Animal Friendships

by Anne Innis Dagg

• ISBN13: 9780521183154
• ISBN10: 0521183154
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-10-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Research into social behaviour in animals has often focused on aggression, yet members of social species are far more likely to interact with each other in a positive way. Animal Friendships explores non-sexual bonding behaviours in a range of mammalian and avian species. Through analysis of factors which trigger and deepen friendships, Dagg uncovers a world of intricate and complex social interactions. These factors include sources of food, formation of coalitions, playdates for infants, mutual grooming and the apparent pleasure of simple companionship. Chapters cover different types of friendship: from those between two individuals, such as male-female or parent-offspring friendships, to those within family groups and even inter-species friendships. Not only does the book explore how and why friendships form, it also showcases the ingenious field techniques used by researchers enabling the reader to understand the scientific methodology. An invaluable read for both researchers and students studying animal social bonding.

Author Biography

Anne Innis Dagg holds a Ph.D. in animal behavior and is currently a Faculty Member in the Independent Studies program at the University of Waterloo. She has had extensive field experience researching the behaviors of both mammal and bird species.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. viii
Introduction	p. 1
Male and female pals - not just for sex!	p. 18
In sisterhood	p. 39
In brotherhood	p. 70
Mothers and daughters	p. 96
Mothers and sons, and providing free food	p. 109
Fathers and sons, and social grooming and preening	p. 121
Family and group tight bonds	p. 137
Old buddies	p. 157
Social but seldom sociable animals	p. 166
Cross-species pals	p. 189
Animal and human "friendships"	p. 197
References	p. 213
Notes	p. 227
Index	p. 233
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