Human Behavioral Ecology

A comprehensive introduction to the latest theory and empirical research in the field of human behavioral ecology.

Jeremy Koster (Edited by), Brooke Scelza (Edited by), Mary K. Shenk (Edited by)

9781108434348, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 March 2024

534 pages
24.4 x 16.9 x 2.8 cm, 0.91 kg

'A blend of epistemological humility and an omnivorous taste for the best tools from any field one encounters distinguishes both the field and this excellent edited volume. Each of the 17 chapters is a rich examination of an aspect of behavior, probed with a variety of methods and tools, extracting sense from the noise, uncertainty, and compelling variety that inheres to human behavior, but without pushing for trite simplicity. For me, this book offers recipes one might wish to try in approaching new questions, new environments, or new populations.' Robert C. Brooks, The Quarterly Review of Biology

Human behavioral ecology (HBE) applies the principles of evolutionary theory and optimisation to the study of human behavioural and cultural diversity. Among other things, HBE attempts to explain variation in behaviour as adaptive solutions to the competing life-history demands of growth, development, reproduction, parental care, and mate acquisition. This book is a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical orientation and specific findings of HBE. It consolidates the insights of evolution and human behaviour into a single volume that reflects the current state and future of the field. It brings together leading scholars from across the evolutionary social sciences to provide a comprehensive and thought-provoking review of the state of the topic. Throughout, the authors explain the latest developments in theory and highlight critical debates in the literature, while also engaging readers with ethnographic insights and field-based studies that remain at the core of human behavioral ecology.

Foreword Eric Alden Smith and Bruce Winterhalder
1. Human behavioral ecology Brooke Scelza, Jeremy Koster and Mary K Shenk
2. Life history Michael D Gurven
3. Foraging strategies Jeremy Koster and Douglas Bird
4. Modes of production Bram Tucker
5. Cooperation Michael Alvard and David Nolin
6. The division of labor Brian F Codding and Rebecca Bliege Bird
7. Status Chris von Rueden
8. Political organization Paul L Hooper and Adrian V Jaeggi
9. Mating Brooke A Scelza
10. Marriage Mary K Shenk
11. Parental care David W Lawson
12. Allocare Karen L Kramer
13. Demography Rebecca Sear, Siobhán M Mattison and Mary K Shenk
14. Human biology Aaron Blackwell and Benjamin C Trumble
15. Cultural evolution Karthik Panchanathan
16. Evolutionary psychology H Clark Barrett
17. The ends of human behavioral ecology Richard McElreath and Jeremy Koster
Bibliography, Index.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX]