How do animals keep themselves well in the wild? Folklore and traditional medicine have long laid claim to feats of self-medication by animals, but, until recently, scientists have dismissed such stories as romantic anthropomorphism. This is now changing as more and more scientists uncover examples of insects, birds and mammals self-medicating their ills. Chimpanzees carefully select bitter-tasting anti-parasitic plant 'medicines' that counter intestinal parasites, elephants roam miles to find the clay which counters ...
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How do animals keep themselves well in the wild? Folklore and traditional medicine have long laid claim to feats of self-medication by animals, but, until recently, scientists have dismissed such stories as romantic anthropomorphism. This is now changing as more and more scientists uncover examples of insects, birds and mammals self-medicating their ills. Chimpanzees carefully select bitter-tasting anti-parasitic plant 'medicines' that counter intestinal parasites, elephants roam miles to find the clay which counters dietary toxins, and many birds species line their nests with pungent medicinal leaves and so improve their chick's chances against the ravages of skin parasites. This book, the first general overview of the emerging science of 'zoopharmacognosy', explores the behavioural strategies animals use to maintain health by resorting to no more mystical an explanation than Darwinian selection. These strategies have successfully endured the ravages of natural selection and could provide a solid basis for improving the health of animals in our care. By observing wild health and the many similarities with human self-medication, we may even discover (or rediscover) ways to further improve our own health.
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Add this copy of Wild Health: How Animals Keep Themselves Well and What to cart. $5.60, fair condition, Sold by Stephen White Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bradford, WEST YORKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by W&N.
Add this copy of Wild Health: How Animals Keep Themselves Well and What to cart. $16.26, good condition, Sold by Anybook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by Weidenfeld and Nicolson.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 600grams, ISBN: 0297646842.
Add this copy of Wild Health to cart. $20.61, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by W&N.
