Animal Behavior


A guide to the hows and whys of animals interacting with each other and with the world around them.

A Free Online Textbook

Contributors
Notes to Contributors
Textbook cover

This textbook explores the mechanisms and evolution of animal behavior, including neural, hormonal, and genetic substrates of behavior; foraging; anti-predator defenses; mating systems and sexual selection; social behavior; communication; parental care; kin selection and recognition; and territoriality. Associated laboratory exercises will provide hands-on experience for many of these concepts.

Contents

Chapter 1. History, Aims and Approaches

Chapter 2. Development, Learning and Genetics

Chapter 3. Proximate Mechanisms of Behavior

Chapter 4. Functional Significance of Behavior

Chapter 5. Phylogeny, and Behavior

Chapter 6. Behavior Case Studies

  • Communication Systems
  • Spatial Distributions
  • Mating Systems
  • other

Chapter 7. Comparative Human Behavior