Behavioural Ecology: An Evolutionary Approach (Paperback)

by J. R Krebs (Editor), N. B Davies (Editor) "All natural history observations begin with a question..." (more)
Key Phrases: undesirable recipients, sperm loss model, eusocial evolution, Maynard Smith, Against Payoff, North American (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Usually we do not publish reviews of second and subsequent edition books, but for this we make an exception. This textbook continues to define the subject of behavioural ecology and manages to combine this with being eminently accessible and readable. Once again updated and partially rewritten. Essential to students, scientists and layman alike with an interest in behavioural ecology. Even if you have a copy of the third edition you should still get this one." Bird Study <!--end-->

Product Description
Intended for graduate and upper level undergraduate courses in behavioural ecology where students are already familiar with the basic ideas, this book continues to define the subject. A completely new set of contributions has been brought together once more to take account of the many exciting new developments in the field. Each chapter presents a balanced view of the subject, integrating a clear exposition of the theory with a critical discussion of how predictions have been tested by experiments and comparative studies. In addition, the book points to unreconciled issues and possible future developments. Edited by two of the most highly regarded experts in the field, this new volume contains contributions from an international authorship and continues the tradition of clarity and accessibility established by the three previous editions.

• The latest edition of a classic in behavioural ecology.
  
• Divided into three sections: Mechanisms and Individual Behaviour, From Individual Behaviour to Social Systems, and Life Histories, Phylogenies and Populations.
  
• Contributions from the world's leading researchers.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 4 edition (February 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865427313
• ISBN-13: 978-0865427310
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #716,497 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A leader in the field, April 30, 2005

By	yettobeseen (Michigan United States) - See all my reviews

This book is highly regarded in the field of behavioral ecology, and its more of a new volume than an 2nd ed. It focuses on the most advancing areas of the field, so if you are interested in other areas not covered in this edition, like predator-prey dynamics, check out the previous edition. This is a technical book so of course it requires some time and lots of thought to get through, but its definately worth it. For a mult-authored book, this one has been beautifully edited with smooth transitions from chapter to chapter. My favorite chapter was the one on sexual selection. I was already familar with the topic but this account of sexual selection was quite inciteful. If you are seriously studying animal behavior or behavioral ecology (there is a slight difference), this book is a must. Rightly so, it focuses on the ecological and evolutionary aspects of behavior, but there are a few chapters on the proximate cause of behavior as well. Animal behavior has long been studied and described, but it is only with the rigors of evolutionary thought that they are explained and understood, as evident by this book. This field has progressed much in the last few decades, and most would be surprised at how developed and rigorous it has become. The mathematical models presented are for the most part simple to understand and they adequately synthesize empirical evidence. If you are looking for an introduction to the field, start with their book, An Introduction to Behaviour Ecology.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Adequate overview of the field, but too expensive, March 3, 2005

By	Devl's Advocate "RSHA" (Hölle) - See all my reviews

The book basically summarises, without going too much into mathematical modelling which is such a hit with behavioural ecologist seeking regonition of their subject as a HARD science, just like experimental psychologists were doing in the 70's coming up with all sorts if theorem and formulas predicting and quantifying the learning process (to no avail though), the latest developments (NOT adavnces, as most of the theoretical breakthroughs and insights were back in the late 70's) in the field, though I would suggest the money is better spent on the great works of William Hamilton, in 2 volumes, Narrow Roads to Gene Land, or the book Sperm Competition and Sexual Selection edited by Tim Birkhead, whereby you can have an in depth exposition on inclusive fitness and the evolution of sex.