The Evolution of Social Wasps

by James H. Hunt

Overview

The Evolution of Social Wasps resolves one of evolutions most intriguing problems - the origin of insect sociality. It also challenges conceptual approaches that have dominated three decades of social behavior research. Hunt's innovative model integrates life history, nutrition, development and ecology. His broad synthesis of empirical knowledge on social wasps should interest evolution biologists, behavioral ecologists, or entomologists alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198042075
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	03/27/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

Table of Contents

Part One - HistoryChapter One. Plant Feeders and ParasitoidsChapter Two. Pollen Wasps, Potter Wasps, and Hover WaspsChapter Three. Paper Wasps and VespinesChapter Four. The Historical Scenario of Social EvolutionPart Two - DynamicsChapter Five. IndividualsChapter Six. ColoniesChapter Seven. PopulationsChapter Eight. The Dynamic Scenario of Social EvolutionPart Three - Paradigm Lost - And Found?Chapter Nine. Kin SelectionChapter Ten. Behavioral EcologyChapter Eleven. A Post-Modern SynthesisConclusionReferences

Editorial Reviews

"This is an important synthetic work, one that should be read by all students of animal behaviour and of related disciplines. The latter part of the book is most likely to generate controversy and is therefore of great general interest and importance."— Sean O'Donnell, Animal Behaviour

"I am going to have to read it again to let it really sink in, but I felt as if thick iron chains had been lifted from my limbs when I finished. Freedom! ... The final section (especially) should be REQUIRED reading for all organismal biologists- training or senior."—Sean Odonnell, University of Washington

"Advanced students, faculty, and wasp and bee researchers will find this appealing, enlightening, well-written book controversial but useful and interesting."—Choice

"A lifetime of research, hard thinking, and devotion to detail shine through Hunt's conversational style. The book is clear about many questions that remain unanswered, and will inspire both controversy and new synthetic research on the evolution of social behavior." -Quarterly Review of Biology

From the Publisher