In this article , the authors describe an activity in which students in Savannah, Georgia, use handheld GPS devices to record the sightings of bottlenose dolphins, examine spatial data from five pairs of dolphins in the study, and then form hypotheses about the spatial patterns they observe. In the process, they learn not only about the ecology of…

This lesson is designed to teach students that behavior is a trait shaped by both genes and the environment. Students will read a scientific paper, discuss and generate predictions based on the ideas and data therein, and model the relationships between genes, the environment, and behavior. The lesson is targeted to meet the educational goals of…

Are you interested in using argument-driven inquiry for high school lab instruction but just are not sure how to do it? You are not alone. This book will provide you with both the information and instructional materials you need to start using this method right away. "Argument-Driven Inquiry in Biology" is a one-stop source of expertise,…

Reports on research related to the theory that the nervous systems, and hence the behavior, of animals may be permanently modified during initial periods of early life in response to environmental stimuli. (GS)

Contains a description of the organization of the Primate Research Centers and some of the research being conducted there. (CP)

Describes three experiments which investigated the behavior of "Colisa fasciata" males in full breeding condition subjected to competition for nest sites and a single female. Concludes that for these fish territorial dominance is established in a relatively short time, the period varying with the intensity of competition. (MLH)

Through the use of learned symbols, two chimpanzees accurately specified 11 foods by name to one another when the food item's identity was known by only one and requested specific food of one another by name. Requests resulted in cooperative and reciprocal symbolically mediated food exchange. (Author/MA)

Small systems of neurons are discussed as they relate to studies of simple animals and the generating of behavior from interacting systems. (SA)

Presents some classic information on the biology of insects as well as some new research on ants, butterflies, and beetles. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Discusses mechanisms and functional intent of visual communication signals in iguanid/agamid lizards. Demonstrated that lizards communicate with each other by using pushups and head nods and that each species does this in its own way, conveying different types of information. (JN)

Describes a constant-temperature observation chamber and includes instructions on constructing the apparatus. Suggestions for use are given as well as problems that might be encountered. (Author/SA)

Paleoethology seeks to study behavior of ancient animals by building inferential cases of hypothesized behavior patterns. Discusses paleoethological methods and reasons for studying therapsids. Also discusses metabolic rate and possible existence/use of vomeronasal organ to gain insight into the behavior/physiology of these ancient herbivors. (JN)

Discusses the nature of animal communication, including possible relationships between the physical structure of vocalizations and their functions in communicating. Provides tables of mammalian and avian sounds (by species/family) used in hostile and friendly appeasing contexts. (JN)

The great diversity of mating systems found within the insects is described. This description provides an insight into the extraordinary explanatory power of Darwinian selection theory. (JN)

Briefly discusses the view that behavior may be thought of as a phenotypic adaptation that can be quantitatively studied, and then considered in more detail ways in which predatory animals, especially mammals, satisfy their need for food. Topics covered include predatory behavior, hunting modes, prey selection, hunting success, and others. (JN)