Intraspecific Variation in the Social Systems of Wild Vertebrates

by Dale F. Lott

• ISBN13: 9780521115230
• ISBN10: 052111523X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-07-02
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

It has often been assumed by those studying animal behaviour that the social system adopted by a species is a fixed product of natural selection. There is now an interesting body of evidence that this is not always the case and that alternative forms of social organisation may be adopted according to circumstance. In this book, first published in 1991, Professor Lott presents an overview of the understanding of this phenomenon and its implications for animal conservation and management. Those interested in social systems and more generally in animal behaviour and ecology will find this book to be an invaluable source of information and ideas.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Intraspecific variation in the distribution and relationship of individuals in space and time

Intraspecific variation in mating and parental-care systems

Environmental determinants of intraspecific variation in social systems

Social system variation mechanisms: processes

Social system variation mechanisms: products

Intraspecific variation in social systems as an evolved strategy

Using intraspecific variation in social systems to test socioecological hypotheses

Practical importance of intraspecific variation in social systems

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.