Living in Groups

Shoals, swarms, flocks, herds--group formation is a widespread phenomenon in animal populations. It raises several interesting questions for behavioral ecologists. Why do animals form and live in groups, and what factors influence the ways in which they do this? What are the costs and benefits to an anmimal of group living? How are these influenced by ecological factors? The authors familiarize the reader with cutting-edge ideas on the ecology and evolution of group-living animals, and detail fascinating case studies demonstrating them in action.