Elephant Sense and Sensibility

Elephant Sense and Sensibility is a comprehensive treatment of the full range of elephant behavior. Beginning with chapters on evolution and the elephant?s brain, this book is an integrated presentation of the elephant?s capacity for memory, morality, emotion, empathy, altruism, language, intelligence, learning and teaching. Grounded primarily in scientific research, the book also draws upon anecdotal and visual evidence showing elephants thinking, acting, feeling and behaving in ways that we, as humans, recognize. This complete treatment of elephant behavior supported by the extensive literature, along with anecdotal and photographic material, provides an overview not available in any other text.

1. Introduction

2. Elephant Evolution

3. An Elephant’s Brain

4. Functioning of the Brain

5. Memory

6. Morality

7. Emotions

8. Empathy and Altruism

9. Communication

10. Language

11. Intelligence

12. Learning and Teaching

13. The Sensory Environment of Elephants

14. Them and Us

References

Supplemental Reading

• Covers a variety of aspects that relate to behavior, ranging from brain function and sensory input to communication, learning, and intelligence
• Features a comprehensive treatment of elephant behavior supported by the extensive literature, anecdotal information, and striking photographic material, providing an overview not available in any other text
• Features an interdisciplinary approach to behavior, with vital information included and integrated from several key disciplines