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The Theory of Honest Signalling This is an old version of the
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Honest signalling in biology
Zahavi's handicap principle
Grafen's model
Attracting mates
Begging for food
Deterring predation
Contesting resources
Autumn color
Honest signalling in economics
Conspicuous consumption
Education
The mathematics of honest signalling
Signalling as a game
Other resources
Contact Information
Department of Zoology |
An Introduction to the Theory of Honest Signalling Grazing on the savannah, a gazelle spots a feline form moving through the tall grass fifty meters away. It lifts its head, listening, sniffing the breeze, and then suddenly, released like a jack-in-the-box, it springs straight up into the air, six feet high. It lands, only to repeatedly leap in place again and again. Other members of the herd notice, and quickly begin to imitate its display.
A magpie alights at the edge of her nest, a juicy caterpiller dangling from her beak. Even before her feet touch the haphazard assembly of twigs, her four nestlings launch into a cacophany of squawks, warbles, clucks, and clackings. As you are waiting for friend in the hotel lobby, a well-dressed man walks up and asks you for the time. You notice his thousand-dollar suit and, without thinking, address him as "Sir." Do these diverse examples of behavior have anything in common?
Last modified September 4, 2002 |