Living in Groups

by Jens Krause, Graeme D. Ruxton, Graeme Ruxton

Overview

Shoals, swarms, flocks, herds—group formation is a widespread phenomenon in animal populations. It raises several interesting questions for behavioral ecologists. Why do animals form and live in groups, and what factors influence the ways in which they do this? What are the costs and benefits to an animal of group living? How are these influenced by ecological factors? The authors familiarize the reader with cutting-edge ideas on the ecology and evolution of group-living animals, and detail fascinating case studies demonstrating them in action.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198508175
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/19/2002
Series:	Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction2. The benefits of group formation3. Some costs to grouping4. The size of a group5. Spatial heterogeneity of costs and benefits within groups6. Heterogeneity and homogeneity of group membership7. Evolutionary considerations8. Environmental effects on grouping behavior9. Mechanisms10. ConclusionsReferencesAuthor IndexGeneral Index

Editorial Reviews

"Diverse and extensive literature citations; helpful author and subject indexes. ... highly recommended."—Choice

From the Publisher