The Evolution of Social Behaviour (Paperback)

Michael Taborsky

ISBN 10: 1108746160 / ISBN 13: 9781108746168

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2021

About this Item

Paperback. 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. With its broad focus, ranging from microorganisms to humans, this book provides the first comprehensive account of the evolution of sociality by natural selection. The authors demonstrate how the stunning diversity of social behaviour seen in nature can be explained with just a handful of fundamental evolutionary principles. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781108746168

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Evolution of Social Behaviour (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108746160
• ISBN 13: 9781108746168
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Authors

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.