Games of Life: Explorations in Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour by Karl Sigmund [rare books]

Book Summary:

Games of Life: Explorations in Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour by Karl Sigmund is an insightful book that explores how the principles of game theory can be applied to biological processes, ecology, and evolutionary behavior. Sigmund uses mathematical models and the theory of games to understand complex phenomena in nature, from cooperation to conflict, competition, and altruism.

The book explains how animals, plants, and humans behave in situations that resemble games, where individuals' strategies and decisions affect their survival, reproduction, and interaction with others. Sigmund delves into classic game theory problems like the "Prisoner's Dilemma" and "Hawk-Dove" game, and how these models can be used to understand evolutionary strategies, such as cooperation and competition in animal behavior.

Sigmund also examines the role of cooperation and social behavior in ecosystems, the spread of diseases, and the evolution of cooperation among species. The book combines theory with examples from biology and ecology to provide a clear understanding of how game theory helps explain complex biological phenomena.

About the Author:

Karl Sigmund is an Austrian mathematician and biologist, renowned for his work in the intersection of mathematics, evolutionary biology, and game theory. He is a professor of mathematics at the University of Vienna and has contributed significantly to the study of evolutionary dynamics and the application of game theory to biological and ecological systems.

Sigmund has authored several books and papers on the topics of evolution, game theory, and mathematical modeling in biology. His research focuses on how mathematical models can explain and predict the behavior of biological systems, from simple organisms to complex social interactions in humans and other species.

His notable works include The Calculus of Selfishness and Exact Thinking in Demented Times, where he combines mathematical rigor with biological insights to make complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.