Animal Architects: Building and the Evolution of Intelligence

Science News,  April 14, 2007  

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ANIMAL ARCHITECTS: Building and the Evolution of Intelligence

JAMES R. GOULD AND CAROL GRANT GOULD

Engineering is not strictly a human pursuit. Animals of all types, from birds to nonhuman primates, routinely build structures and dwellings to meet the challenges of their particular habitats. The Goulds, who are animal-behavior specialists, present the diverse array of animal engineering. They find that animals build to shield themselves from the elements, protect themselves from predators, and attract mates. The authors describe caterpillars and spiders that build with silk and tell about bees, ants, and wasps that build colony structures complete with air conditioning. Finally, the authors profile beavers. The book ends with a comparative look at animal and human uses of tools, physical principles, and logic. Basic, 2007, 324 p., b&w illus, hardcover, $26.95.

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