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In search of behavioral individuality

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Abstract

Living things are not created identical: In sexually reproducing species, individuals—except monozygotic twins—are different. Although widely acknowledged, behavioral individuality has received relatively little empirical or theoretical attention. Yet it seems likely that research focusing on individual differences will yield important insights for evolutionarily minded students of behavioral biology, including those interested in better understanding Homo sapiens.

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Correspondence to David P. Barash.

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David P. Barash received his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Wisconsin (Madison) in 1970. He has been at the University of Washington since 1973, where he is professor of psychology. He has authored or co-authored thirteen books, with two others—one on the sociobiology of sex differences and another on the implications of inclusive fitness—forthcoming from Island Press, as well as a textbook, Ideas of Human Nature (Prentice-Hall), to appear in late 1997. In addition to his continuing interest in sociobiology, Barash has been active in antinuclear activities and in the field of peace studies.

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Barash, D.P. In search of behavioral individuality. Hum Nat 8, 153–169 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-997-1009-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-997-1009-3

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