| Contents Notes |
pt. 1. Partners in communication : Prey-predator interactions -- Communication between rivals -- Mate selection. pt. 2. Methods of communication : The fallacy of species-specific signals -- Movements and ritualization -- Vocalizations -- Body parts that serve as signals -- The use of color for showing off -- Chemical communications. pt. 3. The handicap principle in social systems : Testing the bond -- Parents and offspring -- Babblers, competition for prestige, and the evolution of altruism -- The social insects : why help the queen? -- The parenting couple -- Social amebas (cellular slime molds) -- Parasite and host -- Information centers. pt. 4. Humans : Humans. "Illuminates an astonishing variety of signaling behaviors in animals ranging from ants and amebas to peacocks, gazelles, and humans. Essentially, the theory asserts that for animal signals to be effective, they must be reliable, and to be reliable they must impose a cost, or handicap, on the signaler." Includes topics such as altruism, "body features, the evolution of art, verbal language versus nonverbal communication, and the role of sex in testing the social bond."--Jacket. |
