Suchergebnisse

This book provides expert evaluation of the use of video techniques in a wide range of behavioural and ecological research situations. Covering applied techniques both in the laboratory and the field, the latest results from leading expert researchers are given

1. Physiological Mechanisms and Behaviour -- 2. Motivation and Decision-making -- 3. From Genes to Behaviour -- 4. Experience and Learning -- 5. Finding a Place to Live -- 6. Finding Food -- 7. Anti-predator Behaviour -- 8. The Ecology of Reproduction -- 9. The Ecology and Organisation of Social Behaviour -- 10. Communication -- 11. Evolution and Behaviour.

The book is the only scientific monograph dealing with coccinellids (i.e. ladybirds), a group of beetles which are beneficial predators of aphids, scale insects and mites, and are also one of the most popular insects. This volume is an updated and modified version of Biology of Coccinellidae (1973) 250 pp. Due to a vast increase in information, the book has become more voluminous (xvi + 464 pp. comprising 133 tables, 95 figures, 11 plates, 1692 references). While the information goes into enough detail for a researcher or university teacher, the book should also be easily readable for the naturalist who is interested in the background behind the observed phenomena. Extension agriculture specialists will find a friendly guide to the use of coccinellids in integrated pest management and biological control. The authors hope that the volume will thus help to make our environment safer both for humans and animals

Usually, geneticists postulate a minimum number of 600 pairs for a population to survive without incest problems. However, the data provided here show that the minimum viable population size solely depends on the species in question. By means of existing small bird, mammal, fish, insect and other animal populations, the minimum number of individuals, which is necessary for survival, is analyzed. Moreover, the effects of random events on small populations, like volcano eruptions on islands, are investigated. The presented findings are of interest not only to researchers, but also to nature conservation planners

Argues for a revised theory of urban ecology that would take into account the distribution & interaction of plant & animal populations. It is asserted that traditional theory of urban ecology is concerned with the inhospitability of cities & improvements in landscape & ambience, based on a superficial understanding of nature. Urban society does not adapt to nature, but destroys it, creating a need for an urban ecology in which humans learn to develop a greater respect for nature. It is concluded that urban ecology theory is obligated to make apparent the inherent contradictions between humans & nature, since the city itself destroys nature, & artificial landscaping is insufficient to mitigate that contradiction. M. Wagner