Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1988. Blue cloth, pp 308, indexed. Fine copy, no owner marks. Dust jacket has a vertical crease to front flap, else fine. This book describes a powerful and flexible technique for the modeling of behavior, based on evolutionary principles. The technique employs stochastic dynamic programming and permits the analysis of behavioral adaptations wherein organisms respond to changes in their environment and in their own current physiological state. Models can be constructed to reflect sequential decisions concerned simultaneously with foraging, reproduction, predator avoidance, and other activities. The authors show how to construct and use dynamic behavioral models. Part I covers the mathematical background and computer programming, and then uses a paradigm of foraging under risk of predation to exemplify the general modeling technique. Part II consists of five "applied" chapters illustrating the scope of the dynamic modeling approach. They treat hunting behavior in lions, reproduction in insects, migrations of aquatic organisms, clutch size and parental care in birds, and movement of spiders and raptors. Advanced topics, including the study of dynamic evolutionarily stable strategies, are discussed in Part III.; Octavo 0691085056

Berkeley & Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2007. Thick quarto, colour glossy boards. pp 705, colour and b&w photos, index. Bottom edges rubber stamped examination copy, else fine. "Tidepools and rocky shores are among the most physically stressful environments on earth. When the tide is high, waves can sweep over plants and animals at velocities as high as 60 miles per hour, while at low tide, the same organisms dry up and bake in the sun. Yet despite this seeming inhospitality, tidepools and rocky shores are exceptionally complex and biologically diverse. This comprehensive encyclopedia is an authoritative, one-stop reference for everyone interested in the biology and ecology of this fascinating and uniquely accessible environment. Conveniently arranged alphabetically, nearly 200 wide-ranging entries written in clear language by scientists from around the world provide a state-of-the-art picture of tidepools and rocky shore science. From Abalones, Barnacles, and Climate Change through Seagrasses, Tides, and Wind, the articles discuss the animals and plants that live in tidepools, the physics and chemistry of the rocky shore environment, the ecological principles that govern tidepools, and many other interdisciplinary topics." In print at USD 99.95 (2017). Note: 3.5 kg parcel, extra shipping will be required. 0520251180

University of Chicago Press, 1960. Three volumes, octavo, blue and pale green cloth. Volume 1: The Evolution of Life. Its Origin, History and Future. pp viii.598 with tables, charts, figures and maps. Volume 2: The Evolution of Man. Man, Culture and Society pp vii, 473, with figures and charts; Volume 3: Issues in Evolution. pp viii, 310 with plates and index. "The papers collected here, in The Evolution of Life, are part of the total work, Evolution After Darwin, which contains the fruits of the historic University of Chicago Celebration. A companion volume, The Evolution of Man, is concerned with similar questions as applied to Homo sapiens. The third volume, Issues in Evolution, presents a small group of papers on the relationship between science and spiritual values, the record of the Celebration itself, including the transcribed and edited texts of the discussions, and an index to all three volumes." Small bumps to outer corners, else a VG clean, tight and unworn jacketless set, no owner marks. 3 kg parcel.

Berkeley: University of California Press, 2005. Tall octavo, beige cloth. pp xx, 382 + colour photos. Index. Fine in fine jacket. "Guana, in the British Virgin Islands, is home to a remarkably diverse assortment of animal and plant life: mangroves, flamingos, iguanas, frogs, birds, snakes, spiders, tortoises, grasshoppers, and bats, to name but a few. What is so surprising about Guana s astonishing panoply is that, according to prevailing ecological theories, the island s diversity should be much lower than it actually is. This provocative book describes Guana s flora and fauna against the backdrop of islands worldwide and their ecology, evolution, and conservation. Much more than a book about one island, it raises important challenges to prevailing dogma of island biogeography and theoretical ecology. James (Skip) Lazell demonstrates that meaningful conservation and avoiding tragic loss of biodiversity demand we know far more about biological interactions, physiographic and geological structure, meteorology, and other factors. He presents compelling evidence that high levels of natural biodiversity underpin ecosystem resilience and stability. Lazell s engaging narrative, containing many entertaining asides and personal reflections, widens into an evocative commentary about the nature of life on earth." 1.5 kg 0520243528