Is the snark still a boojum? The comparative approach to reproductive behavior.
One of Frank Beach's many achievements was his stimulating influence on the comparative study of behavior. This review honors that legacy by categorizing and describing the many kinds of comparative approaches in use today for the study of reproductive behavior. The categorization is based on the motives and goals of the researcher, the kinds of questions that can be answered, the number and phylogenetic relatedness of the species being compared, and the method used for analyzing the results. Each approach is illustrated with specific examples from recent research, using studies from the field of hormones and behavior whenever possible.
Adkins-Regan
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Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
D000818:Animals; D012107:Research Design; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal