Fatik Baran Mandal

Nonverbal Communication in Humans

Nonverbal behavior includes all communicative acts except speech. Communication means conveying information through signals. We use body language without being aware of it, perceive and interpret other peoples body language. Three classes of nonverbal behavior are the verbal-vocal, nonverbal-vocal, and nonverbal-nonvocal. Several gestures illustrate the relationship between verbal and nonverbal behavior. Nonverbal phenomena are most important in the structuring and occurrence of interpersonal communication and the movement-to-movement regulation of the interaction. Nonverbal signs help regulate the system, cueing hierarchy and priority among communicators, signaling the flow of interaction, and providing meta-communication and feedback. Experiences teach us unconsciously that space communicates.

Human Behavior and Biodiversity Loss: A Theoretical Analysis

Diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems altogether constitute biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential for our survival. Anthropogenic biodiversity loss is due to reasons such as unsustainable production and consumption, human population growth, and poverty. Despite various efforts undertaken for conserving biodiversity, nothing significant has been achieved. This study focuses on human behavior for biodiversity loss. The goal of human life is genetic survival through reproduction. The driving force for reproductive success can be explained through natural selection. From an evolutionary perspective, resources acquire intrinsic utility when they enhance the inclusive fitness, called reproductive success. Human behavioral change is required for conserving biodiversity.

Text Book of Animal Behavior

Animal behavior has been a subject of earliest studies on Natural History. Ancient classification based on reproductive behavior can be taken as a pre-Linnaean concept. Since then the subject has undergone vast changes. Text book of Animal Behavior (Prentice Hall India, 2010) is a timely addition to the world of learning; since it has been written in a text book format, the author Prof. Fatik Baran Mandal has adopted a standard, acceptable to the classroom teaching. However, the information provided by the author may be of value beyond classroom teaching. The book is divided into 12 chapters in a logical sequence. After the introductory part followed by Darwinian sense of Behavior, it extends into interaction between genes neurons, hormones and environment. The author has traced the difference between incite and learned behavior carefully focusing on such key areas like Motivaion, Tropism and Reflex. One of the major aspects of any behavioral study involves the types of communication system animals use viz., visual, sound, chemical signaling, tactile, feeling, phenomenic response etc.