Mousy Cats and Sheepish Coyotes: The Science of Animal Personalities

Mousy Cats and Sheepish Coyotes: The Science of Animal Personalities

by John A. Shivik
Mousy Cats and Sheepish Coyotes: The Science of Animal Personalities

Mousy Cats and Sheepish Coyotes: The Science of Animal Personalities

by John A. Shivik

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Overview

An eye-opening celebration of the unique personalities found within the animal kingdom—and of the special links between us and our non-human friends.

Blending cutting-edge science with personal anecdotes, a wildlife expert explores the mysteries of animal behavior in this “thoroughly enjoyable and informative read” for animal and nature lovers (Booklist).


Why are some cats outgoing and others standoffish? Why are some dogs adventuresome and others homebodies? As any pet owner can attest, we feel that the animals we've formed bonds with are unique—as particular (and peculiar) as any friend or loved one. But is there any scientific basis for this feeling, or are we just projecting our complicated human ideas onto the animal world?

It turns out that science has been reluctant to even broach the subject of individuality in the animal kingdom. But now, a fundamental shift in scientific understanding is underway as mainstream scientists begin to accept the notion that animals of all kinds—from apes and birds to crabs and spiders—do indeed have individual personalities.

In Mousy Cats and Sheepish Coyotes, veteran wildlife expert Dr. John Shivik brings us stories from the frontlines of this exciting new research. Researchers are finding that each wolf, bear, and coyote has a different tendency to follow its predatory nature or to shyly avoid conflicts. Some bluebirds are lovers, others are fighters. Some water striders are passive, others bellicose. Unique personalities can be discovered in every corner of the animal kingdom. Even microscopic organisms can exhibit unique tendencies. The array of personality types among all species is only beginning to be described and understood. As Shivik argues, individuality in animals is important not only for the human-animal bond, but also for evolution, adaption, and species diversity in the wild.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780807071526
Publisher: Beacon Press
Publication date: 11/07/2017
Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format: eBook
Pages: 208
File size: 625 KB

About the Author

John Shivik has served as a federal researcher, state predator biologist, federal regional wildlife program manager, and search-and-rescue dog handler. He has published widely in scientific and popular media, and is the author of The Predator Paradox: Ending the War with Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1
My Cat and Dogma

CHAPTER 2
The Mystery of Personality

CHAPTER 3
Brave Fighter or Serene Lover

CHAPTER 4
Appetite or Appetizer

CHAPTER 5
Herd or Hermit

CHAPTER 6
Wayfarer or Wallflower

CHAPTER 7
Nature and Nurture

CHAPTER 8
The Selfish Herd, the Generous Gene

CHAPTER 9
Pairing Singularities

Acknowledgments
Notes
Index
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