Cephalopod Behaviour

by Roger Hanlon, John B. Messenger

With their large brains, elaborate sense organs and complex behaviour, cephalopods are among the world's most highly evolved invertebrates. This second edition summarises the wealth of exciting new research data stemming from over five hundred papers published since the first volume appeared. It adopts a comparative approach to causation, function, development and evolution as it explores cephalopod behaviour in natural habitats and the laboratory. Extensive colour and black-and-white photography illustrates various aspects of cephalopod behaviour to complement the scientific analysis. Covering the major octopus, squid and cuttlefish species, as well as the shelled Nautilus, this is an essential resource for undergraduate and advanced students of animal behaviour, as well as researchers new to cephalopods, in fields such as neuroscience and conservation biology. By highlighting the gaps in current knowledge, the text looks to inform and to stimulate further study of these enigmatic and beautiful animals.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Earth, Biology

376 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 1996

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really isn't for everyone. Only the seriously interested in cephalopods should attempt to read it. But if you are interested in cephs and you have a good scientific background, there's a ton of interesting information in here. These are fascinating animals and the more you know about them, the more fascinating they are. Who knew that nautilus have 90 tentacles? Who knew that along with their obvious chromatophores, cephalopods also have reflecting cells and all kinds of interesting bioluminescence? But there is so much that isn't known! At least according to this book that was last updated in 2002. Makes me wonder how much new information is available.