Bird Nests and Construction Behaviour

ISBN-13: 9780521460385 / Angielski / Twarda / 2000 / 294 str.

Mike Hansell

Opis

Bird Nests and Construction Behaviour provides a broad view of our current understanding of the biology of the nests, bowers, and tools made by birds. It illustrates how birds, among vertebrates, have more impressive and consistent building abilities than any other builders, excluding humans. However, birds seem to require no special building equipment and use quite uncomplicated behavior. The book raises general issues in the field of behavioral ecology, including the costs of reproduction, sexual selection, and the organization and complexity of behavior. This volume was written for students and researchers of animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and ornithology, it will nevertheless make fascinating reading for architects and engineers interested in understanding how structures are created by animals.

Recenzje

'Hansell's book contains loads of information that will be both helpful to the scientist and interesting to the enthusiast. … is thorough, engaging, and fun to read. Hansell's book will be enjoyed by students of ornithology, animal behavior, ecology, and evolutionary biology. It will become a valuable part of the collections of university libraries, professional ornithologists, and those generally enthusiastic about all things avian.' Rebecca Jo Safran, Cornell University

Spis treści

1. Animal builders and the importance of bird nests; 2. The clutch-nest relationship; 3. Standardising the nest description; 4. Construction; 5. The structure; 6. The cost of nest building; 7. The selection of a nest site; 8. Bowers, building quality and mate assessment; 9. The evolution of nest building; Bibliography; Index.