ANIMIAL SOCIETIES

Defining a ``society'' as individuals living together with defined rules and prescribed behaviors, Gravelle discusses several examples, especially wolves, sharks, dolphins, rats, ostriches, ants, and bees. But while the information she presents on their interactions is valuable, her comparisons with human behavior and motivations are sometimes unscientific and inappropriate—e.g., ``in terms of equality between the sexes, rat society appears to be a feminist dream''; or, discussing ``altruistic ostriches,'' ``minor females can enjoy the advantages of reproduction, with none of the risks.'' An interesting but flawed title in the ``Vantage'' series, with drab format only somewhat relieved by the color photos in a center insert. Brief glossary; further reading; index. (Nonfiction. 10-12)