Intended for graduate and upper level undergraduate courses in behavioural ecology where students are already familiar with the basic ideas this book continues to define the subject. A completely new set of contributions has been brought together once more to take account of the many exciting new developments in the field. Each chapter presents a balanced view of the subject integrating a clear exposition of the theory with a critical discussion of how predictions have been tested by experiments and comparative studies. In addition the book points to unreconciled issues and possible future developments. Edited by two of the most highly regarded experts in the field this new volume contains contributions from an international authorship and continues the tradition of clarity and accessibility established by the three previous editions. The latest edition of a classic in behavioural ecology. Divided into three sections: Mechanisms and Individual Behaviour From Individual Behaviour to Social Systems and Life Histories Phylogenies and Populations. Contributions from the world s leading researchers.