Chapters cover different types of friendship: from those between two individuals, such as male-female or parent-offspring friendships, to those within family groups and even inter-species friendships. Not only does the book explore how and why friendships form, it also showcases the ingenious field techniques used by researchers enabling the reader to understand the scientific methodology. An invaluable read for both researchers and students studying animal social bonding.

Content:

• Introduction
• 1. Male and female pals – not just for sex!
• 2. In sisterhood
• 3. In brotherhood
• 4. Mothers and daughters
• 5. Mothers and sons, and providing free food
• 6. Fathers and sons: social grooming and preening
• 7. Family and group tight bonds
• 8. Old buddies
• 9. Social but seldom sociable animals
• 10. Cross species pals
• 11. Animal and human 'friendships'
• Index.