Neural Networks and Animal Behavior

Magnus Enquist, Stefano Ghirlanda

256 pages, parution le 04/10/2005

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Résumé

How can we make better sense of animal behavior by using what we know about the brain? This is the first book that attempts to answer this important question by applying neural network theory. Scientists create Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to make models of the brain. These networks mimic the architecture of a nervous system by connecting elementary neuron-like units into networks in which they stimulate or inhibit each other's activity in much the same way neurons do. This book shows how scientists can employ ANNs to analyze animal behavior, explore the general principles of the nervous systems, and test potential generalizations among species. The authors focus on simple neural networks to show how ANNs can be investigated by math and by computers. They demonstrate intuitive concepts that make the operation of neural networks more accessible to nonspecialists.

The first chapter introduces various approaches to animal behavior and provides an informal introduction to neural networks, their history, and their potential advantages. The second chapter reviews artificial neural networks, including biological foundations, techniques, and applications. The following three chapters apply neural networks to such topics as learning and development, classical instrumental condition, and the role of genes in building brain networks. The book concludes by comparing neural networks to other approaches. It will appeal to students of animal behavior in many disciplines. It will also interest neurobiologists, cognitive scientists, and those from other fields who wish to learn more about animal behavior.

L'auteur - Magnus Enquist

Magnus Enquist is Professor of Ethology in the Department of Zoology at Stockholm University.

L'auteur - Stefano Ghirlanda

Stefano Ghirlanda is Researcher of General Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bologna.

Sommaire

Understanding animal behavior
Fundamentals of neural network models
Mechanisms of behavior
Learning and ontogeny
Evolution
Conclusions

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Caractéristiques techniques

	PAPIER
Éditeur(s)	Princeton University Press
Auteur(s)	Magnus Enquist, Stefano Ghirlanda
Parution	04/10/2005
Nb. de pages	256
Format	15,5 x 23,5
Couverture	Broché
Poids	400g
Intérieur	Noir et Blanc
EAN13	9780691096339
ISBN13	978-0-691-09633-9