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Wild fathers : what wild animal dads teach us about fatherhood

Walraven, Erna2021
Books
Wild animal fathers are often seen merely as sperm donors with little contribution or influence on family affairs. This is indeed the case in plenty of species but many other wild animal dads have evolved to be significant and, in some instances, essential contributors to offspring survival. This book takes a close look at the role of animal dads in nature and what that may say about fatherhood in humans - giving insights into truly fascinating paternal behaviour in wild animals ranging from seahorses to monkeys and ostriches to penguins. Fatherhood is an oft-neglected subject, compared to motherhood, yet many animal societies have evolved a major role for dads beyond the donation of sperm. There are myriad ways animals can become dads, involving different courtships styles to attract a female and mating systems from polygamy to monogamy and polyandry. Natural selection and mate choice also influence the potential of becoming a dad. When fatherhood is achieved, what is the role of pair bonding, fidelity, and male role models? These topics are explored with a wink to our own rituals and societal norms. This book delves into various types of fathers in nature. Wild animal parenting styles vary between species and to some degree between individuals within the same species. Some of the species that are highlighted are: seahorse, frog, midwife toad, bullfrog, cobra, emperor penguin, emu, cassowary, ostrich, brush turkey, malleefowl, orange-footed scrubfowl, white-winged chough, echidna, kangaroo, antechinus, flying fox, tamarins, marmosets, gorilla, mandrill, siamang, lion, wolf, seal and many more. The book also discusses when these different wild fathering styles may be useful to us humans and in what situation, combining the latest scientific research on fathers in the animal world and ours, as well as anecdotes and observations from wildlife experts. For animal lovers everywhere, fathers, fathers-to-be, mothers, sons and daughters, this is a book that could change perceptions of the role of fatherhood in nature and in our human world.
Author:
Imprint:
Wahroonga, NSW : Reed New Holland Publishers, 2021.©2021
Collation:
303 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm.
Notes:
"A book drawing on psychology, history, evolutionary biology, philosophy, economics, anecdotes, observations, and the lives of the most extraordinary animal dads with whom we share this planet" -- Cover.Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN:
9781925546729 (pbk)9781925546729
Dewey class:
591.563
Language:
English
BRN:
470412
LocationCollectionCall numberStatus/Desc
Sandringham LibraryAdult Non Fiction - Animals591.563 WALAvailable
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