BOOK REVIEWS 1267

Section IV is entitled Ontogeny and Primate Com- munication; apart from three exceptions reported in previous sections, there is little evidence that learning is a significant component in any communication. Even profound deprivation, as shown in birds, leaves the bulk of the communicative repertoire unaltered. In investi- gating the genetic and experiential mechanisms of development of the isolation call of infant squirrel monkeys, J. D. Newman & D. Symmes show that the characteristic features are present in the first days after birth, although there are some maturational changes; the use of hybrids here reinforces their conclusions. G. Epple, M. C. Alveario & Y. Katz seek to separate hormonal determinants of communication from social ones, by manipulating the hormones in tamarins before and after puberty, differentiating between the organizing and activating roles of gonadal hormones. The longest chapter in the book is also non-vocal: S. Chevalier- Skolnikoff is apparently the first researcher to apply Piaget's model of cognitive development (during the sensorimotor period) to primate communication. In guiding the long-term observation of the development of facial expressions in a variety of Old World primates by such a rigorous sequential theory of intellectual development, she organizes a vast amount of data into a highly organized and logical framework. This method, having been modelled on human development, sets comparative standards on abilities to link cognitive and communicative abilities.

Finally, we come to discussions about communication of the reproductive s tate--about receptivity, proceptivity and attractivity--with, thankfully, no claims of oestrus in higher primates. C. Bielert demonstrates that visual signals from the sexual skin of baboons are the main stimulus for mating, with olfactory and auditory cues of much less relevance. E. B. Keverne shows that vaginal olfactory cues are the main stimulus for mating in rhesus and talapoin monkeys, but that experience and related social variables diminish their importance. D. A. Gold- foot demonstrates the lack of specificity of vaginal odours by adding semen or green peppers and producing increased sexual arousal; he develops a sequential multi-channel model, arguing that a variety of signals and activities are necessary for the successful culmination of mating, and that conditioning and experience are relevant. Such a composite approach is a most appropri- ate way in which to conclude this volume. There follow useful author and subject indices.

A major strength of the book is the superb general introduction and introductions to each section, which review key features and collate the different contributions most effectively (especially the long ones). This arrange- ment almost obviates the need for the reader to plough through the whole complex volume, and one can imagine a much clearer, more concise presentation written by the three editors alone. Nevertheless, since the main advances in almost every aspect of primatology are coming from inter-disciplinary collaboration, such a detailed pre- sentation is essential for specialists in one aspect of communication to appreciate fully the methods and results of those working on other aspects. There is extensive cross-referencing between chapters. The evolution of human language, especially ape-human communication has been well put into proper perspective. Having observed the subtle gradation of call structure in howling monkeys in 1967, it is nice to see, at last, very detailed analysis of such phenomena. This is a very important volume which covers the subject most[effect-

ively, in a way that can be appreciated by a wide variety of people, both students and researchers alike.

DAVID J. CHIVERS Sub-department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1 QS, U.K.

References Altmann, S. A. 1967. Social Communication among

Primates. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Haimoff, E. H. 1981. Video analysis of siamang (Hylo-

bates syndactylas) songs. Behavioar, 76, 128-151. Mason, W. A. 1968. Use of space by Callicebus groups.

In: Primates (Ed. by P. Jay), pp. 200-216. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

Sebeok, T. A. 1977. How Animals' Communicate. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press.

Gorilla Behavior. By TERRY L. MAPLE t~; MICHAEL P. HOFF. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold (1982). Pp. ix + 290. Price $27.20.

This is the second in a series of three volumes dealing with the behaviour of the great apes; Dr Maple's book entitled Orang-utan Behavior was published in 1980. The new book is clearly written, well illustrated and provides a comprehensive review of literature on the behaviour of gorillas in captivity and in the wild. The eight chapters deal with communicatory biology, intelligence, sexual behaviour, birth and parental care, captive management, field studies and conservation. The authors are experienced observers of great-ape behaviour in captivity and they provide many practical ideas for the design of enclosures and for improving the often-barren conditions imposed upon gorillas in zoos. The book should be useful to those who manage the 470 gorillas held in 118 zoos and other institutions around the world as well as to primatologists or students of animal behaviour. However, readers should not expect a critical synthesis of ideas and information for all the areas dealt with in this book. Often t h e authors rely upon detailed quotations to make major points; they appear on 120 out of 269 pages of text. Since the orang-utah and chimpanzee are dealt with in separate volumes, the scope of comparative arguments is very limited in the book on gorilla behaviour. A single volume on great ape behaviour might have been preferable, and less expensive for poten- tial readers, although one must admit that this would represent a monumental task. Setting aside these criti- cisms, however, Maple and Hoff's excellent book is the best review on gorilla behaviour yet produced and I hope it will be successful.

ALAN DIXON Wellcome Laboratories of Comparative Physiology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, U.K.

Mate Choice. Edited by PATRICK ]3ATESON. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (1983). Pp. xv + 462. Price s hardback, s paperback.

There are good theoretical reasons for thinking that ani- mals should not pair-up and mate indiscriminately. Indeed, there is an increasing body of evidence which shows that they don't. Preference for particular partners and competition for mates are the behavioural mechan- isms by which the evolutionary process of sexual selection