Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the similar ways in which information is encoded in nonverbal man-made signals (e.g., traffic lights, tornado sirens) and animal-evolved signals (e.g., color patterns, vocalizations). Drawing on semiotics, animal behavior, psychology, and allied fields, it surveys animal signaling and an important class of human communication.
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Coding and Redundancy] will provide behavioral ecologists with new ideas about the mechanisms underlying communication, which may give fresh insights into signal evolution. -- Redouan Bshary * Nature *
Hailman employs numerous examples to make the case that coding patterns and redundancy in both animals and human signaling have much in common. The strength of this book lies in Hailman's ability to support mathematical theory with specific examples based on his vast knowledge of animal behavior. -- F. T. Kuserk * Choice *
Eminently entertaining, this book blazes the trail for thinking about animal communication in a manner that will interest ordinary readers as well as specialists. Hailman classifies animal signals and compares them to an interesting diversity of human signals. The passages on human signals, like Morse code, and animal signals, like the wings of ducks, make for fascinating reading. -- R. Haven Wiley, Professor of Biology and Ecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Table of Contents* List of Tables and Figures * Foreword * Preface * *1. Introduction * Part I. Coding *2. Binary Coding *3. Multi-valued Coding *4. Multivariate Coding * Part II. Redundancy *5. Intrinsic Redundancy *6. Redundancy Reduction *7. Designed Redundancy * Appendix A: List of Equations * Appendix B: How to Find Base-2 Logarithms on a Pocket Calculator * Appendix C: Binary Pervasiveness * Notes * References * Index
