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Survey of Chemical Spill Countermeasures
by Jennifer Charles Merv Fingas P. G. Langille L. B. SolsbergUntil now, information regarding chemical spill clean-up was available only through manufacturer's literature from an individual firm, or scattered in the traditional textbooks on remediation engineering and hazardous waste management. Survey of Chemical Spill Countermeasures provides a one-stop source of information on how to clean up spill sites in safe, acceptable ways. Because of the ever-growing need to maintain constant vigilance over hazardous chemicals and potential leaks and spills, this reference will become an important source for the practicing environmental engineer and field technician.Survey of Chemical Spill Countermeasures provides operators with useful information on how to clean up sites, including controlling leakage, containment of spills on land and water, and ways to safely transfer and store the contaminants. Additionally, the book includes up-to-date information on containment and treatment technologies, from dredging and vacuuming, to solid and vapor treatment systems.
A Survey of Computational Physics: Introductory Computational Science
by Rubin Landau José Páez Cristian C. BordeianuComputational physics is a rapidly growing subfield of computational science, in large part because computers can solve previously intractable problems or simulate natural processes that do not have analytic solutions. The next step beyond Landau's First Course in Scientific Computing and a follow-up to Landau and Páez's Computational Physics, this text presents a broad survey of key topics in computational physics for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students, including new discussions of visualization tools, wavelet analysis, molecular dynamics, and computational fluid dynamics. By treating science, applied mathematics, and computer science together, the book reveals how this knowledge base can be applied to a wider range of real-world problems than computational physics texts normally address. Designed for a one- or two-semester course, A Survey of Computational Physics will also interest anyone who wants a reference on or practical experience in the basics of computational physics. Accessible to advanced undergraduates Real-world problem-solving approach Java codes and applets integrated with text Companion Web site includes videos of lectures
A Survey of Fractal Dimensions of Networks (SpringerBriefs in Computer Science)
by Eric RosenbergMany different fractal dimensions have been proposed for networks. In A Survey of Fractal Dimensions of Networks the theory and computation of the most important of these dimensions are reviewed, including the box counting dimension, the correlation dimension, the mass dimension, the transfinite fractal dimension, the information dimension, the generalized dimensions (which provide a way to describe multifractals), and the sandbox method (for approximating the generalized dimensions). The book describes the use of diameter-based and radius-based boxes, and presents several heuristic methods for box counting, including greedy coloring, random sequential node burning, and a method for computing a lower bound. We also discuss very recent results on resolving ambiguity in the calculation of the information dimension and the generalized dimensions, and on the non-monotonicity of the generalized dimensions. Anyone interested in the theory and application of networks will want to read this Brief. This includes anyone studying, e.g., social networks, telecommunications networks, transportation networks, ecological networks, food chain networks, network models of the brain, or financial networks.
A Survey of the Almagest: With Annotation and New Commentary by Alexander Jones (Sources and Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences)
by Alexander Jones Olaf PedersenThe Almagest, by the Greek astronomer and mathematician Ptolemy, is the most important surviving treatise on early mathematical astronomy, offering historians valuable insight into the astronomy and mathematics of the ancient world. Pedersen's 1974 publication, A Survey of the Almagest, is the most recent in a long tradition of companions to the Almagest. Part paraphrase and part commentary, Pedersen's work has earned the universal praise of historians and serves as the definitive introductory text for students interested in studying the Almagest. In this revised edition, Alexander Jones, a distinguished authority on the history of early astronomy, provides supplementary information and commentary to the original text to account for scholarship that has appeared since 1974. This revision also incorporates various corrections to Pedersen's original text that have been identified since its publication. This volume is intended to provide students of the history of astronomy with a self-contained introduction to the Almagest, helping them to understand and appreciate Ptolemy's great and classical work.
Survey Research Methods
by Floyd J. Fowler Jr.Popular with those who want to collect, analyze, or read about survey data this book provides a sound basis for evaluating how each aspect of a survey can affect its precision, accuracy and credibility. Coverage includes: Improved techniques for evaluating survey questions, the latest options available to researchers in using the computer and the Internet for surveys, recent methodological findings to enhance survey research.
Surveying the Skies
by Gareth Wynn-WilliamsSince the time of Galileo, astronomy has been driven by technological innovation. With each major advance has come the opportunity and enthusiasm to survey the sky in a way that was not possible before. It is these surveys of discovery that are the subject of this book. In the first few chapters the author discusses what astronomers learned from visible-light surveys, first with the naked eye, then using telescopes in the seventeenth century, and photography in the nineteenth century. He then moves to the second half of the twentieth century when the skies started to be swept by radio, infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma ray telescopes, many of which had to be flown in satellites above the Earth's atmosphere. These surveys led to the discovery of pulsars, quasars, molecular clouds, protostars, bursters, and black holes. He then returns to Earth to describe several currently active large-scale projects that methodically collect images, photometry and spectra that are then stored in vast publicly-accessible databases. Dr. Wynn-Williams also describes several recent "microsurveys" - detailed studies of small patches of sky that have led to major advances in our understanding of cosmology and exoplanets.
Surveys in Differential-Algebraic Equations I
by Achim Ilchmann Timo ReisThe need for a rigorous mathematical theory for Differential-Algebraic Equations (DAEs) has its roots in the widespread applications of controlled dynamical systems, especially in mechanical and electrical engineering. Due to the strong relation to (ordinary) differential equations, the literature for DAEs mainly started out from introductory textbooks. As such, the present monograph is new in the sense that it comprises survey articles on various fields of DAEs, providing reviews, presentations of the current state of research and new concepts in - Controllability for linear DAEs - Port-Hamiltonian differential-algebraic systems - Robustness of DAEs - Solution concepts for DAEs - DAEs in circuit modeling. The results in the individual chapters are presented in an accessible style, making this book suitable not only for active researchers but also for graduate students (with a good knowledge of the basic principles of DAEs) for self-study.
Survival and Sacrifice in Mars Exploration
by Erik SeedhouseWith current technology, a voyage to Mars and back will take three years. That's a lot of time for things to go wrong. But sooner or later a commercial enterprise will commit itself to sending humans to Mars. How will the astronauts survive? Some things to consider are: ith current technology, a voyage to Mars and back will take three years. That's a lot of time for things to go wrong. But sooner or later a commercial enterprise will commit itself to sending humans to Mars. How will the astronauts survive? Some things to consider are: * Who decides what medical resources are used for whom? Who decides what medical resources are used for whom? * What is the relative weight of mission success and the health of the crew? What is the relative weight of mission success and the health of the crew? * Do we allow crewmembers to sacrifi ce their lives for the good of the mission? Do we allow crewmembers to sacrifi ce their lives for the good of the mission? * And what if a crewmember does perish? Do we store the body for return to Earth or give the member a burial in space? Questions like these, and hundreds of others, have been explored by science fi ction, but scant attention has been paid by those designing missions. Fortunately, the experience gained in polar exploration more than 100 years ago provides crews and mission planners with a framework to deal with contingencies and it is this that forms the core of this book. Why the parallels between polar and space exploration? Because polar exploration offers a better analogy for a Mars mission today than those invoked by the space community. Although astronauts are routinely compared to Lewis and Clark, Mars-bound astronauts will be closer in their roles to polar explorers. And, as much as space has been described as a New Frontier, Mars bears greater similarity to the polar regions, which is why so much can be learned from those who ventured there. And what if a crewmember does perish? Do we store the body forreturn to Earth or give the member a burial in space? Questions like these, and hundreds of others, have been explored by science fi ction, but scant attention has been paid by those designing missions. Fortunately, the experience gained in polar exploration more than 100 years ago provides crews and mission planners with a framework to deal with contingencies and it is this that forms the core of this book. Why the parallels between polar and space exploration? Because polar exploration offers a better analogy for a Mars mission today than those invoked by the space community. Although astronauts are routinely compared to Lewis and Clark, Mars-bound astronauts will be closer in their roles to polar explorers. And, as much as space has been described as a New Frontier, Mars bears greater similarity to the polar regions, which is why so much can be learned from those who ventured there.
Survival and Sustainability
by James W. Lamoreaux Umut Türker Hüseyin GökçekusThe International Conference on Environment: Survival and Sustainability, held at the Near East University, Nicosia, Northern Cyprus 19-24 February 2007, dealt with environmental threats and proposed solutions at all scales. The 21 themes addressed by the conference fell into four broad categories; Threats to Survival and Sustainability; Technological Advances towards Survival and Sustainability; Activities and Tools for Social Change; Defining Goals for Sustainable Societies. Activities and tools that move the society towards greater sustainability were emphasized at the conference. These included environmental law and ethics, environmental knowledge, technology and information systems, media, environmental awareness, education and lifelong learning, the use of literature for environmental awareness, the green factor in politics, international relations and environmental organizations. The breadth of the issues addressed at the conference made clear the need for greatly increased interdisciplinary and international collaboration the survival and sustainability concept. The exchanges at the conference represent a step in this direction.
The Survival Game: How Game Theory Explains the Biology of Cooperation and Competition
by David P. BarashFrom a zoologist and psychologist, an astonishing look at the biological and strategic roots of human decisionsHumans, like bacteria, woodchucks, chimpanzees, and other animals, compete or cooperate in order to get food, shelter, territory, and other resources to survive. But how do they decide whether to muscle out or team up with the competition?In The Survival Game, David P. Barash synthesizes the newest ideas from psychology, economics, and biology to explore and explain the roots of human strategy. Drawing on game theory-the study of how individuals make decisions-he explores the give-and-take of spouses in determining an evening's plans, the behavior of investors in a market bubble, and the maneuvers of generals on a battlefield alongside the mating and fighting strategies of "less rational" animals. Ultimately, Barash's lively and clear examples shed light on what makes our decisions human, and what we can glean from game theory and the natural world as we negotiate and compete every day.
A Survival Guide for Research Scientists
by Ratna TantraResearch scientists play a pivotal role in society. Their passion for science will drive them forward, leading to new discoveries that will ultimately make the world a better place. Unfortunately, as the professional environment becomes more and more competitive, research scientists today cannot just rely on technical knowledge to carve successful careers. Besides technical skills, they will need to acquire other skills, such as how to communicate their science to the outside world. A Survival Guide for Research Scientists is a one-stop-shop that will help you to develop those core skills not often taught at school or university. The book has been written by an author with more than 20 years of scientific research experience (across different scientific disciplines). She has not only been a research scientist but also a writer, a consultant, a sole-trader and a project manager. A Survival Guide for Research Scientists takes on a holistic approach in order to help you pave the way for success. As such, it features practical guidelines on how to: • conduct your scientific research (how to: do literature review, design experiments, adopt best practice, ensure health and safety, etc.).• write and edit (reports, bid proposals, peer review publications, etc).• interact with the outside world (be a team leader, manage a project, network, deal with difficult people, do presentations, organise meetings, etc.).• look after your career (and get your dream job). • look after yourself (and how to manage stress). • look for a job (develop your CV, prepare for interviews, etc.). • become self-employed (and achieve business success). • deal with redundancy (and move forward in life, etc) Whatever your scientific background may be, this book is the perfect accompaniment, to guide you at every stage of your career.
Survival-Guide fürs Life-Science-Studium
by Angela MaginDu planst ein Studium im Bereich Biomedizin, Molekularbiologie, Life Sciences und Co. oder hast gerade angefangen zu studieren – und hast viele Fragen? Vor allem dazu, was in deinem Studium auf dich zukommt? Hier erfährst du, was an der Hochschule von dir erwartet wird! Von deinen ersten Schritten ins Labor über die Auswertung von Daten, das Verfassen von Praktikumsprotokollen und die Arbeit mit wissenschaftlicher Literatur bis hin zu deinem eigenen, kleinen Forschungsprojekt in der Abschlussarbeit begleitet dich dieses Buch durch dein gesamtes Studium. Es zeigt dir, worauf du besonders achten musst, und erklärt dir das, was in deinen Vorlesungen oft zu kurz kommt: Wie Wissenschaft in der Praxis funktioniert.
Survival Guide to General Chemistry: Bridging The Gap From General Chemistry
by Patrick E. McMahon Rosemary McMahon Bohdan KhomtchoukThis work evolved over thirty combined years of teaching general chemistry to a variety of student demographics. The focus is not to recap or review the theoretical concepts well described in the available texts.Instead, the topics and descriptions in this book make available specific, detailed step-by-step methods and procedures for solving the major types of problems in general chemistry. Explanations, instructional process sequences, solved examples and completely solved practice problems are greatly expanded, containing significantly more detail than can usually be devoted to in a comprehensive text. Many chapters also provide alternative viewpoints as an aid to understanding. Key Features: The authors have included every major topic in the first semester of general chemistry and most major topics from the second semester. Each is written in a specific and detailed step-by-step process for problem solving, whether mathematical or conceptual Each topic has greatly expanded examples and solved practice problems containing significantly more detail than found in comprehensive texts Includes a chapter designed to eliminate confusion concerning acid/base reactions which often persists through working with acid/base equilibrium Many chapters provide alternative viewpoints as an aid to understanding This book addresses a very real need for a large number of incoming freshman in STEM fields
Survival Guide to Organic Chemistry: Bridging the Gap from General Chemistry
by Bohdan B. Khomtchouk Claes Wahlestedt Patrick E. McMahonThe Survival Guide to Organic Chemistry: Bridging the Gap from General Chemistry enables organic chemistry students to bridge the gap between general chemistry and organic chemistry. It makes sense of the myriad of in-depth concepts of organic chemistry, without overwhelming them in the necessary detail often given in a complete organic chemistry text. Here, the topics covered span the entire standard organic chemistry curriculum. The authors describe subjects which require further explanation, offer alternate viewpoints for understanding and provide hands-on practical problems and solutions to help master the material. This text ultimately allows students to apply key ideas from their general chemistry curriculum to key concepts in organic chemistry.
A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age: Scientific Habits of Mind
by David HelfandWe live in the Information Age, with billions of bytes of data just two swipes away. Yet how much of this is mis- or even disinformation? A lot of it is, and your search engine can't tell the difference. As a result, an avalanche of misinformation threatens to overwhelm the discourse we so desperately need to address complex social problems such as climate change, the food and water crises, biodiversity collapse, and emerging threats to public health. This book provides an inoculation against the misinformation epidemic by cultivating scientific habits of mind. Anyone can do it—indeed, everyone must do it if our species is to survive on this crowded and finite planet.This survival guide supplies an essential set of apps for the prefrontal cortex while making science both accessible and entertaining. It will dissolve your fear of numbers, demystify graphs, and elucidate the key concepts of probability, all while celebrating the precise use of language and logic. David Helfand, one of our nation's leading astronomers and science educators, has taught scientific habits of mind to generations in the classroom, where he continues to wage a provocative battle against sloppy thinking and the encroachment of misinformation.
A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age: Scientific Habits of Mind
by David J. HelfandLearning how to tell news from fake news from fake fake news: An &“important and timely&” book on protecting ourselves, and society, from the infodemic (Library Journal). We have billions of bytes of data at our fingertips. But how much of it is misinformation—or even disinformation? A lot of it is, and your search engine can&’t tell the difference. As a result, an avalanche of misinformation threatens to overwhelm the discourse we so desperately need to address complex social problems such as climate change, the food and water crises, biodiversity collapse, and emerging threats to public health. This book provides an inoculation against the misinformation epidemic by cultivating scientific habits of mind. Anyone can do it—indeed, everyone must do it if our species is to survive on this crowded and finite planet. This survival guide supplies an essential set of apps for the prefrontal cortex while making science both accessible and entertaining. It will dissolve your fear of numbers, demystify graphs, and elucidate the key concepts of probability, all while celebrating the precise use of language and logic. David Helfand, one of our nation&’s leading astronomers and science educators, has taught scientific habits of mind to generations in the classroom, where he continues to wage a provocative battle against sloppy thinking and the encroachment of misinformation. &“Provides a vital antidote to the ills of misinformation by teaching systematic and rigorous scientific reasoning.&” —The Times Literary Supplement
Survival Guide Wissenschaft: (Über-)Lebenstipps für akademische Karrieren
by Kai Noeske Benjamin Rott Katrin HilleSurvival Guide Wissenschaft – der unverzichtbare Begleiter für angehende Wissenschaftler:innen! Wertvolle Ratschläge, bewährte Strategien und Insiderwissen aus vielen Jahrzehnten akademischer Laufbahnen mit Kurven, Ecken und Kanten. Tipps und Tricks, Dos and Don’ts, um wissenschaftliche Karrieren an Universitäten und anderen Forschungseinrichtungen zu starten, zu überleben und erfolgreich voranzutreiben. Von der Forschungsplanung bis zur Bewerbung um Stipendien und Stellen, von der Netzwerkbildung bis zur Work-Life-Balance, aber auch Exit-Strategien – dieser Survival Guide liefert die entscheidenden (Über-)Lebenstipps für ein Leben in Academia.
The Survival Imperative: Using Space to Protect Earth
by William E. BurrowsUsing Space to Save EarthVeteran science journalist William E Burrows offers a bold new mission for the U.S. space program: to protect the Earth from the ever-growing number of perils that threaten our way of life – and even our very survival.We are living through one of the most dangerous times in human history. Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons technology are proliferating, and missile technology is falling into more and more hands. Extreme natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes, are becoming increasingly costly – not only in dollars, but in lives – as population expands. Environmental crises threaten to provoke massive famines and widespread social collapse. Asteroids the size of battleships streak within striking distance of the earth every year. One strategy offers the best hope of protecting us from all of these dangers – a revitalized national space program that coordinates efforts in global defense, in environmental protection, in communications, and in military security. The Survival Imperative offers an impassioned argument for this bold initiative. To demonstrate the urgency of his cause, Burrows presents a vivid scenario: an impact by a moderately large asteroid that triggers a series of nuclear exchanges, environmental devastation, and the slow disintegration of civilization. And he examines the existing space program from the heady days of the Moon landing through the political compromises that have characterized the history of NASA in the 35 years following our retreat from the Moon.Most of all, Burrows warns that the primary obstacle to achieving a true planetary defense program is not financial or scientific, but social–an unwillingness to acknowledge the urgency of the crisis, and to take the political risks needed to address it. The question, says Burrows, is not whether we can do it, but whether we will act before it's too late.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Survival Of The Fittest: The Anatomy of Peak Physical Performance
by Mike StroudDiscover the secrets of how to perform at your best in 2019In this fascinating book based soundly in medical science, Mike Stroud - of BBC Television's The Challenge and SAS: Are You Tough Enough? - sets out the genetics, diet and exercise that enable humans to perform at their peak. Dr Stroud - polar explorer, practising hospital physician, and a former adviser to the Ministry of Defence - analyses individual feats of survival and athletic prowess that illustrate the way the body functions at its best. He dissects his own challenging experiences of crossing Antarctica with Ranulph Fiennes, running marathons in the Sahara and participating in gruelling cross-country endurance races in the United States and gives some tips on how to stay fit for life for those of us who find walking the dog an endurance challenge...This revised edition includes the story of Dr Stroud and Sir Ranulph Fiennes' incredible 2003 global marathon challenge - seven marathons on seven continents in seven days - in aid of the British Heart Foundation.'The ultimate sporting diet documented in mouth-watering detail' The Times
Survival of the Fittest (Survival of the Fittest #1)
by Rebecca DonnellyIn this high-interest full-color graphic novel chapter book, embark on an engineering extravaganza and discover all that animals can do in a science competition!7 fierce animal competitors2 shark judges1 winnerWho will come out on top?Survival of the Fittest: the game show where animal contestants pitch the latest and greatest in scientific innovation to a panel of shark judges! Animals of all sizes and skills compete to see who can come up with the most useful, most creative, most brilliant design for a product based on something that exists in the natural world. Today's theme is: engineering.Filled with interesting information, awesome visuals, and funny dialogue, this new series by nonfiction maven Rebecca Donnelly is Shark Tank made literal. Swim along - and try not to get chomped by the Chomp! Buzzer.
Survival of the Fittest: Who's Got the Best Medicine? (Survival of the Fittest)
by Rebecca DonnellyIn this second installment of this full-color graphic novel chapter book, explore medical marvels and discover all that animals can do in a science competition!Welcome back to Survival of the Fittest! Here, animals of all sizes and skills compete to see who can come up with the most useful and clever design for a product based on something in the natural world. Today’s theme is: Medical Marvels!Dive in with Mosquito, Sea Urchin, Octopus, and more as they present inventions inspired by their own unique anatomy. From sticky suction cups to water-repellent skin, who will impress the sharks the most?
Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity
by Brian Hare Vanessa WoodsA powerful new theory of human nature suggests that our secret to success as a species is our unique friendliness&“Brilliant, eye-opening, and absolutely inspiring—and a riveting read. Hare and Woods have written the perfect book for our time.&”—Cass R. Sunstein, author of How Change Happens and co-author of Nudge For most of the approximately 300,000 years that Homo sapiens have existed, we have shared the planet with at least four other types of humans. All of these were smart, strong, and inventive. But around 50,000 years ago, Homo sapiens made a cognitive leap that gave us an edge over other species. What happened? Since Charles Darwin wrote about &“evolutionary fitness,&” the idea of fitness has been confused with physical strength, tactical brilliance, and aggression. In fact, what made us evolutionarily fit was a remarkable kind of friendliness, a virtuosic ability to coordinate and communicate with others that allowed us to achieve all the cultural and technical marvels in human history. Advancing what they call the &“self-domestication theory,&” Brian Hare, professor in the department of evolutionary anthropology and the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University and his wife, Vanessa Woods, a research scientist and award-winning journalist, shed light on the mysterious leap in human cognition that allowed Homo sapiens to thrive. But this gift for friendliness came at a cost. Just as a mother bear is most dangerous around her cubs, we are at our most dangerous when someone we love is threatened by an &“outsider.&” The threatening outsider is demoted to sub-human, fair game for our worst instincts. Hare&’s groundbreaking research, developed in close coordination with Richard Wrangham and Michael Tomasello, giants in the field of cognitive evolution, reveals that the same traits that make us the most tolerant species on the planet also make us the cruelest. Survival of the Friendliest offers us a new way to look at our cultural as well as cognitive evolution and sends a clear message: In order to survive and even to flourish, we need to expand our definition of who belongs.
Survival of the Nicest: How Altruism Made Us Human and Why It Pays to Get Along
by Stefan KleinAward-winning, international bestselling science writer Stefan Klein explores the benefits of altruism on humanity in Survival of the Nicest.The phrase “survival of the fittest” conjures an image of the most cutthroat individuals rising to the top. But Stefan Klein, author of The Science of Happiness, makes the startling assertion that altruism is the key to lasting personal and societal success. In fact, altruism defines us: Natural selection favored those early humans who cooperated in groups, and with survival more assured, our altruistic ancestors were free to devote brainpower to developing intelligence, language, and culture—our very humanity. Klein’s groundbreaking findings lead him to a vexing question: If we’re really hard-wired to act for one another’s benefit, why aren’t we all getting along? He believes we’ve learned to mistrust our instincts because success is so often attributed to selfish ambition, and with an extraordinary array of material—current research on genetics and the brain, economics, social psychology, behavioral and anthropological experiments, history, and modern culture—he makes the case that generosity for its own sake remains the best way to thrive.“Stefan Klein, an enticing storyteller, marshals the evidence for the value of altruism—not only to one’s family but, much more interestingly, to one’s self and one’s tribe. Altruism is truly contagious!” —Roald Hoffman, Nobel Laureate“A scholarly tour de force about why generosity makes good sense, Survival of the Nicest is also compulsively readable. Klein argues convincingly that helping others is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.” —Elizabeth Svoboda, author of What Makes a Hero?: The Surprising Science of Selflessness
Survival or Extinction?: How to Save Elephants and Rhinos
by Bridget MartinWritten with passion for anyone interested in seeing an end to the illegal trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn, this book shows how, by working together, people all over the world who care about these animals are gradually bringing about change for the better. It takes an overview of how the current situation came to pass by exploring poaching and its devastating consequences and the pivotal role of organized crime. The discussion of how matters are starting to improve covers the investigation and monitoring of ivory markets, sustainable uses and the key role of local communities.Enforcement of the law is vital in this story. Enter the enforcers, the technology they use to defeat the poachers and the evidence they require to prosecute offenders. Cases, some deeply shocking, are included, as well as a number of fascinating case studies, while the exploits of organized crime gangs make lively, as well as disturbing reading. Throughout the message is clear. We can and must save these animals from extinction.
Survival Strategies: Cooperation and Conflict in Animal Societies
by Raghavendra GadagkarDid you know that Tasmanian hens have two husbands? That cellular slime molds commit suicide? That vampire bats will share food with hungry fellow bats and that hanuman langurs commit infanticide? Why creatures great and small behave in such fascinating and seemingly perplexing ways is explained in this delightful account of the evolutionary foundations of animal social behavior. Only in recent years have biologists and ethologists begun to apply careful evolutionary thinking to the study of animal societies--and with spectacular results. This book presents the choicest of these findings, with a remarkable wealth of insights into the myriad strategies that animals have developed to perpetuate their kind. In an irresistible style, Raghavendra Gadagkar explores the strategies of cooperation and conflict adopted by animals--from the lordly lion to the primitive wasp worker--as they choose mates, raise their young, communicate with others, and establish the division of labor necessary to feed and protect the group and safeguard their territory. Whether focusing on the birds or the bees, this book offers both superb descriptions and lucid explanations of many different behaviors encountered in the animal world: why a ground squirrel will sound an alarm--even risk its own safety--to warn fellow squirrels of impending danger; why weaver ant larvae donate silk for nest building; why house mice raise their offspring in a communal nursery; and how animals can recognize the relatives they want to favor--or avoid. Illustrated with both photographs and explanatory diagrams, this expert and inviting tour of the social world of animals will inform and charm anyone curious about the motivations behind the amazing range of activity in the animal kingdom.