Models of Adaptive Behaviour: An Approach Based on State

Description

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 new field, summarizing previous research, presenting new material and suggesting directions for future 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 currenct 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.

'I think this book will define a benchmark in behavioural ecology ... This book deserves to be read (and reread) by a wide audience of scientists.' Animal Behaviour