• d u k a s a n d rat c l i f f ethe ways in which an animal’s cognitive biology contribute to the patterns of
mate choice in the wild. Ryan et al. analyze how cognitive mechanisms could
affect female mate choice and identify exciting directions in this relatively
unexplored avenue of research. In chapter 9, Phelps and Ophir focus on male
sexual behavior within a unique mammalian model that relies on natural
variation in the mating systems of voles of the genus Microtus. Using their
thorough knowledge of voles’ natural history and behavior, Phelps and Ophir
discuss the neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and genetics underlying males’
pair-bonding and their corresponding use of space.
Little attention had been devoted to cognition at the embryonic stage, but
recent experiments reviewed by Warkentin and Caldwell (chapter 10) clearly
indicate that embryos possess sophisticated abilities to assess and respond to
cues of predation. As Warkentin and Caldwell note, embryonic cognition is an
essential yet relatively neglected aspect of cognitive research even though it
is relevant for many animals. In chapter 11, Ratcliffe takes a fresh look at the
historically well-studied system of bats and moths. This classic model system
focuses on the auditory domain used by bats to detect insects and other poten-
tial prey and by many moths to perceive and attempt to avoid impending pre-
dation. Because bats produce echolocation calls to perceive their environment
and because some moths generate sounds to deter attacking bats, researchers
eavesdropping on these signals have a unique opportunity to examine how the
available auditory information translates into decisions made by both predator
and prey. The last part of the volume is devoted to social information. First,
Manser (chapter 12) links antipredatory and social behavior by analyzing the
alarm calls of meerkats (Suricata suricatta). These cooperatively breeding ani-
mals employ referential alarm calls, which indicate the approach of specific
predators and cause receivers to show an appropriate escape response to these
predators. Kendal, Coolen, and Laland (chapter 13) review the current knowl-
edge on social learning. From humans’ biased perspective, social learning
is a basic way of life. Most animals, however, do not rely on social learning,
whereas some species use it only conditionally. Kendal et al. organize their
discussion around the two key questions of when individuals should rely on
social learning and whom they should learn from. Finally, Federspiel, Clayton,
and Emery (chapter 14) illustrate how integrating knowledge about animals’
natural behavior, ecology, and evolutionary history with the powerful empiri-
cal techniques of experimental psychology has helped us understand the use
of social information by different bird species. The volume concludes with a
short evaluation of what we have achieved, current shortcomings, and promis-
ing avenues of future research.