Issues Central to Behavioural Studies : An Introduction to Dolphin Stress, Issues Central to Behaviour Research, Methods and Statistical Analysis

Georgia-Rose Travis

ISBN 10: 3639024567 / ISBN 13: 9783639024562

Published by VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, VDM Verlag Dr. Müller E.K., 2008

About this Item

Neuware - Are dolphins self-aware Are they conscious Can they read minds or respond to subtle cues Are they able to learn or understand commands These questions and others are explored along with the popular question: do dolphins suffer from stress The reactions of various cetacean species to different stressors; net entanglement, noise & tour boats, and others, are outlined and show that not all species, or individuals of the same species react in the same way to an identical stressor. Other subjects covered include; anthropomorphism, in other words, attributing human feelings to animal behaviour, why conducting behavioural research on wild animal populations is so challenging, difficulties using common behavioural terms, bias and issues surrounding collection of standard data sets. Habituation, sensitisation, fixed action patterns and genetics are also briefly discussed. References are given throughout the book, particularly in regard to the use of proven research methodologies that allow behavioural observations of marine mammals from land-based and sea-based positions. The book ends encouraging would-be researchers to embrace the challenge of behavioural studies.

Seller Inventory # 9783639024562

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Issues Central to Behavioural Studies : An Introduction to Dolphin Stress, Issues Central to Behaviour Research, Methods and Statistical Analysis
• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, VDM Verlag Dr. Müller E.K.
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3639024567
• ISBN 13: 9783639024562
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 220W x 150H x 5D millimeters 220 millimeters width by 150 millimeters height by 5 millimeters depth
• Weight: 149 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Are dolphins self-aware? Are they conscious? Can they read minds or respond to subtle cues? Are they able to learn or understand commands? These questions and others are explored along with the popular question: do dolphins suffer from stress? The reactions of various cetacean species to different stressors; net entanglement, noise & tour boats, and others, are outlined and show that not all species, or individuals of the same species react in the same way to an identical stressor. Other subjects covered include; anthropomorphism, in other words, attributing human feelings to animal behaviour, why conducting behavioural research on wild animal populations is so challenging, difficulties using common behavioural terms, bias and issues surrounding collection of standard data sets. Habituation, sensitisation, fixed action patterns and genetics are also briefly discussed. References are given throughout the book, particularly in regard to the use of proven research methodologies that allow behavioural observations of marine mammals from land-based and sea-based positions. The book ends encouraging would-be researchers to embrace the challenge of behavioural studies.

About the Author

Georgia-Rose Travis, Ph.D. Studied a Bachelor or Science, Post Graduate Diploma in Zoology, and a Masters in Science Education (with Distinction) at the University of Canterbury and went on to Doctoral studies in Ecology and Conservation at Lincoln University., New Zealand. She is a world expert in Hectors dolphin behaviour at Timaru and Lyttelton.