Title: Ant Encounters: Interaction Networks and Colony Behavior (Primers in Complex Systems)
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication Date: 2010
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0691138796
ISBN 13: 9780691138794
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good
Dimensions: 13.97 centimeters width by 21.34 centimeters height by 1.27 centimeters depth
Weight: 227 grams

About this title

Synopsis

How do ant colonies get anything done, when no one is in charge? An ant colony operates without a central control or hierarchy, and no ant directs another. Instead, ants decide what to do based on the rate, rhythm, and pattern of individual encounters and interactions--resulting in a dynamic network that coordinates the functions of the colony. Ant Encounters provides a revealing and accessible look into ant behavior from this complex systems perspective.

Focusing on the moment-to-moment behavior of ant colonies, Deborah Gordon investigates the role of interaction networks in regulating colony behavior and relations among ant colonies. She shows how ant behavior within and between colonies arises from local interactions of individuals, and how interaction networks develop as a colony grows older and larger. The more rapidly ants react to their encounters, the more sensitively the entire colony responds to changing conditions. Gordon explores whether such reactive networks help a colony to survive and reproduce, how natural selection shapes colony networks, and how these structures compare to other analogous complex systems.

Ant Encounters sheds light on the organizational behavior, ecology, and evolution of these diverse and ubiquitous social insects.

About the Author

Deborah M. Gordon is professor of biology at Stanford University. She is the author of Ants at Work (Norton).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We carry a wide range of stock, new, secondhand, and vintage books. We specialise in books by George MacDonald, Scottish interest books, natural history and have a large and varied childrens selection.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Orb's Community Bookshop
33A Deveron Street, Huntly, AB54 8BY, United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We make every effort to accurately list our books, but if you are not completely satisfied you have 14 days in which to return your book.

Shipping Terms

We aim to ship within 3 working days.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 45 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 16.44	US$ 36.57

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.