Behavioral neurobiology - Gnther K. H Zupanc

Animals often exhibit intriguing and captivating patterns of behavior, from migration and homing, to communication. But how is this behavior controlled? Behavioral Neurobiology introduces undergraduate students and other readers to the fascinating field of neuroethology - the study of the neurobiological processes underlying animal behavior. Written in a lively, easy to read style, it examines the key concepts and ideas which underpin this intricate andelegant subject, and describes many of the groundbreaking discoveries that have helped us to unravel the mechanisms behind the behaviors we can observe.Beginning with a look at the history of the study of behavior, from Aristotle to recent breakthroughs and predictions for the future, the book then reviews the ethological and neurobiological concepts that constitute the essential tools of behavioral neurobiology, before moving on to the field of neuroethology itself. In each chapter, the text not only describes the major findings in each area, but also the methods used to obtain these results. A wide range of examples and detailed case studies illustrate key ideas and concepts The subject is brought to life with the inclusion of boxes throughout the text containing biographical sketches of eminent past and present researchers Assumes no background knowledge of animal behavior or neurobiologyOnline Resource CentreThe Online Resource Centre to accompany Behavioral Neurobiology features:For students: 'In the News' periodic updates of relevant news items Hyperlinked bibliography Useful weblinksFor lecturers: Model answers to end of chapter questions Figures from the book, ready to download