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Contents:

1 - Questions about behaviour; 2 - Evolution and behaviour; 3 - Physiological mechanisms and behaviour; 4 - Motivation and cognition; 5 - From genes to behaviour; 6 - Maturation and learning; 7 - Habitat choice and migration; 8 - Predators and prey; 9 - Social behaviour; 10 - Mating and parental care; 11 - Communication; 12 - Human behaviour.

Review:

It is often instructive to study book catalogues to see not only what might be suitable for review on this website but also to gain some idea of the relative importance of various aspects of ecological and environmental science. One stand-out issue in the past few months has been the crop of texts on behaviour. From being a side issue this has come very much to the forefront. The reasons for this are far from obvious. Certainly there was a need to go beyond the primitive ethology which seemed to be used to determine where one should place a mark-recapture trap. Judging by the contents of current books it seems that the insights from genetics and genetic ecology are making their mark as is the realisation that behaviour is a far more pervasive and important aspect than hitherto considered. This means current ecological teaching is going to be more complete in its approach but for reviewers it means looking closely to see the relative merits of similar texts (not always an easy task).

Initially, two qualities make this text stand out. Firstly, there's its size and coverage (both substantial) and, secondly, the comprehensive references seen in both text and bibliography. Of course, neither of these create a good text automatically: there is the expectation that needs to be delivered. We start with one of the briefer chapters which sets the scene. Why study behaviour and what is its value? The classic answers of Tinbergen (function, mechanism, development and evolution) are complete in themselves but we also get some other insights into the utility of what is to come. Chapter two looks at those aspects which can be linked to evolution and heredity. In addition to the input from phylogeny there is also a good deal of discussion on genetics (especially given the references to Dawkin's work on the 'selfish gene' concept). Chapter three investigates the roles of physiology and behaviour. Which one shapes the other - or is it a mutual change? This chapter explores the nervous system in some detail along with physiological constraints. If this can be seen as the physical side of behaviour then there is also the motivational side, the subject of chapter four. It's no good having the ability if this isn't used! Various elements of causation and motivation are discussed as well as the concept of 'self' as it relates to various species. Chapter five returns to genes and in particular the controversial area of the extent to which genes control behaviour. There is information about the various debates in this area as well as detailed descriptions of research trying to unravel the picture. Of course, as the organism changes so might behaviour but the question, tackled in chapter six, is to what extent these changes are genetic and to what extent are they a question of maturity? Again, there's a range of research noted with examples drawn from land, sea and air. Chapter seven moves away from the individual response to look at the broader nature of migration. How do organisms find their way and how do they choose a habitat? Here we can see clearly the impact of behaviour upon ecology for niche selection is a key ecological feature but it's not often dealt with from the behavioural side. As with other aspects, the answer is far from clear cut (especially considering recent work on UK bird migration showing a tendency to follow roads rather than some innate signal!). Using statistical theory might help with some agreement as to the use of migration as just one more life strategy. Chapter 8 tackles another key ecological question - predation. How do organisms select prey and how does the prey respond? There are a range of decisions to take into account here including optimal diet, food intake and risk aversion each of which can be shown to have a behavioural mechanism. Since organisms rarely live in solitary conditions it follows that social behaviour is a crucial part of existence (even if only as a response to the predator-prey situation). Chapter 9 describes a range of social behaviours and the strategies we believe lie behind them. Chapter 10 continues with the social theme but in one specific and key area - mating and parenting. The costs and benefits of the various models are described alongside the factors taken into account in determining the strategies followed. Chapter 11 takes another special aspect of social behaviour - communication. The distribution of information is of value to all animals but whereas in humans this is relatively easy to assess, the case is far more difficult for other animals where a range of options can be employed. The final chapter looks at the entire gamut of behaviour but from the point of view of just one species - humans. It is a fitting end to the text because we can see where our behaviour fits in to other animal patterns.

The sheer volume of information packed in this text makes it difficult to give a fair indication of the depth and breadth presented. Despite this, each chapter is extremely well laid out. Introductory boxes help set the scene whilst summaries provide a brief guide to key points. The body of the text is filled with examples and key ideas leaving the usual text boxes to be used as outlines for theory and some of the more controversial debates in the subject. Both devices work well allowing the beginner to grasp the main ideas without distraction but also find the crucial theories behind the work in similar fashion. Numerous illustrations help the reader to visualise some of the main points under discussion. Although this is not really a school text it would be useful for educators wishing to get a solid background in the subject. At undergraduate level its depth should make it an ideal text and one deserving the widest readership.