Economics in Nature
Social Dilemmas, Mate Choice and Biological Markets

Applies models of economic theory to behavioural and evolutionary ecology in humans and other animals.

Ronald Noë (Edited by), Jan A. R. A. M. Van Hooff (Edited by), Peter Hammerstein (Edited by)

9780521003995, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 January 2006

292 pages, 42 b/w illus. 9 tables
23 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.435 kg

'The structure of the information presentation in the book is excellent. In addition, the authors and editors have been very successful in producing a writing style that combines the detail for specialists and the ease-of-reading necessary for the lay population. The information is not only scientifically thought-provoking but it can serve as a basis for advanced level discussion groups or seminars in behavioral science. In this sense one can only congratulate the authors and editors of the volume on their job well performed.' Ethology

Since the development of game theory, the analysis of animal behaviour using the theories of economics has become a growing field of biological research in which models of games and markets play an important role. Studies of sexual selection, interspecific mutualism and intraspecific cooperation show that individuals exchange commodities to their mutual benefit; the exchange values of commodities are a source of conflict, and behavioural mechanisms such as partner choice and contest between competitors determines the composition of trading pairs or groups. These 'biological markets' can be examined to gain a better understanding of the underlying principles of evolutionary ecology. In this volume scientists from different disciplines combine insights from economics, evolutionary biology and the social sciences to look at comparative aspects of economic behaviour in humans and other animals. Aimed primarily at evolutionary biologists and anthropologists, it will also appeal to psychologists and economists interested in an evolutionary approach.

Preface
1. Games and markets: economic behaviour in humans and other animals Peter Hammerstein
Part I. Economic Behavior in Social Networks: 2. Social dilemmas and human behaviour Elinor Ostrom
3. Cooperation and collective action in animal behaviour Charles Nunn and Rebecca J. Lewis
4. Conflict, reconciliation and negotiation in non-human primates: the value of long-term relationships Jan A. R. A. M Van Hooff
Part II. Biological Markets: 5. Biological markets: partner choice as the driving force behind the evolution of mutualisms Ronald Noë
6. The utility of grooming in baboon troops Louise Barrett and Peter S. Henzi
7. The cleaner fish market Redouan Bshary
8. Modeling interspecific mutualisms as biological markets Jason D. Hoeksema and Mark W. Schwartz
Part III. Mating Markets: 9. Human mate choice strategies Boguslaw Pawlowski and Robin I. M. Dunbar
10. How does mate choice contribute to exaggeration and diversity in sexual characters? Andrew Pomiankowski and Yoh Iwasa
11. Information about sperm competition and the economics of sperm allocation Geoffrey A. Parker and Mike A. Ball
12. The economics of male mating strategies Robin I. M. Dunbar.

Subject Areas: Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Evolution [PSAJ], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]