The Evolution of Social Behaviour: Conflict and Cooperation

How can the stunning diversity of social systems and behaviours seen in nature be explained? Drawing on social evolution theory, experimental evidence and studies conducted in the field, this book outlines the fundamental principles of social evolution underlying this phenomenal richness.To succeed in the competition for resources, organisms may either 'race' to be quicker than others, 'fight' for privileged access, or 'share' their efforts and gains. The authors show how the ecology and intrinsic attributes of organisms select for each of these strategies, and how a handful of straightforward concepts explain the evolution of successful decision rules in behavioural interactions, whether among members of the same or different species. With a broad focus ranging from microorganisms to humans, this is the first book to provide students and researchers with a comprehensive account of the evolution of sociality by natural selection.

Michael Taborsky is Professor of Behavioural Ecology at the University of Bern, Switzerland. His research focuses on evolutionary principles underlying social behaviour, combining empirical research on insects, spiders, fish, birds and mammals with theoretical and conceptual approaches.

Michael A. Cant is Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Exeter, UK. His research focuses on the evolution of animal societies. His work combines theoretical modelling with empirical tests in social insects and cooperatively breeding mammals.

Jan Komdeur is Professor of Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. His research focuses on the evolution of social and cooperative behaviour. He tests theoretical concepts using experimental approaches combined with long-term studies in a variety of insects and birds.