Flexibility and Versatility Herberstein, Marie Elisabeth editor of compilation. text enk 2011 monographic eng

electronic

1 online resource (416 pages) : digital, PDF file(s). Spiders are often underestimated as suitable behavioural models because of the general belief that due to their small brains their behaviour is innate and mostly invariable. Challenging this assumption, this fascinating book shows that rather than having a limited behavioural repertoire, spiders show surprising cognitive abilities, changing their behaviour to suit their situational needs. The team of authors unravels the considerable intra-specific as well as intra-individual variability and plasticity in different behaviours ranging from foraging and web building to communication and courtship. An introductory chapter on spider biology, systematics and evolution provides the reader with the necessary background information to understand the discussed behaviours and helps to place them into an evolutionary context. Highlighting an under-explored area of behaviour, this book will provide new ideas for behavioural researchers and students unfamiliar with spiders as well as a valuable resource for those already working in this intriguing field. Edited by Marie Elisabeth Herberstein. Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 09 Oct 2015). QL458.4 .S633 2011 595.4/4 9780511974496 (ebook) http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511974496 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511974496 UkCbUP 101011 20170413094209.0 CR9780511974496