Language: English
The world of animals is really fascinating. Unlike the human race, animals come in myriads of shapes, colours and show an astounding range of behaviour. They don't speak like humans, but they can communicate among themselves quite effectively, using chemicals, postures, and different kinds of vocalisation. But till only a few decades ago, little was known about the social life of animals, except that of a few domesticated species. Developments in technology, both in cinematography and electronics, have since enabled scientists to study animals right in their own environs and record intimate details of their social life. Using electronic image intensifiers, super-sensitive films and special cameras and lenses, scientists can now study any animal – from tiny insects, birds and reptiles to the most elusive mammals and fish residing in any terrain, ranging from waterless deserts to tropical rainforests and oceans. At the same time there has also been a sizeable increase in the number of scientists actively involved in observing and studying animals in the wild. All these developments have led to a new understanding of animal behaviour and their social lives, as outlined in this book.