Emlen takes us outside the lab and deep into the forests and jungles where he's been studying animal weapons in nature for years, to explain the processes behind the most intriguing and curious examples of extreme animal weapons. As singular and strange as some of the weapons we encounter on these pages are, we learn that similar factors set their evolution in motion. Emlen uses these patterns to draw parallels to the way we humans develop and employ our own weapons, and have since battle began.

Toxic venom, bone-snapping jaws, record-shattering speed. Animals have mind-blowing weapons and defenses. Learn about the amazing features and adaptations that help animals hunt prey and defend themselves in the wild world of nature.

"Describes how animals use teeth, jaws, and claws as weapons and defenses"--Provided by publisher.

"Describes how animals use spines, horns, and armor as weapons and defenses"--Provided by publisher.

"Describes how animals speed, strength, and stealth as weapons and defenses"--Provided by publisher.

Contests are an important aspect of the lives of diverse animals, from sea anemones competing for space on a rocky shore to fallow deer stags contending for access to females. Why do animals fight? What determines when fights stop and which contestant wins? Addressing fundamental questions on contest behaviour, this volume presents theoretical and empirical perspectives across a range of species. The historical development of contest research, the evolutionary theory of both dyadic and multiparty contests, and approaches to experimental design and data analysis are discussed in the first chapters. This is followed by reviews of research in key animal taxa, from the use of aerial displays and assessment rules in butterflies and the developmental biology of weapons in beetles, through to interstate warfare in humans. The final chapter considers future directions and applications of contest research, making this a comprehensive resource for both graduate students and researchers in the field.

Describes how animals use camouflage and mimicry as weapons and defences"--Title page verso.