Behavioral Neurobiology An Integrative Approach

by Zupanc, Günther K. H.

• ISBN13: 9780199208302
• ISBN10: 0199208301
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-07-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Animals often exhibit intriguing and captivating patterns of behavior, from migration and homing to communication. But how is this behavior controlled? Behavioral Neurobiology: An Integrative Approach, Second Edition, introduces undergraduate students to the fascinating field of neuroethology, the study of the neurobiological processes underlying animal behavior. Written in a lively, accessible style, it examines the key ideas that underpin this intricate subject and describes many of the groundbreaking discoveries in the field. Beginning with a look at the history of the study of behavior--from Aristotle to recent breakthroughs and predictions for the future--the text then reviews the ethological and neurobiological concepts that constitute the basic tools of behavioral neurobiology before moving on to the field of neuroethology itself. Each chapter not only describes the major findings in a specific area, but also examines the experimental methods used to obtain these results and the researchers behind them. Taking a comparative zoological approach, Behavioral Neurobiology, Second Edition, enables students to gain a thorough understanding of the essentials of the field without becoming overwhelmed by excessive details. The text is enhanced by detailed case studies, a wide range of examples, summaries of key points, biographical sketches of eminent researchers, exercises, and suggestions for further reading. A Companion Website offers additional resources for students and instructors. New to this edition: * New "Advanced Topic" features that encourage students to engage with the primary literature and develop critical thinking and reading skills * A new chapter on circadian rhythms that looks at classical experiments and recent advances in the molecular understanding of biological clocks * Expanded coverage of action potentials, synaptic transmission, and additional model systems * Improved figures and an extensive new glossary

Author Biography

Over the last 25 years, Gunther Zupanc has acquired intensive research and teaching experience in the following four academic systems: the American system through his graduate study and postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego (1987-1992), and numerous research visits; the Canadian system through many research visits and a Visiting Professorship at the University of Ottawa (1994-1997); the German system though his studies in biology and physics at the University of Regensburg (1979-1987), as well as his work as a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tubingen (1992-1997); and the British system, as a Senior Lecturer in Zoology at the University of Manchester from 1997 to 2002.
Gunther Zupanc became Professor of Neurobiology at Jacob's University Bremen (previously International University Bremen) in 2002.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Fundamentals of Neurobiology

Fundamentals of Ethology

Behavioral Neurobiology: A brief history

Spatial Orientation and Sensory Guidance

Neuronal Control of Motor Output

Neuronal Processing of Sensory Information

Sensorimotor Integration: The Jamming Avoidance Response of the Weakly

Neuromodulation: The Accommodation of Motivational Changes in Behavior

Biological Timing and Circadian Clocks

Large-Scale Navigation: Migration and Homing

Communication

Cellular Mechanisms of Learning and Memory

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