Covering the contextual and taxonomic diversity of cannibalism, this book explains its costs, benefits, and consequences for a taxonomically broad distribution of species from lower eukaryotes to higher primates. The authors, all experts in their taxon of interest, use theory developed for the analysis of foraging, sociality, demography, and genetics to assess the ecological and evolutionary causes and effects of cannibalism. The emerging picture from recent research challenges the view that cannibalism is either abnormal behaviour or an infrequent addition to the predator's usual diet.

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Mark A.ElgarLecturer in ZoologyUniversity of Melbourne.

'a refreshing examination of a part of animal behaviour we more readily associate with humans ... the editors have disciplined the various authors to retain a clear view of the evolutionary implication of accounts each presents ... This book provides overwhelming evidence of the importance of cannibalism in natural systems. If I had not been presented with a copy for writing this review, I would buy it. As a reference text, it will certainly appear on my department's library shelf.' Winston J. Bailey, University of Western Australia, J. Aust. ent. Soc., 1993, 32

'For anyone interested in cannibalism this will be a key text for some years.' Carl Smith, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Volume 3, Number 1, March 1993

'Elgar and Crespi provide a valuable overview of the occurrence and significance of cannibalism' Martin Hancox, International Zoo News, No. 239, Vol. 39/6

'Students of ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal behavior will most certainly find this book useful and interesting.' Israel Journal of Zoology, Vol. 39, 1993