Animal Signals (Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution) [Paperback]

John Maynard-Smith (Author), David Harper (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198526857 | ISBN-13: 978-0198526858 | Publication Date: January 8, 2004

Why are animal signals reliable? This is the central problem for evolutionary biologists interested in signals. Of course, not all signals are reliable; but most are, otherwise receivers of signals would ignore them. A number of theoretical answers have been proposed and empirical studies made, but there still remains a considerable amount of confusion. The authors, one a theoretician the other a fieldworker, introduce a sense of order to this chaos. A significant cause of confusion has been the tendency for different researchers to use either the same term with different meanings, or different terms with the same meaning. The authors attempt to clarify these differences. A second cause of confusion has arisen because many biologists continue to assume that there is only one correct explanation for signal reliability. The authors argue that the reliability of signals is maintained in several ways, relevant in different circumstances, and that biologists must learn to distinguish between them. In this book they explain the different theories, give examples of signalling systems to which one or another theory applies, and point to the many areas where further work, both theoretical and empirical, is required.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`John Maynard Smith is an accomplished expositor and skilled modeller, and his contribution is bound to make this book an important addition to the field. David Harper is a field biologist of the highest calibre who will ensure the book remains relevant and readable to theoretically unsophisticated biologists. The combination is hard to beat.' Professor Alan Grafen, University of Oxford, UK

`I can assure you that the series will be greatly enhanced by the proposed volume. It will be an essential addition to the personal libraries of most evolutionary biologists and psychologists. These authors write so simply and engagingly that anyone will enjoy the book.' Professor Colin Clark, University of British Columbia, Canada

About the Author

John Maynard Smith is an eminent evolutionary biologist and author of many books on evolution, both for scientists and the general public. He is professor emeritus at the University of Sussex, UK, Fellow of the Royal Society, winner of the Darwin Medal, and laureate of the Crafoord Prize of the Swedish Academy of Sciences. David Harper is Senior Lecturer in Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198526857
• ISBN-13: 978-0198526858
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,144,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent overview of signaling theory, September 1, 2009

By 

J.D. (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Animal Signals (Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution) (Paperback)

This small volume presents a clear, concise and consistent overview of the field of biological signaling theory. It clarifies the sometimes inconsistent vocabulary of the field.

Maynard-Smith and Harper present topics such as strategic vs. efficacious costs, indices, signals of need, etc. with great clarity and well-researched examples. They are careful about stating what is known, what is surmised, and, when needed, presenting multiple possible interpretations of observed phenomena.

The authors pack a lot of information into a small space, and they do an excellent job at highlighting the significant research papers of this growing field. If you are looking for an introduction to signaling theory or a solid and reliable reference to return to over and over, this is it.

0 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Animal Signals, September 29, 2005

By 

Vereecken Nicolas (Belgium) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Animal Signals (Ecology and Evolution) (Hardcover)

Hi,

This item was delivered very rapidly, it was in perfect shape, the price was definitely affordable.

Excellent transaction, I strongly recommend this book seller

Best,

Nico