The social lives of animals

Review by Booklist Review

Ward shares research and personal observations about the social behavior of animals from around the world, from Antarctic krill to the commonplace pigeon. Social animals benefit simply from being able to interact with one other, and there are striking similarities between human social behavior and that of other creatures of the natural world, such as elephants' reaction to the loss of a family member, the gregarious nature of orcas, and the deceptive capabilities of primates. Examples of cooperation, nurturing, communication, and acts of kindness that benefit the health and well-being of the larger group from a variety of species are offered. In one instance Ward shares research that shows that a rat in a dry laboratory environment will open a one-way door to a rat in a wet environment, and that the dry rat is quicker to open the door if it had once been a wet rat itself. Ward's lively and oftentimes surprising observations and quirky and wry writing will appeal to readers. The juxtaposition of animal and human behavior will linger long after readers have turned the last page.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Studying animals' social behaviors can provide the "master key" to a better understanding of human society and relationships, according to this quirky survey. Animal behavior researcher Ward (Animal Societies) surveys a complex wild world in which animals lead social lives based on cooperation: they form groups, communicate through specialized vocalizations (coda, a communication method based on clicks for whales, the "signature whistle" for dolphins), and even perform acts of kindness. Living in groups rather than alone, he notes, also comes with crucial benefits for the creatures, namely protection, food, knowledge sharing, and a higher chance of survival. Ward dedicates sections to the "first-class escapologists," Antarctic krills, which are harder to catch because they swarm; blind termites, who build intricate 30-foot-tall shelters for their colony; lions, who have been known to adopt the orphaned young of their prey; and orcas, who often bring food to disabled members of their pod. Ward spotlights some more maligned creatures, too, positioning rats and hyenas as adaptable and intelligent animals that have lessons to share about adaptation and problem-solving. Ward's enthusiasm keeps things moving, and his account is well researched and fascinating as he covers locust swarms, infanticide in chimpanzees, and humbug fish harems. This is catnip for animal enthusiasts. (Mar.)

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Review by Library Journal Review

Ward (animal behavior, Univ. of Sydney) presents a tour of the multiple non-human species that qualify as social animals, because they cooperate within groups. Sociality improves the success of species, and studying social animals provides insights into human behaviors and societies. Ward begins small with krill, which swarm in the trillions to provide protection against predators; and roaches, which are usually alone when we spot them but actually live in groups. He describes the social stratification common in social insect communities; explains why and how schools of fish and flocks of starlings move as one organism in acrobatic ballets; and relates the findings of studies on the size of rat colonies, which led to the idea that overcrowding can result in violent behavior. Ward then discusses how herding served as a precondition for domestication, how large carnivores use social groups to hunt prey and hold territory, how pods of whales and dolphins respond in the face of threats, and how primates use grooming to strengthen group bonds. VERDICT Engaging and entertaining; of interest to anyone who wants to better understand the behavior of social animals, including humans.--Rachel Owens

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