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This volume presents a worldwide summary of current knowledge on Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, fur seals and the walrus). Subjects covered include mating systems, behavioural ecology, communication, physiology, reproductive and foraging energetics, sensory reception, and learning and cognition.
Contents
Part 1 Determinants of mating systems in the otariidae (pinnipedia): overview of current theory; types of mating system among otariids; variation in the form of otariid mating systems. Part 2 Pinniped mating system on land, ice and in the water - emphasis on the phocidae: what do we expect in pinnipeds and other mammals?; what do we find in mammals?; what determines the distribution of females and the degree of polygyny?; do the unique features of pinnipeds give an advantage to one sex and affect the form that mating systems take?; what are the consequences of mating of land verses in the water?. Part 3 Behavioural ecology of pinniped neo-nates: life history characteristics; the lactation period; weaning; behaviour and diet of weaned pups; discussion. Part 4 Communication in pinnipeds, with special reference to non-acoustic signalling: signal structure and variation; some concepts in communication; combat behaviour and the communication of threat; ecological variation and time/activity budgets; evolutionary patterns. Part 5 Physiology of behaviour in pinnipeds: the physiology of reproductive behaviour; maternal behaviour; motor development and play; immune system; diving; metabolism; activity patterns; thermo-regulation; moult; orientation. Part 6 Reproductive and foraging energetics of pinnipeds - implications for life history patterns: reproductive biology; maternal investment; foraging behaviour. Part 7 Sensory reception - phocidae and otariidae: methodological caveats in psychophysical threshold measurement; vision; hearing; tactile sensation - vibrissae; chemo-reception; magnetic reception; discussion; umwelten - beyond the receptor.
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