Animal Watching: A New Guide to the Animal World

by Desmond Morris

Describes in close detail the ingenious evolutionary strategies for survival and fascinating behaviors of all sorts of animals from reptiles who lose their tails to save themselves, to fish who change their sex

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Biology, Popular Science, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Desmond John Morris (born 24 January 1928) is an English zoologist, ethologist and surrealist painter, as well as a popular author in human sociobiology. He is known for his 1967 book The Naked Ape, and for his television programmes such as Zoo Time.

Reviews

[DrosoPHila · Rating 3 out of 5]

The easiest way to describe this book is by saying it is like a David Attenborough documentary in literary form. One senses it is aimed at, and will be enjoyed by, the same people. The text is introductory but fairly comprehensive.

There are technically-superb colour photographs throughout, with a glossy film feel one doesn't get with modern digital cameras, and high-speed flashlit night-time photographs with subjects who were no doubt extremely startled by the experience.

Morris however generally fails to put animal behaviour into its full evolutionary context. While, I can understand that he doesn't want to get into technical descriptions of ecological resource allocation, and gene-centred theories of kin selection and evolutionary game theory, an opportunity to talk about the why rather than the what was missed.

When he does present sociobiological models for behaviour, unfortunately they can be somewhat weak, hinting once or twice at group selection ("doing something for the benefit of the species"). I think it is important to consider sociobiological models critically and improve those which have logical weaknesses to develop stronger, more coherent and deeply insightful models. But Morris doesn't go into evolution in any depth.

Occasionally Morris says "poetically speculative" things that a scientist would shy away from. And after claiming that all living things are either animals or plants (ignoring the other kingdoms), and occasional use of anecdotal evidence, I can't be 100% sure of all of his facts.

Despite my cautions, overall this serves as a good non-technical introduction to the topic, just don't stop reading here. For a more advanced introduction to the fascinating science of ethology/behavioural ecology see Behavioural Ecology by Krebs and Davies.

[Katie Van Sloten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I'm not going to read this book in one day, week or month - its so full of fascinating information and wonderful photography! I will enjoy reading a littled from it everyday! Anyone looking for joy should pick up this book and embrace the childlike wonder that is sometimes buried so deeply that it threatens never to surface. You'll never look at the world the same again.

[Kevin Driskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morris is always fresh in his insight into the world of animal behavior. This is a favorite book of mine because it is one my children wanted to look through time after time. I have many of his works and my love of animals has grown and matured in understanding for Desmond's easily digestible explanations.

[Laura Gilfillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a discussion and some tips of how to watch animals, but instead got some general information about animal behavior, broken down into separate chapters for feeding, mating, raising young, and so forth. So I was a bit disappointed, but enjoyed the interesting tidbits about animal behavior.

[Meirav Rath · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a kiddies' book, aimed at the younger generation and it hits the mark. It's informative, appetizing and intriguing. If your kids love animals and can't be peeled off the TV screen when you're watching Animal Planet or National Geographic, this is the perfect book to give them.

[J. D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't read Desmond Morris since "The Human Zoo". This work,
an effective prequel to "Manwatching", is an excellent non-
technical survey of animal behavior. It should interest all
those fascinated by natural history. A fast and aborbing read.

[Sarai · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of if not the favourite book of my childhood, if I wasn't reading it I was looking at the photos and copying them/drawing them, very inspiring book all round for me.

[Laine]

This book is a brilliant informative piece on the animal kingdom and has facts and details on nearly animal out there. the insight into their behavior is fascinating.