Nerve Cells and Animal Behaviour - Softcover

Simmons, Peter; Young, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521728487 ISBN 13: 9780521728485

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

An extensively revised third edition of this introduction to neuroethology - the neuronal basis of animal behaviour - for zoology, biology and psychology undergraduate students. The book focuses on the roles of individual nerve cells in behaviour, from simple startle responses to complex behaviours such as route learning by rats and singing by crickets and birds. It begins by examining the relationship between brains and behaviour, and showing how study of specialised behaviours reveals neuronal mechanisms that control behaviour. Information processing by nerve cells is introduced using specific examples, and the establishing roles of neurons in behaviour is described for a predator-prey interaction, toads versus cockroaches. New material includes: vision by insects, which describes sensory filtering; hunting by owls and bats, which describes sensory maps; and rhythmical movements including swimming and flying, which describes how sequences of movements are generated. Includes stunning photographs which capture the detail of the behaviour.

About this title

Book Description:

For advanced zoology or biology undergraduates, an up-to-date introduction to neuroethology - how nervous systems control behaviour. New in this edition are the treatments of the functions of nerve cells. Topics include: startle behaviours; vision and hearing, learning by bees and rats; and singing in crickets and birds.

About the Author:

Peter Simmons regularly publishes research on insect neurobiology, especially on the ocellar and compound eye visual systems and their role in controlling flight, and on the physiology of synaptic transmission. He is currently Director of the Zoology Degree at Newcastle.

David Young has undertaken research and teaching on the link between neurobiology and behaviour in insects, looking at both sensory and motor systems. A special interest has been the mechanisms of sound production in crickets and cicadas. He is also the author of The Discovery of Evolution (2007).

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521728487
• ISBN 13: 9780521728485
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 294