Power in the Wild: The Subtle and Not-So-Subtle Ways Animals Strive for Control over Others

Power struggles in the animal kingdom are as diverse as they are fascinating, and this book illuminates their surprising range and connections. From the shell wars of hermit crabs to little blue penguins spying on potential rivals, power revolves around spying, deception, manipulation, forming alliances, breaking up alliances, complex assessments of potential opponents, building social networks, and more.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The animal kingdom is a realm of captivating power struggles, ranging from the intricate battles of hermit crabs to the strategic espionage of little blue penguins. These conflicts are as diverse as they are fascinating, and this book sheds light on their surprising range and interconnectedness.

The pursuit of power in animals extends far beyond mere physical dominance or territorial battles. It encompasses a complex web of strategies, including spying, deception, manipulation, alliance formation, and alliance breakdown. Animals employ these tactics to gain an advantage over their rivals, secure resources, and ensure the survival of their species.

Tracing the path to power across thirty different species across six continents, writer and behavioral ecologist Lee Alan Dugatkin takes readers on a global journey, accompanied by leading researchers who have uncovered the intricate mechanisms of animal power. From hyenas to dolphins, bonobos to field mice, cichlid fish to cuttlefish, copperhead snakes to ravens, and meerkats to mongooses, power plays a central role in their social lives. It influences everything from their diet and habitat to their mating habits, offspring production, alliances, and even their ability to change their sex.

Power permeates every aspect of animal society, shaping their interactions and behaviors. It determines their access to resources, their ability to reproduce, and their ability to navigate complex social dynamics. In some species, power can even determine an animal's gender identity.

However, it is important to note that humans are not immune to the intricacies of animal power struggles. Dugatkin's tales of researchers studying power in animals are filled with unexpected challenges, twists, and turns, as well as moments of serendipity and scientific discovery. These stories showcase the remarkable insights and discoveries that have been made in the field, shedding light on the complex and fascinating world of animal behavior.

In conclusion, power struggles in the animal kingdom are a testament to the incredible diversity and complexity of life on our planet. From the shell wars of hermit crabs to the strategic espionage of little blue penguins, these conflicts reveal the depth of animal intelligence and the intricate ways in which they navigate their social environments. By exploring the quest for power in animals, we gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the remarkable adaptations that enable species to thrive.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 236 x 158 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226815947