Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles - Hardcover

Vitt, Laurie J.; Zug, George R.; Caldwell, Janalee P.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 012782622X ISBN 13: 9780127826226

Publisher: Academic Press, 2001

Synopsis

Herpetology, Second Edition has been thoroughly revised. The text has been reorganized, new chapters have been added, new text references have been inserted. All this plus new color systematics sections will maintain this book as THE leading textbook on the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The book will also showcase reptiles and amphibians as model systems in conceptual areas of biology. Such a text will help integrate herpetology as a discipline into conceptually oriented undergraduate programs. The book should also appeal to a large audience of sophisticated lay people interested in reptiles and amphibians.

Key Features
* Written by internationally recognized experts on the biology of amphibians and reptiles
* Provides a general background on the evolution and morphology of amphibians and reptiles
* Details what is known about reproduction and life histories
* Examines physiological ecology, emphasizing water balance, temperature, and energy
* Integrates population and community ecology with conservation biology
* Provides detailed taxonomic accounts of all higher taxa, including high quality distribution maps and color photographs

About this title

Review:

From the Reviews of the First Edition
"...a must for anyone just starting into the field of herpetology ..."
Canadian Field Naturalist

From the Back Cover:

Amphibians and reptiles occupy a crucial position in the evolution of vertebrates and therefore are representative of many of the transitions that eventually resulted in the evolution of mammals and birds. The Second Edition of Herpetology synthesizes what is known about the biology and systematics of amphibians and reptiles, combining thoroughly revised and expanded text discussions with informative, largely new graphics and numerous color illustrations.
Herpetology is and ideal text for an undergraduate-level introductory course, but will also be of interest to faculty, researchers, and graduate students as a source of information about these interesting animals. Because of its broad coverage, Herpetology is relevant to courses in vertebrate biology, ecology, behavior, systematics, and evolution.
Key features
* Evolution and morphology of amphibians and reptiles
* Reproduction and life histories
* Physiological ecology emphasizing water balance, temperature, and energy
* Behavior, including spacing, social behavior, foraging, and predator escape
* Integration of population and community ecology with conservation biology
* Detailed taxonomic accounts of all higher taxa, including high-quality distribution maps and color photographs
From reviews of the First Edition:
"This will be a valued, and oft-consulted, addition to any naturalist's or conservationist's library for its up-to-date comprehensive overview of these ecologically important groups and their role in the contemporary environment; it is a must for anyone just starting into the field of herpetology...".
--CANADIAN FIELD NATURALIST

About this edition

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 012782622X
• ISBN 13: 9780127826226
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 644