The Evolution of Social Behaviour

First book to outline the fundamental principles of social evolution underlying the stunning diversity of social systems and behaviours.

Michael Taborsky (Author), Michael A. Cant (Author), Jan Komdeur (Author)

9781107011182, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 August 2021

438 pages
25 x 17.5 x 2.5 cm, 1.01 kg

'The Evolution of Social Behavior nicely captures the fascinating diversity of social behavior and some of the cool ideas used to explain it in a refreshing new way … the three authors are empirical leaders in the study of social behavior and their study subjects (insects, fish, mammals, birds) are diverse … This book is a necessary part of any behavioural ecologist's library. It contains a fresh approach to the topic with many thought-provoking ideas, some effective reviews of specific topics, and many excellent examples.' Dave Westneat, International Society for Behavioral Ecology Newsletter

How can the stunning diversity of social systems and behaviours seen in nature be explained? Drawing on social evolution theory, experimental evidence and studies conducted in the field, this book outlines the fundamental principles of social evolution underlying this phenomenal richness.To succeed in the competition for resources, organisms may either 'race' to be quicker than others, 'fight' for privileged access, or 'share' their efforts and gains. The authors show how the ecology and intrinsic attributes of organisms select for each of these strategies, and how a handful of straightforward concepts explain the evolution of successful decision rules in behavioural interactions, whether among members of the same or different species. With a broad focus ranging from microorganisms to humans, this is the first book to provide students and researchers with a comprehensive account of the evolution of sociality by natural selection.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Non-interference rivalry
3. Conflict
4. Cooperation
5. Interspecific relations
6. Synopsis
References
Subject index
Taxonomic index.

Subject Areas: Animal behaviour [PSVP], Evolution [PSAJ]