish reproductive biology, with special reference to the adaptive significance of reproductive patterns observed in teleost fishes. Based on a number of essays given at a meeting of the Fisheries Society of Great Britain the book presents a series of review articles, of international origin, covering aspects of theoretical modelling, ecology, behaviour and experimental laboratory studies. The final section of the book deals with some of the more commercially important aspects of fish reproduction with respect to aquaculture and fisheries biology. A comprehensive bibliography of relevant literature is provided. This well-illustrated work will prove to be of importance to those in fisheries management as well as fisheries scientists, fish and reproductive biologists.