This stimulating and comprehensive collection brings together multiple
perspectives on the topic of personality in nonhuman animals--linking
historical perspectives, theoretical approaches, methods, and
cutting-edge discoveries. Experts from various fields describe their
findings on species ranging from dogs, cats, chimpanzees, and dolphins
to sharks, snakes, and other reptiles. Chapters not only discuss the
evolution of personality, but also describe potential applications
within the areas of animal-human interactions, animal ethics and
welfare, conservation science, and other areas. A key focus is the role
of genetics and the environment in determining animal behavior and
personality, including related traits, such as creativity and boredom.
These chapters present the study of personality in nonhumans as a means
by which we can better understand medical and psychological issues
specific to our own species as well.
Chapters include:
- Exploring factor space (and other adventures) with the Hominoid
Personality Questionnaire
- The quantitative and molecular genetics of individual differences in
animal personality
- Personality, temperament and individuality in reptile behavior
- What do we want to know about personality in marine mammals?
- Individual differences in nonhuman animals: examining boredom,
curiosity, and creativity
- The interplay between animal personality and foraging ecology
Taking significant steps in advancing the study of animal personality,
Personality in Nonhuman Animals will engage personality psychologists,
comparative psychologists, and behavior ecologists as well as
conservationists, zookeepers, livestock managers, and all those
interested in the brain and behavior of animals.
