The Behaviour of Pinnipeds

Part 1 Determinants of mating systems in the otariidae (pinnipedia): overview of current theory; types of mating system among otariids; variation in the form of otariid mating systems. Part 2 Pinniped mating system on land, ice and in the water - emphasis on the phocidae: what do we expect in pinnipeds and other mammals?; what do we find in mammals?; what determines the distribution of females and the degree of polygyny?; do the unique features of pinnipeds give an advantage to one sex and affect the form that mating systems take?; what are the consequences of mating of land verses in the water?. Part 3 Behavioural ecology of pinniped neo-nates: life history characteristics; the lactation period; weaning; behaviour and diet of weaned pups; discussion. Part 4 Communication in pinnipeds, with special reference to non-acoustic signalling: signal structure and variation; some concepts in communication; combat behaviour and the communication of threat; ecological variation and time/activity budgets; evolutionary patterns. Part 5 Physiology of behaviour in pinnipeds: the physiology of reproductive behaviour; maternal behaviour; motor development and play; immune system; diving; metabolism; activity patterns; thermo-regulation; moult; orientation. Part 6 Reproductive and foraging energetics of pinnipeds - implications for life history patterns: reproductive biology; maternal investment; foraging behaviour. Part 7 Sensory reception - phocidae and otariidae: methodological caveats in psychophysical threshold measurement; vision; hearing; tactile sensation - vibrissae; chemo-reception; magnetic reception; discussion; umwelten - beyond the receptor.