Models of Adaptive Behaviour sets out a framework for adaptive explanations of behaviour, and applies this to give 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. It gives a definitive account of this exciting field, summarizing previous research, presenting material and suggesting directions for research. Organisms differ in terms of their state - for example in their size, energy relations or temperature - which often affects their behaviour. The framework adopted in this book takes this into account, and 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 behavioural or evolutionary biology.
After a brief survey of biotopic and vegetational features and an account of the main groups of desert animals, the most unusual patterns of the behaviour of the xerophilous fauna are examined. The...
Fish are extremely successful vertebrates. Because of a long and divergent history they are now found in almost every conceiv able aquatic habitat. This radiation has been accompanied by great...
This book reflects and expands on the current trend in the building industry to understand, simulate and ultimately design buildings by taking into consideration the interlinked elements and forces...