Author Description

From the time of the cave dwellers, people have been fascinated by animal behavior. Until recently, though, philosophers, biologists and psychologists could only observe animals' physical traits and make assumptions about their behavior based on what was known about human behavior. Then, in 1973, a new science came of age: ethology, the science of animal behavior. This Companion, written by an international group of specialists, contains 200 entries covering a wide range of topics within this emerging science, including the diverse ways animals select their partners, bring up their young, organize their societies, and respond to the environment. It also includes a new, detailed subject and animal index which will enable readers to locate a wealth of information on both behavioral concepts and the behavior of particular animals. Carefully and clearly illustrated, and including a Foreword by the Nobel Laureate, Niko Tinbergen, The Companion to Animal Behavior is an authoritative reference for anyone interested in the animal kingdom.