Analyzing animal societies : quantitative methods for vertebrate social analysis /

This is an essential handbook on the quantitative analysis of social structure in animal groups. Whitehead (Dalhousie Univ., Canada), an expert in the field, covers a great deal of ground in this brief volume. Early chapters provide historical background and context, while later ones briefly discuss social roles, conflict and cooperation, and other features of social systems. The lengthiest sections of the book are devoted to detailed treatments of statistical techniques for social analysis, along with discussions of strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for the application of each method. Numerous tables and figures from published studies provide helpful examples to illustrate specific techniques. Several appendixes add to the work's usefulness; they include an extensive glossary, a list of key reference books, and helpful recommendations for appropriate computer programs for different analyses. Although highly technical in places, Whitehead's approachable writing style makes this a book to read, enjoy, and have on the shelf. Researchers and students in this field will find Analyzing Animal Societies invaluable and will refer to it often. The book makes a superb companion to Philip Lehner's Handbook of Ethological Methods (CH, Apr'97, 34-4483). Summing Up: Essential. Graduate students, researchers, and faculty. S. C. Baker James Madison University