image: 'Wild Connection' by Dr. Jennifer Verdolin blends humor and science to show the similarities between humans and animals when it comes to dating and relationships. view more
Credit: Prometheus Books
Sex-crazed turtles, confused bees, and cheating swans. These are just a few of the things animal behavior expert Dr. Jennifer Verdolin, discusses in this new book that blends humor and science to show the similarities between humans and animals when it comes to dating and relationships.
"Wild Connection" is full of fascinating and suggestive observations about animal behavior. For example, in most species smell is an important component of determining compatibility. So are we humans doing the right thing by masking our natural scents with soaps and colognes? Royal albatrosses have a lengthy courtship period lasting several years. These birds instinctively know that casual hook-ups are not the way to find a reliable mate.
What makes an individual attractive to the opposite sex? Does size matter? Why do we tend to "keep score" in our relationships? From perfume and cosmetics to online dating and therapy, our ultimate goal is to successfully connect with someone. So why is romance such an effort for humans, while animals have little trouble getting it right? Fun to read as well as educational, this unique take on the perennial human quest to find the ideal mate answers these questions and many more.
Dr. Jennifer L. Verdolin (Durham, NC), an expert in animal behavior, is currently a research scientist affiliated with the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (Duke University) in Durham, NC, where she studies lemur personality and social behavior. In addition to publishing in peer-reviewed journals, she has written for Scientific American, has her own Psychology Today blog called Wild Connections, and is the weekly featured guest in the segment titled, "Think like a human, act like an animal" on the nationally syndicated DL Hughley Radio Show.
310 pages • ISBN 978-1-61614-946-8 • Trade Paperback $18.95 • On Sale Date June 3, 2014 • ebook ISBN 978-1-61614-947-5 • ebook $11.99