270 BOOK REVIEWS

reconstruction. Gorgeous illustrations, many of them full-color plates, highlight King- don’s stimulating study of face patterns in their contribution to reproductive isolation and their role in communication.

The last and lengthiest section covers a wide range of topics on ecology and social behavior. Drawing from her vast experience gained in numerous field studies, Gautier- Hion discusses the multitude of factors affecting dietary regimes and choices of select guenon species, and in a separate chapter she reviews ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary aspects of the phenomenon of mixed species troops. Butynski, in his contribution on seasonality of reproduction, is able to demonstrate that all guenon spe- cies studied thus far have distinct birth sea- sons and peaks, thus providing evidence of the importance of the harshness and dura- tion of a “lean season” even in the appar- ently most stable and favorable environ- ments. Mating systems of forest guenons in general, and in redtail monkeys in particu- lar, are discussed by Cords and Struhsaker, respectively. Both contributors stress the high temporary variability of male tenure in

social groups and thus the high degree of uncertainty in assessing the reproductive success of any given male. Another problem, far from being settled, is what determines the splitting of guenon troops (Struhsaker and Leland). On a larger scale, relatively little is known about the structure and dynamics of whole populations, with the partial exception of vervet monkeys (Fedi- gan and Fedigan). The natural history of one of the more specialized members of the guenon radiation, the terrestrial patas monkey, finds the attention of Chism and Rowell. Finally, the social systems of guen- ons are put into perspective by comparing them with those of baboons, macaques, and mangabeys (Rowell).

Concluding remarks by the editors outline old and new problems of guenon biology that may be the focus of future research. Summa summarum, this volume represents primate evolutionary biology at its best.

WALTER LEUTENEGGER Department of Anthropology Uniuersity of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin

THE BEHAVIOURAL BIOLOGY OF AGGRESSION. By John Archer. New York: Cambridge University Press. 1988. xi + 257 pp., fig- ures, tables, index. $59.00 (cloth), $16.95 (paper).

The importance of aggressive behavior in the lives of animals (including humans) has been assessed in numerous works by authors from a wide array of disciplines, writing from many different points of view. For example, from the classic but somewhat flawed ethological writings of Konrad Lorenz to the popular accounts by Robert Ardrey, to the modern evolutionary ap- proach by Richard Dawkins, one can see differences of opinion as to how aggression is manifested, its importance in the lives of animals, and its significance in human cultures.

It is clear that animals display aggressive behavior in a diverse set of ecological and social contexts. For example, aggression often mediates territorial disputes, plays a role in social organization, and is one mech-

anism by which animals compete for a limited resource. It is not surprising that so much attention has been given to this often ill-defined concept.

Archer’s book attempts to present a mod- ern overview and synthesis of the phe- nomenon of aggressive behavior. Archer emphasizes the biological contexts of aggres- sion and the mechanisms controlling aggres- sion. Aggression is viewed as a global solution by animals for solving problems of self-preservation, parental protection, and resource allocation. The selective pressures influencing the evolution of aggression are emphasized, and the underlying proximate mechanisms are considered. The book dis- cusses numerous facets of aggression, in- cluding a historical perspective, ethical con- siderations, various categories of aggres- sion, and modern game theory models.

Archer admirably coalesces the proximate mechanisms of aggressive behavior (includ- ing neuronal and endocrinological) with its ecological implications and evolutionary significance. Studies of the aggressive be- havior of numerous beasts are used to illus-

BOOK REVIEWS 271

trate main points. For example, much effort is given to describing and discussing models of aggressive behavior. As the models are discussed, examples from the literature about how animals behave in nature are related to the particular model being dis- cussed. This helps immensely to illustrate these often difficult models.

Archer is often critical and presents cur- rent information that may lead to a re- evaluation of previous hypotheses. For example, on page 133, literature is cited that questions the classic finding of Tinbergen that territorial sticklebacks attack the red abdomen of a n intruder. Archer also points out (p. 133) that status signals may compli- cate territorial responses more than was originally thought.

The book is well written. Archer outlines exactly what he is going to discuss at the beginning of each chapter. At the end of each chapter, he summarizes his discussion and provides suggestions for future research. I have only a few minor quibbles with the book. Although good summary tables empha-

sizing certain concepts are provided, they are not exhaustive. I believe a little too much emphasis was placed on the concept of r and K selection, which Archer admits is too simplistic. A little more information on the neuroethological basis of behavior would have been welcome. I noted a few mistakes in the references.

Archer’s book is probably the most recent synopsis of aggressive behavior. It is mod- ern, it bridges the gap between several dis- ciplines, and it is critical. It is definitely recommended to readers interested in animal behavior in general and in aggressive be- havior in particular. It could be used in an undergraduate course that emphasizes be- havior. Anthropologists, psychologists, soci- ologists, and zoologists would find this a valuable reference.

ANDREW R. BLAUSTEIN Department of Zoology Oregon State University Coruallis, Oregon

SCIENCE AS A WAY OF KNOWING. V-FORM AND FUNCTION. Edited by John A. Moore. Thousand Oaks, CA: American Society of Zoologists. 1988. 367 pp. Single copies, free; multiple copies, to be determined (paper).

At each of its annual meetings for the past several years, the American Society of Zool- ogists (ASZ) in collaboration with several other learned societies, has sponsored a symposium on “Science as a Way of Know- ing.” It has done this to make available background information to those who intro- duce biology to students at the nation’s col- leges and universities, in the belief that these individuals bear a critical responsibil- ity in the education of a scientifically liter- ate citizenry. Each successive symposium has focused on a different area of biological inquiry and has been published as a sepa- rate issue of American Zoologist; the present volume, Form and Function, the fifth in the series, follows on the heels of Evolutionary Biology, Human Ecology, Genetics and De- velopmental Biology.

Through the generosity of the Carnegie Corporation, the ASZ is able to make single

copies of these publications available free to interested parties. The educational purpose of the series is as evident in the ASZ’s desire that such copies find their way principally to teachers of introductory biology courses in universities, colleges, and high schools as it is in the make-up of Form and Function itself.

Well over one-third of Form and Func- tion’s 350-odd pages are devoted to a long essay by John A. Moore, a prime mover behind the Science as a Way of Knowing project, on the evolution of human under- standing of the natural world. Before bravely tackling the “Paleolithic view of nature” via a trot through Franco-Cantabrian cave art, Moore looks at non-European belief sys- tems, which he divides into animism, totem- ism, and shamanism, relying on Sir James Fraser as his authority. Anthropologists may well regard this as the least satisfac- tory part of Moore’s long article, which oth- erwise renders excellent service in providing an interesting and nicely illustrated, though necessarily selective, overview of major developments in human understanding of geological and biological phenomena from pre-Grecian times through the late nine- teenth century. Not all of Moore’s views will