The animal world is extremely vast, comprising thousands of species living on land and in water. Human life is inextricably woven with that of animals sharing the same biosphere. With the advancement of analytical concepts and experimentation, animal behaviour as a field of study has made rapid progress during the last two decades or so. It is believed that this branch of biological science is going to translate many scientific functions into reality by unraveling many mysteries so far unexplored, and is likely to render large benefits to humanity in terms of health, knowledge, adaptation to environment and biological control.
The book covers almost all the important aspects of animal behaviour like innate and learning behaviour, social behaviour, courtship and mating of animals, migration, parental care, behavioural genetics, biological clock, etc. Besides, it also includes the recently emerging offshoots dealing with several behavioural intricacies, such as neuro-endocrine regulation of behaviour, pheromones, behavioural ecology and toxicology, nervous and hormonal regulation of animal behaviour, adaptational behaviour, e.g. coloration and mimicry, wildlife and human behaviour, among others.
The book attempts to provide an overall basic information and practical applications on animal behaviour to undergraduate and postgraduate students of universities in India that would help in understanding the principles of animal behaviour and their implications.
The text has been sufficiently supplemented with figures, charts, diagrams and tables to facilitate understanding by the students. The book has been written in simple style and easy-to-understand language. Sample questions—objective and subjective—have been provided at the end of each chapter. It will prove useful to the students and teachers of biological science and researchers in this field.
Dr. J.P. Shukla, M.Sc. (Zoology), Ph.D., FAEB, FASI, is Reader in P.G. Dept. of Zoology, S. Kisan P.G. College, Basti. He has published a number of research papers in journals of International repute like Cellular & Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica Zoologica, Archieves de Biol (Belgium), Acta pharmacol et Toxicol (Scandvian Society, Copenhagen), Toxicol Let. (London), Acta Hydrochem et Hydrobiol (W. Germany), etc. He has been an invitee to attend IV International Congress on Ecology in 1986 at State University, New York (U.S.A.).
Dr. Shukla has written half a dozen of books for U.G. & P.G. students of Indian Universities and Colleges, viz. Mechanism in Vertebrates, Fish & Fisheries, Fundamentals of Toxicology, Non-Chordate Zoology Practical and Environmental Biology & Ecology.
In recognition of Dr. Shukla’s scientific temper and academic superiority, he was selected twice the Sectional Member (Animal & Vet. Sciences & Fish & Fisheries) in Indian Science Congress 93rd & 95th session of 2006 & 2008 held at Hyderabad and Vishakhapattanam respectively.
Dr. Shukla has received Bioved Fellowship (2005), D.D. Gold Medal (2007) at Meerut University, Zoology, Congress Gold Medal by Hon’ble Governor, Jharkhand (in 2007 at Lucknow University) for his outstanding contribution in Fish & Fisheries, Environmental Toxicology & Zoology respectively. Further in Dec. 2007, he was honoured with Poorvanchal Ratna by M. Foundation. Dr. Shukla has also been invited to assist in framing U.G. Syllabi for Universities & Colleges of U.P.
