Book

But how can animals with such small brains make such complex structures and why do they do that? Mike Hansell looks at the structures built by animals and explains the biology of their behaviour.
He explains how animals with small brains build complex structures by repeated simple actions many times and by using their bodily excretes. These excretes are very specific and well-developed.
The book includes a discussion on wasp nests, leaf-cutting ants, caddis flies and amoebae. Spider webs are analysed biochemically and mechanically, and the construction of a wasp nest is simulated with computer models.
Also the bower bird, who builds his future mate a decorated pile of twigs, baubles, feathers and berries, is discussed. The author wonders whether animals may also have a sense of beauty.
Hansell is emeritus professor Animal Architecture at the University of Glasgow.


Built by animals, the natural history of animal architecture
Mike Hansell
Oxford University Press, 2007
ISBN10: 0199205566
ISBN13: 9780199205561