Book Description

Deemed a classic for its reading level and high-quality illustrations, this respected text is ideal for your one-semester Comparative Anatomy course. For the ninth edition, George Kent is joined by new co-author Bob Carr. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Detailed to say the least
I have to say this text is very interesting but not clear at all times.It's got loads of information jammed into a book that's rather thin for a college text but it's very informative.My only problem?It's so detailed that you can barely make out what any of it means.Also, the glossary is not as complete as it should be, but it does give plenty of latin prefixes and suffixes to help aid in the translation of scientific jargon.If they had put in about five or so more chapters (or at least that amount in pages) they could have explained confusing concepts more and avoid just jamming as many neurocranial bones as they can figure out in one paragraph.

Update of an inadequate text
I have not read this edition of Dr. Kent's book, but as a former student of Dr. Kent's, I was forced to buy his text when I took his comparative anatomy course.At the time, I found it a difficult read of marginalusefulness.When he left Louisiana State, a different, far better text wasintroduced.If this is merely an update of that volume, I echo others whorecommend other sources.

Interesting, but a disappointing lack of detail.
Though this book is a decent introductory guide to comparative vertebrate anatomy, there is a significant lack of detail in certain sections.The text is very condensed, and difficult to read at certain parts.I recommend using a similar book by Walker. ... Read more

Amazon.com

E.O. Wilson defines sociobiology as "the systematic study of the biological basis of all social behavior," the central theoretical problem of which is the question of how behaviors that seemingly contradict the principles of natural selection, such as altruism, can develop. Sociobiology: A New Synthesis, Wilson's first attempt to outline the new field of study, was first published in 1975 and called for a fairly revolutionary update to the so-called Modern Synthesis of evolutionary biology. Sociobiology as a new field of study demanded the active inclusion of sociology, the social sciences, and the humanities in evolutionary theory. Often criticized for its apparent message of "biological destiny," Sociobiology set the stage for such controversial works as Richard Dawkins's The Selfish Gene and Wilson's own Consilience.

Sociobiology defines such concepts as society, individual, population, communication, and regulation. It attempts to explain, biologically, why groups of animals behave the way they do when finding food or shelter, confronting enemies, or getting along with one another.Wilson seeks to explain how group selection, altruism, hierarchies, and sexual selection work in populations of animals, and to identify evolutionary trends and sociobiological characteristics of all animal groups, up to and including man. The insect sections of the books are particularly interesting, given Wilson's status as the world's most famous entomologist.

It is fair to say that as an ecological strategy eusociality has been overwhelmingly successful. It is useful to think of an insect colony as a diffuse organism, weighing anywhere from less than a gram to as much as a kilogram and possessing from about a hundred to a million or more tiny mouths.

It's when Wilson starts talking about human beings that the furor starts. Feminists have been among the strongest critics of the work, arguing that humans are not slaves to a biological destiny, forever locked in "primitive" behavior patterns without the ability to reason past our biochemical nature. Like The Origin of Species, Sociobiology has forced many biologists and social scientists to reassess their most cherished notions of how life works. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Good read, but more like a science textbook
Having been a science major, this book at times reminded me of reading a biology textbook. At other times though, the author does use his literary skills and story telling ability and keeping things humourous; especially when he tells of the murder, deception, treachery, intrigue and chemical warfare of his beloved ants.

There is A LOT of theory in this book. He will typically describe an organisms behavior or behavioral trends and then desrcibe the competing hypothoses for these trends, phenomena or divergance from these typical trends.

Like I said though, this book is technical. Don't attempt reading it unless you have completed 2 courses of undergrad biology and calculus, as well as chemisty (most of the chemicals used by ants and the like involve simple organic compounds I was a chem major myself.)

In other words, this is not like On Human Nature or Journey to the Ants: This is more like a 3rd or 4th year advanced biology course textbook.

Recommended by a dissenter
Great read! Well written, well thought out but I disagree strongly with parallels drawn with human societies. Would recommend this wholeheartedly for every thoughtful reader.

a classic!
I rated it a 5, so theres not much left to say. Its a classic and if you are involved anywhere in the biological sciences you should have this book on your shelf (especially if you want to understand the new papers coming out on biodiversity such as those that challenge the ideas of island biography).

A foundational work in the natural sciences
One has to wonder what all the controversy was about, back when this book was first printed. (In fact, there is an excellent book on the subject of that controversy, so I won't get into that.)

But here, and in "Consilience," Wilson was making a very important case which we cannot ignore or dismiss: the ancient Greeks dreamed of all knowledge coming together, and we are in a position to start making this happen. For example, we would regard a chemist proposing a theory which violated the laws of physics with deep suspicion. Physics and chemistry are already conceptually united, and I think mathematics falls into that domain, as does astronomy.

Psychology allegedly lies in an entirely different domain.

What about biology? Is it possible for a biologist to propose a theory which violates the laws of evolution, and remain coherent?

In any case, this is where much of the excitement of the 21st century is going to come from.

A landmark work!

A must for every professional bookshelf, but dated
I have felt for years that this is probably the best single reference on behavioural ecology up through 1975 & actively seek out used copies to give my students, so it is nice to see a relatively cheap re-print. SOCIOBIOLOGY has a massive Lit. Cited (up to date of original publication) and contains all the really useful bits of Wilson & Bossert's very useful PRIMER OF POPULATION BIOLOGY. It also has some lovely examples of pioneering studies in behavioural ecology that in some cases have been taken to very exciting "next levels" over the past quarter century & in other cases still lie fallow. Wilson's style is readable and I still feel that this book makes a good foundation block for a personal library, but it is essential that one gets more recent stuff as well, including both the critics and the elaborators. This is the beginning only. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Love primates? BUY!
As a primate owner and caregiver, I can say that this book is a lovely addition to any primate enthusiast's collection! Simply beautiful. ... Read more

Book Description

Among the most ancient and powerful of insects, dragonflies fascinate scientists and nonspecialists--in part because they are large enough for the behavior of individual insects to be observed and interpreted. Indeed, so much useful information exists about dragonflies that they serve as valuable models for interpreting the behavior and ecology of other taxa. Philip S. Corbet has devoted a lifetime to their study. His book A Biology of Dragonflies has been a standard text for more than thirty-five years. This latest book establishes a new benchmark for the Odonata, providing a comprehensive, critical review of past and current knowledge--both published and unpublished--about species from all biogeographical regions in both functional and evolutionary contexts.The volume emphasizes the diversity found in dragonfly behavior as well as unifying patterns. It describes the behavioral strategies that influence the fitness of individuals in physical and biotic environments and in all stages of the life cycle, and identifies the biological principles reflected in those strategies. The book also examines behavior associated with processes such as habitat selection, foraging, seasonal regulation, migration, territoriality, mating, and sperm competition, emphasizing the interdependence of all developmental stages as well as relationships among dragonflies and other animals, including humans.Dragonflies represents a remarkably thorough and searching appraisal of a single taxon, featuring 252 drawings and black-and-white photographs, 96 color plates, nearly 100 appendix tables, and more than 4,000 bibliographic citations to original sources. The wealth of information and its integrated treatment will indisputably make the book the definitive source on dragonflies for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent
It is a masterpiece, bound to remain indispensable to biologists for years to come.

A New Standard in Odonatological Literature
I am a fourth-year biology undergrad at the University of Toronto. My program has consisted largely of ecology, evolution, and behavior, and throughout it I have attempted to incorporate my lifelong fascination with dragonflies into many of my research projects, essays, etc. Recently, while drafting a paper on the conservation of rare/significant dragonflies for a Conservation Biology class, I came across (and relied heavily upon) P.S. Corbet's book, Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata. I was beyond impressed. Having sifted through as much primary and secondary literature as I could get my hands on, his book quickly found the top of the pile, being by far the most current, comprehensive, and well-written study of dragonfly ecology and life history. In fact, my enthusiasm for his work must have been quite apparent, as my girlfriend thoughtfully gave me a copy for Christmas, so I could avoid any further library fines for a book I simply couldn't give back! I consider this book a must-have for any aspiring odonatologist, and highly recommend it to anyone who is awed (as I am) by these wonderful insects. Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata affords not only an educational, but a truly pleasurable read--a combination that only someone with personal enthusiasm and lifetime experience in a subject could produce. Anyone with a copy of Walker on the shelves should be sure to place Prof. Corbet's work next to it, as it truly represents a new standard in Odonatological literature.

Cory Robertson University of Toronto Hon. B.Sc. Biology ... Read more

Amazon.com

Patty Summers has a remarkable gift--she talks with animals. She doesn't just talk to animals, she converses with them. A regular Doctor Dolittle, Summers shares stories of the animals in her life--dogs, cats, and even an iguana named Quasar. Talking with the Animals will bring a smile to your face, and sometimes a tear to your eye, but there is more here than a human interpretation of animal antics. These stories are told as much by the animals themselves and will teach you as much about the humans on this planet as they do about the furry, feathered, and scaly creatures we share our lives with. --Brian Patterson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Patty Summers' "Talking with Animals" is a wonderful!
Patty Summers' extraordinary "Talking with Animals" is a tender, moving tribute to understanding the other souls who inhabit our planet. Instead of touting her own abilities as "magic", Summers shows how she tuned into telepathic communications with animals and offers readers tips on how to do it. Any animal lover will be thrilled with this unique and outstanding book.

A moving, inspiring book.........
I went to a friend's house and this book was laying on her couch. I picked it up and wasn't able to put it down. The stories behind all of these animals are so moving. Animals are very special, some people may not think so, but after you read this book you have to believe. Patty summer's ability to speak with animals is amazing! It shows us that animals have a different perspective on life, death, friendship, and strength. So different from the people on the earth today. This book is a must read for anyone who loves animals, or even for anyone who doesn't.

Awesome!!!!!!
This is the best book ever!I learned so much from it.I practice talking with my horse everyday.Buy this book. Its worth the money

Patty shares her gift with us
The author, Patty, shares her special spiritual gift with us, so we can all become more sensitive and in tune with what our animals are feeling and thinking. Will touch your heart, and raise your awareness of the intelligence and feelings of our "dumb friends". Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).

Fascinating look at inter-species communication
Fascinating journey into the world of inter-species communication. Wonderful read for all animal lovers, heartwarming and touching. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier). ... Read more

Book Description

Carnivores provide innumerable ecological benefits and play a unique role in preserving and maintaining ecosystem services and function, but at the same time they can create serious problems for human populations. A key question for conservation biologists and wildlife managers is how to manage the world's carnivore populations to conserve this important natural resource while mitigating harmful impacts on humans.

In People and Predators, leading scientists and researchers offer case studies of human-carnivore conflicts in a variety of landscapes, including rural, urban, and political. The book covers a diverse range of taxa, geographic regions, and conflict scenarios, with each chapter dealing with a specific facet of human-carnivore interactions and offering practical, concrete approaches to resolving the conflict under consideration. Chapters provide background on particular problems and describe how challenges have been met or what research or tools are still needed to resolve the conflicts.

People and Predators will helps readers to better understand issues of carnivore conservation in the 21st century, and provides practical tools for resolving many of the problems that stand between us and a future in which carnivores fulfill their historic ecological roles.

Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive and current source of information on fishes—including systematics, zoogeography, behavior, and conservation of fishes—that is often needed by professionals as background for writing accurate reports.This book covers the structure and physiology, evolution and taxonomy, zoogeography, and ecology and conservation of fishes.For fisheries biologists, conservation biologists, and aquatic ecologists that need an up-to-date reference on Ichthyology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE text on the fishes...
I am an avid fish fanatic. Moyle and Cech have produced what should be the greatest book of scientific interest on the subject. Seems like there is a but there? There is, this is a text book. If you are taking ichthyology, an upper level (sometimes graduate level) course on fishes this book will be your best friend. It is critical to understanding the largest group of vertebrates. It is well organized, fact filled and well cited. But, if you don't have Biology one and two, some chemistry, physiology and an introductory zoology course behind you it will lose you at the introduction. Even though I rate it high I would wait until a professor says you have to buy it. ... Read more

Book Description

This textbook is the most concise and readable invertebrates book in terms of detail and pedagogy (other texts do not offer boxed readings, a second color, end of chapter questions, or pronunciation guides). All phyla of invertebrates are covered (comprehensive) with an emphasis on unifying characteristics of each group. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Ok but not great
I took invertebrate zoology as my population/diversity requirement for my biology major and used this book.I thought that it would be easy.It wasn't.Unless you are really interested in worms or insects or crabs then there is a good possibility that you might not really like a class like this and would recommend taking a different population/diversity class instead.The class that I took included both lecture and lab examinations which I thought were rather difficult.It wasn't really my thing and I didn't really find it that thrilling.

The textbook includes the major phyla of the invertebrates: Molluscs, Echinoderms, Arthropods, etc; as well as several minor phyla and a number of invertebrate classes.The photographs are in black and white and there are a number of drawings of the anatomy of invertebrates, as well as many tables and graphs.However, the book is in my opinion a rather slim volume and much information about specific classes are families is largely omitted.Also, the book chooses to first present information about the different classes and orders in a phyla and thenpresents informations about respiration, digestion, and other bodily processes at the end of the chapter, which I found confusing.It would seem easier to just talk about the processes while discussing the specific classes or orders.

I wouldn't really say that this book is sufficient for the lab portion of a class like this.The drawings are ok and useful for identifying some slides and specimens, but you will probably cover animals in lab that aren't in the book.I used a general biology lab book when I took this class, but included very few slides that we actually looked at, and only about half of the dissections that we preformed. I would recommend buying a specific Invertebrate Zoology lab book, if you can find one.

If you pay attention in lecture and are good at drawing pictures of specimens in lab, then this book is probably suffient for you to do well in an invertebrate class.If you have problems paying attention in lecture and have difficulty telling one worm from another (like I did often) then you might want to check some other books out from the library that go into more detail.

Up to date, but some areas lack depth
I have used this text for an undergraduate invertebrate zoology course.I selected the text for two reasons: 1) the book is current, with a publication year of 2000; and 2) the author made an effort to address not only major phyla but smaller phyla as well.

This is a good book for aone-semester undergraduate course in invertebrate zoology, but if you arelooking for anything more, you ought to consider other options, such asbooks by Ruppert and Barnes, or Brusca and Brusca, or Pearse andPearse.

Pechenik does a good job in covering the water front ofinvertebrate diversity, though there are places where depth is somewhatlacking.As I taught my course using this book as the primary reference, Irealized that Pechenik is more of an taxonomic lumper than I am.If youare a lumper you will enjoy this book's treatment of various groups (e.g.,pentastomida, asteroids and ophiuroids, etc.).If you tend to be a bitmore of a splitter, then you will find areas where you are not in line withthe text's information.

The supporting illustrations are fine, though Iwish there were a few more there.I understand that the author's goal wasto produce a shorter book that is still rigorous enough to supportcollege-level courses.He did an admirable job of that, but I found myselflooking time and again to other sources for additional information forclass.

A good book, but not one that "has it all." ... Read more

Book Description

William McGrew reveals that the astonishing variation in chimpanzee behavior more closely resembles cultural variety in humans than the simpler behavior of other animal species. This book demonstrates that cultural primatology may therefore help reconstruct the cultural evolution of Homo sapiensfrom earlier forms including pre-humans. It will be essential reading for all anthropologists, archaeologists and zoologists interested in the cultural evolution of humans as well as other primates. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Robert Trivers is one of the leading figures pioneering the field of sociobiology. For Natural Selection and Social Theory, he has selected eleven of his most influential papers, including several classic papers from the early 1970s on the evolution of reciprocal altruism, parent-offspring conflicts and asymmetry in sexual selection, which helped to establish the centrality of sociobiology, as well as some of his later on deceit in signalling, sex antagonistic genes, and imprinting. Trivers introduces each paper, setting them in their contemporary context, and critical evaluating them in the light of subsequent work and further developments. The result is a unique portrait of the intellectual development of sociobiology, with valuable insights of interest to evolutionary biology, anthropology, and psychology. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Essential reading for social scientists and others
This is a beautiful book. It combines seminal papers with anecdotes and a post-scripts which place the paper in their context and make it easier for those of us who have been consumers of socio-biology to better appreciate the significance of the ideas presented. Trivers is a compelling writer and this book is a true gift to anybody curious about human psyche and behaviour. Highly recommended.

Yippee!!!
Those of us who are interested in the stories behind just HOW major breakthroughs in evolutionary and ecological thought were made have been spoiled in recent years: First there was W.D. Hamilton's marvelous 2 volume NARROW ROADS OF GENE LAND, now we get Bob Triver's wonderful NATURAL SELECTION AND SOCIAL THEORY. Here, in one place, one can find most of Trivers' revolutionary work on the evolution of social behavior, and as an added bonus one also gets Trivers' unvarnished -and often highly entertaining- commentary on just how he came to put together the ideas that -love 'em or hate 'em- provided much of the driving force behind Sociobiology & ultimately lead to Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Psychology. Along the way we are introduced to a fascinating cast of characters, ranging from Ernst Mayr, the foremost living Darwinian, through the neo-Marxist wing of Harvard, to Huey Newton, ex-Minister of Defense for the Black Panthers. Trivers' thinking is as eclectic and far ranging as the list of his friends and enemies, and while many of his subjects (altruism, parent-offspring conflict, fluctuating asymmetry, etc.) are still at the cutting edge of evolutionary thought, his writing is sufficiently free of jargon that I think it will draw in even the non-specialist. You may not agree with everything that Trivers says here -and I suspect that some folks will be offended by his candor- but this is a really important book & I see it as essential reading for any of us interested in the question of why we may do so many of the things that we do. Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description

Butler and William Hodos

By applying the tools of modern neuroanatomy to brain structure and function in various species, researchers have discovered that numerous cell groups and interconnections, known to be present in mammals, also exist in nonmammalian vertebrates. This book reveals how the brains of various vertebrates are astoundingly similar in some ways, while in others they are quite different. The authors examine how the form of the brain is modified and magnified to perfect and capitalize on a specific function, making any particular animal a "specialist" in its area. They also clarify the forms and functions of the nervous system that have allowed vertebrates to adapt to almost every aspect of the earth's environment.

Comparative Vertebrate Neuroanatomy: Evolution and Adaptation is a long-awaited text that creates numerous educational possibilities...

"This work is virtually unique in the field and would definitely fill a void... an incredible tour de force..." —Thomas E. Finger University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

"This work is a comprehensive, readable review and synthesis of the latest concepts and knowledge about the diverse outcomes of vertebrate evolution." —Wally Welker University of Wisconsin-Madison

"There is no other current publication remotely like it, in scope and certainly in expertise. It will be the only contemporary text in brain evolution, and in comparative neurology...The breadth of coverage is remarkable..." —John I. Johnson Michigan State University

"We have been waiting for a book like this for many years." —Peter Ekström Lund University

The authors, both recognized experts in the field, present their information in a clear, easy-to-follow format, presuming little prior knowledge of anatomy or biology beyond the college level. This conceptually detailed text is essential for undergraduate or graduate students in the neurosciences, preparing them for more specialized texts in neuroanatomy and brain evolution. It is also an ideal reference for physicians, an engaging synthesis of current knowledge of the form and function of the nervous system. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good starting point for vertebrate neuroanatomy
While the title of this reference may sound formidable, it is actually suitable for the motivated general reader, and is far clearer than typical neuroanatomy textbooks. Neuroanatomy across the vertebrate lines is considered, with explanations of underlying neuronal and neuroanatomical principles.

Very approachable
This ambitious evolutionary approach to the vertebrate nervous system gives the student all the tools needed to proceed with the advanced (3-volume)works of Crosby, et al (paleo) and Niuwenhuys, et al(neo). The text is well organized and has only a slight amount of redundancy. Would hope the next edition would have improved and possibly colorful figures. This will become the only "one volume" classic of vertebrate comparative neuroanatomy. ... Read more

Book Description

A gorilla shrewdly sells back a missing key chain to the highest bidder. An orangutan picks a lock to let himself out of his zoo enclosure and two elephants adopt a tag-team strategy to keep their handlers from putting them back into theirs. In The Parrot's Lament, noted environmentalist Eugene Linden offers more than one hundred true anecdotes about animal acts of cooperation, heroism, escape--even tales of deception or manipulation of human beings. Drawing on the first-person experiences of veterinarians, field biologists, researchers, and trainers, Linden has compiled a warmly entertaining and powerfully persuasive argument for animal consciousness that, while not human, far exceeds what humans usually grant animals. Scientifically sound and emotionally compelling, The Parrot's Lament contains remarkable stories that are sure to resonate with animal lovers, turning skeptics everywhere into believers.

"Eugene Linden reveals how animals demonstrate aspects of intelligence as they escape from, cheat, and outfox humans." --Time magazine

"These amazing true stories confirm what many of us always suspected--that animals would make better humans than most humans would." --Carl Hiaasen ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Witty and fulfilling
I enjoyed this book of anecdotes about animals behaving in smart, original, creative, and sometimes heroic ways. It was written in a very accessible style, and I enjoyed the author's sense of humor. The book was well-divided into sections: games and humor; trade and barter; deception; mind reading and mental chess; cooperation in work, conflict and healing; tools and intelligence; escapes; empathy and heroism; and a place where humans are the novelty. I would've liked to have read more about the last section, about animals who have no fear of humans in a virtually untouched jungle in Africa. The only thing that puzzled me about the book was the rather apologetic tone regarding animal intelligence. The tone tries to pacify scientists and other people who aren't convinced that animals possess intelligence. I have never doubted that they do. I'm sure most people who have pets or work around animals feel the same way. It's too bad that we have to be apologetic about believing that the important life forms that share our planet have the capacity to think and feel. As the author points out in the last chapter, based on what we're doing to the planet, it's sometimes questionable which species is really the one without intelligence.

A good book, with some unsettling errors...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exploration of animal intelligence. Linden writes clearly and succinctly, and does a great job of weaving his stories together to support the points he makes. He has taken examples from both his personal experience, and from numerous print sources and interviews with other people. Most of the stories revolve around captive animals (as pets and in zoos - primarily because these are more easily observed), though some examples from the wild are included. In addition, an overwhelming number of these case studies involve the great apes (particularly orangutans and gorillas) and dolphins. This is to be expected, as these species are generally considered to be among the most intelligent, but there are also tales of birds, pigs, large cats, and others.

The book is divided into nine categories. He begins with "Games and Humor," in which he explores the ways in which animals amuse themselves. "Trade and Barter" was one of the most interesting chapters, detailing the elaborate systems captive apes have been taught, where they can earn "money" for performing tasks for their keepers, and then spend that money on items they want, such as treats or toys. "Deception" discusses ways animals have tried to fool both their human counterparts and others of their own species. In "Mind Reading and Mental Chess" Linden explores the extent to which animals can be aware of others' states of mind. "Cooperation in Work, Conflict, and Healing" is another particularly interesting chapter, offering examples of service animals that have gone beyond their training to help humans. Included are stories of animals that actually seek out ill and injured people in order to offer them solace. "Tools and Intelligence" concerns that very sticky topic of whether humans, as tool-users, are unique. It appears that we are not, and Linden shows us numerous cases where other species have made use of tools to achieve their aims. The seventh chapter talks of escape attempts - cases where captive animals have shown remarkable ingenuity despite all their keepers' efforts to dissuade them. "Empathy and Heroism" gives us examples of animal heroes, and finally "A Place Where Humans are the Novelty" takes a brief look at those few wild places that are still relatively untouched by humans.

While I really liked the book as a whole, however, there are a few things which cause me to knock my rating down to only four stars. First is that Linden undermines much of his own thesis by devoting an entire preface as a disclaimer that none of these stories can be used as scientific evidence. Perhaps the stories are anecdotal, but this is how much of scientific discovery begins - with pure observation of things. For those of us with wide exposure to animals, it is hard to deny that they do possess some remarkable mental capabilities, even without these stories as additional proof.

And secondly, Linden has done a very poor job of checking his facts. Many of his examples come from animals at the Woodland Park Zoo, which is very close to where I live, and which I have visited numerous times. The first error that leapt out at me is relatively minor - the orangutan Linden refers to as "Tawan" is actually named Towan. But more alarming, one of Linden's stories involves the gorillas at Woodland Park. He claims that the gorilla Jumoke, when separated from the father of her baby, repeatedly tried to climb out of her new enclosure to rejoin him. This is all well and good, except that the "father" is billed as Alafia. Anyone can check the Woodland Park Zoo's website (www.zoo.org) and see that Alafia is, in fact, a female. So something is not right with that particular story. It could be that Linden just mixed up the names - there are a LOT of gorillas at Woodland park - but errors like this make me question the accuracy of the other accounts included. Has Linden made other mistakes in his research?

Overall, though, I would still recommend this book to anyone with a casual interest animal intelligence. Some of the stories are heartwarming, others funny, and others downright amazing. The book is friendly to the layman and does not require any scientific knowledge. It is also well-written and easy to read. If you're doing a study or writing a paper, I would strongly advise you to double-check the specifics of any accounts you intend to reference (due to the above mentioned errors), but for general-interest purposes this book is good enough as is. It's a great testament to the often vastly underestimated intellectual powers of our furry, feathery, and scaly friends.

Excellent
I have a bird myself, and though she doesn't display any higher intelligence, these stories were humerous and fascinating.

The tales of love and escape and the human qualities displayed by animals were touching, too. This book made me do something not not very many other books have done; I laughed out loud. It's a great book for those who have pets or are just interested in tales of animal empathy, deception, and cooperation and intelligence which are sometimes hysterical.

Entertaining tales of animal behavior
Eugene Linden's "Parrot's Lament" is a charming collection of animal anecdotes. The author's intent is to show that the human being is not the only animal that demonstrates mental and communicative abilities. He avoids the contention which surrounds scientific debates on the issues by simply recounting stories from his own experiences and from those of zoo keepers and naturalists, people whose only interest is in the animals they care for and not in scientific laurels or criticism. The only caveat, as he himself points out, is that because "it's unscientific...no matter how persuasive the material, one cannot use the stories and examples as proof of anything (p. xvii)." For those of us who are already convinced that animals are far brighter than most people give them credit for, this is not an important issue anyway.

The book is divided into sections, including: games and humor; trade and barter; deception, mind reading and mental chess; cooperation in work, conflict and healing; tools and intelligence; escapes from captivity; empathy and heroism; and untouched nature. Some of the material is repeated under different chapters, but when it is, it's presented from a new perspective which enlarges understanding of animal behavior. My favorite stories are some of the orangutan escape episodes, and some of the tales of trust and friendship.

The book certainly gives the reader a sense of what is being lost as our natural world is being destroyed by overpopulation, encroachment and exploitation. Since destruction of habitat seems to have taken on a life of its own these days, one almost wonders if it is unstoppable irrespective of our best intentions or of the ultimate negative impact it will have on our own future. This was particularly apparent in the last chapter of the book which deals with the Ndoki rain forest of the Congo. As was pointed out in Matt Ridley's book, The Red Queen, the incremental increase in benefit to the individual who causes the destruction of the environment increases the likelihood that the destruction will occur despite the overall long term loss to society. And this is often so, even though the individual beneficiary of the immediate good will also suffer with the rest of society. The loss of viable commonly held fields to over grazing during the Middle Ages was the example cited by Ridley (p. 91), but any other major loss of shared wealth could be substituted as well. As Linden points out, perhaps the very intellect of which we are so proud will be our ultimate undoing! We certainly don't seem to have learned from the lessons of our history!

Altogether a delightfully readable book.

We are not the only intelligent beings on this planet.
For all animal lovers that know for a fact that animals have a great deal of intelligence, this book is a breath of fresh air. Eugene Linden has written a fabulous book that shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that all of us animal lovers are correct: animals do think and feel and show emotions. Through all of Mr. Linden's research, conversations, and observations; he has written a heart-felt and very illuminating book on the facts of animal intellect. this is an utterly fabulous book and I highly recommend it to anyone! ... Read more

Book Description

Mother and infant negotiate over food; two high-status males jockey for power; female kin band together to get their way. It happens among humans and it happens among our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, the great apes of Africa. In this eye-opening book, we see precisely how such events unfold in chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas: through a spontaneous, mutually choreographed dance of actions, gestures, and vocalizations in which social partners create meaning and come to understand each other.

Using dynamic systems theory, an approach employed to study human communication, Barbara King is able to demonstrate the genuine complexity of apes' social communication, and the extent to which their interactions generate meaning. As King describes, apes create meaning primarily through their body movements--and go well beyond conveying messages about food, mating, or predators. Readers come to know the captive apes she has observed, and others across Africa as well, and to understand "the process of creating social meaning."

This new perspective not only acquaints us with our closest living relatives, but informs us about a possible pathway for the evolution of language in our own species. King's theory challenges the popular idea that human language is instinctive, with rules and abilities hardwired into our brains. Rather, The Dynamic Dance suggests, language has its roots in the gestural "building up of meaning" that was present in the ancestor we shared with the great apes, and that we continue to practice to this day.

Book Description

One of the most fascinating problems in biology is how a single cell, the fertilised egg, gives rise to a new individual. The fertilised egg divides many times to form an embryo. This volume in the Frontiers in Molecular Biology series discusses the methods by which cells in distinct regions of an embryo become different, a process known as patterning. Patterning is fundamental to establishing the spatial organisation of the developing embryo. It ensures that all the parts of the body are generated and that they form in exactly the right places. The ultimate inpatterning is the formation of precise arrangements of specialised cells and tissues within each organ. Understanding the process of patterning during the embryonic development of vertebrates is a particular challenge for developmental biologists because vertebrates have an intricate and complex anatomy and histology.The first two chapters of Patterning in Vertebrate Development are introductory, explaining to the reader the general principles of vertebrate patterning and early embryology. The subsequent chapters addresspatterning in both nervous system and specific parts of the body. Each chapter provides a detailed review of current research in a specific area of interest. These include topics such as neural specification, antero-posterior patterning of the neural tube, and molecular basis of vertebrate limb development. Throughout the volume, examples are drawn from a number of species, and particular emphasis is placed on recent discoveries about the molecular basis of patterning in vertebrates. The book concludes with a chapter which revisits many of the regions of the embryo previously discussed from an evolutionary perspective. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive, step-by-step laboratory training manual brings all the elements for a successful embryo transfer program together in a simple, organized, illustrated format. For the last several decades, artificial insemination has allowed genetic progress to be achieved relatively quickly through the widespread and efficient use of frozen semen. As a result of the advancement of embryo transfer (ET) techniques, cows can produce many offspring. A more rapid genetic gain is achieved which complements an artificial insemination program. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive with details!
This is a great book to address an unfilled need. If you want to know every step in implementing embryo recovery and transfer, this book is for you.

John does a great job of putting together many simple but detailed steps into one book. Anyone who is considering learning the art and science of embryo transfer in cattle should first read this book! ... Read more

Book Description

This General Zoology Laboratory Manual is intended for students taking their first course in zoology. Provided are exercises and experiences that will help students: (1) understand the general principles that unite animal biology, (2) appreciate the diversity found in the animal kingdom and understand the evolutionary relationships that explain this diversity, (3) become familiar with the structure and function of vertebrate organ systems and appreciate some of the evolutionary changes that took place in the development of those organ systems, and (4) develop problem-solving skills. ... Read more

Book Description

When seen hunting over a meadow, barn owls have an ethereal grace and beauty that can be matched by no other bird. The barn owl has an almost global distribution and has lived in close proximity to humans since settlement and farming created the forest clearings needed for hunting and places in which to nest. However, in many countries, barn owl numbers are falling rapidly. This book explores the relationships between barn owls and their prey worldwide, and demonstrates how an understanding of such relationships can help in the conservation of the species. In this comprehensive account, Iain Taylor describes the biology and ecology of this species, including the factors affecting breeding success, and causes of mortality affecting the final recruitment of new birds into the population. He concludes by suggesting ways in which we can manage and conserve this beautiful bird for the future. ... Read more

Book Description

Using its powerful beak, a lorikeet gently preens its mate's feathers; young cheetahs rest together in the shade; fireflies semaphore to each other across a darkened landscape and a mongoose deftly bites its prey to death. The study of animal behavior is about all these things and more. It involves absolute stillness and violent activity, all the noises and smells and changes of color and shape that characterize animal life. Taking the organization of behavior within the individual animal as its core, this clear, concise and readable foray into the fascinating world of animal behavior investigates Tinbergen's questions of causation, evolution, development and function. It provides lucid accounts of all levels of behavior from the nerve cell to that of the population. The broad biological approach of this new, rewritten edition makes it an excellent choice for all students of animal behavior and psychology and their teachers. ... Read more