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Mousy cats and sheepish coyotes : the science of animal personalities / John A. Shivik.

by Shivik, John A.

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Beacon Press, 2017.

Animal psychology.

Animal behavior.

Human-animal relationships.

9780807071519 (hc.)

190 pages ; 24 cm

Includes bibliographical references (pages 172-181) and index.

My cat and dogma -- The mystery of personality -- Brave fighter or serene lover -- Appetite or appetizer -- Herd or hermit -- Wayfarer or wallflower -- Nature and nurture -- The selfish herd, the generous gene -- Pairing singularities.

"A wildlife expert explores what science tells us about animals as unique individuals and why animal personality matters for the human-animal bond and for adaptation in nature. Why are some cats cuddly and others standoffish? Why are some dogs adventuresome, 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 human friend or loved one. Recent years have brought an increased understanding of animal intelligence and emotion. But is there a scientific basis for animal personality and individuality, or is this notion purely sentimental? It turns out that science has been reluctant to even broach the subject of individuality until recently. But now, a fundamental shift in scientific understanding is underway, as mainstream scientists begin to accept the idea that animals of all kinds - from beloved beasts like apes and birds to decidedly less cuddly creatures like crabs and spiders - do indeed have individual personalities. Wildlife expert Dr. John A. Shivik brings us stories from the emerging body of research on animal personalities. Researchers are discovering that each wolf, bear, and coyote has an inherent tendency to favor either its aggressive nature or to shyly avoid conflicts. Some bluebirds are lovers, others are fighters. And some spiders prefer to be loners, while others are sociable. Unique personalities can be discovered in every corner of the animal kingdom - even among microscopic organisms. John Shivik is the author of The Predator Paradox: Ending the War with Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes."--Provided by publisher.

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