Animal Behavior covers the broad sweep of animal behavior from its neurological underpinnings to the importance of behavior in conservation. The authors, Michael Breed and Janice Moore, bring almost 60 years of combined experience as university professors to Animal Behavior, much of that teaching animal behavior. An entire chapter is devoted to the vibrant new field of behavior and conservation, including topics such as social behavior and the relationship between parasites, pathogens and behavior. Thoughtful coverage has also been given to foraging behavior, mating and parenting behavior, anti-predator behavior and learning.
Animal Behavior addresses the physiological foundations of behavior in a way that is both accessible and inviting. Each chapter begins with learning objectives and concludes with thought-provoking questions. Additionally, special terms and definitions are highlighted throughout.
1. Of Cockroaches and Wolves: Framing Animal Behavior
2. Neurobiology and Endocrinology for Animal Behaviorists
3. Behavioral Genetics
4. Homeostasis and Time Budgets
5. Learning
6. Cognition
7. Communication
8. Movement: Search, Navigation, Migration, and Dispersal
9. Foraging
10. Self-defense
11. Mating Systems
12. Nesting, Parenting and Territoriality
13. Social Behavior, Cooperation, and Kinship
14. Comparative Social Behavior
15. Conservation and Behavior
"Breed & Moore present an accessible introduction to behaviour that simultaneously captures the dynamic nature and diversity of the field. The text is focused on functional and evolutionary approaches to questions in behaviour, addressing only the bare bones of neural, physiological and genetic mechanisms. Thorough coverage is provided of empirical and theoretical approaches to learning and cognition, cooperation and social behaviour, foraging and movement, and sexual selection and parental care. Topical and relevant areas are emphasized, such as the intersection between conservation and behaviour, and predicting behavioural responses to climate change."
– Animal Behaviour 84 (2012) 289–291