Model Systems in Behavioral Ecology: Integrating Conceptual, Theoretical, and Empirical Approaches

by Lee Alan Dugatkin (Editor)

A key way that behavioral ecologists develop general theories of animal behavior is by studying one species or a closely related group of species--''model systems''--over a long period. This book brings together some of the field's most respected researchers to describe why they chose their systems, how they integrate theoretical, conceptual, and empirical work, lessons for the practice of the discipline, and potential avenues of future research. Their model systems encompass a wide range of animals and behavioral issues, from dung flies to sticklebacks, dolphins to African wild dogs, from foraging to aggression, territoriality to reproductive suppression.



Model Systems in Behavioral Ecology offers an unprecedented ''systems'' focus and revealing insights into the confluence of personal curiosity and scientific inquiry. It will be an invaluable text for behavioral ecology courses and a helpful overview--and a preview of coming developments--for advanced researchers. The twenty-five chapters are divided into four insects and arachnids, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals.


In addition to the editor, the contributors include Geoff A. Parker, Thomas D. Seeley, Naomi Pierce, Kern Reeve, Gerald S. Wilkinson, Bert Hölldobler and Flavio Roces, George W. Uetz, Michael J. Ryan and Gil Rosenthal, Judy Stamps, H. Carl Gerhardt, Barry Sinervo, Robert Warner, Manfred Milinski, David F. Westneat, Alan C. Kamil and Alan B. Bond, Paul Sherman, Jerram L. Brown, Anders Pape Møller, Marc Bekoff, Richard C. Connor, Joan B. Silk, Christopher Boesch, Scott Creel, A.H. Harcourt, and Tim Caro and M. J. Kelly.

584 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2001

About the author

Born in 1962, Lee Alan Dugatkin is a professor and distinguished university scholar in the department of biology at the University of Louisville. His main area of research interest is the evolution of social behavior.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of articles summarizing important behavioral research. The book is divided into sections based on the organisms studied: insects and arachnids; fish, amphibians and reptiles; birds; and mammals. The articles are important summaries of research that has been carried out over many years and highlights the process of choosing and developing such research. This book provides many great insights into behavior and how to conduct research, especially field research. Though the articles differ in style, they are all well written and engaging. I highly recommend this book for all graduate students in behavioral ecology as well as for those interested in the history and process of science.