Models of Adaptive Behaviour: An Approach Based on State

ISBN-13: 9780521384803 / Angielski / Twarda / 1999 / 390 str.

Alasdair I. Houston (University of Bristol);John M. McNamara (University of Bristol)

Opis

This book sets out a framework for adaptive explanations of behavior, and uses it to provide analyses of a range of biological issues such as energetic gain, energy-predation trade-offs, dynamic games, state-dependent life histories, annual routines, and fluctuating environments. The volume gives a definitive account of this exciting new field, summarizing previous research, presenting new material, and suggesting directions for future research. The framework adopted in this book provides a common currency for comparing diverse actions. Ultimately this could lead to the development of state-dependent dynamic models. This book will be a revelation for graduate students and researchers interested in behavioral or evolutionary biology.

Recenzje

'I think this book will define a benchmark in behavioural ecology … This book deserves to be read (and reread) by a wide audience of scientists.' Animal Behaviour

Spis treści

Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. States, actions and tradeoffs; 3. Dynamic optimization; 4. Maximizing the energy gained from foraging; 5. Risk-sensitive foraging; 6. The energy-predation trade-off; 7. Dynamic games; 8. State-dependent life history theory; 9. Routines; 10. Life histories in fluctuating environments; References; Index.