The Encyclopedia of Animals

by McKay, George

• ISBN13: 9780520244061
• ISBN10: 0520244060
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-10-01
• Publisher: Univ of California Pr

Summary

The Encyclopedia of Animals is a lavishly illustrated, authoritative, and comprehensive exploration of the rich and intriguing world of animals. Written by an international team of specialists, spectacularly adorned with a gallery of more than 2,000 color illustrations, and supplemented with distribution maps, detailed and beautifully rendered diagrams, and some of the world's finest wildlife photographs, this volume will become the standard by which all others are measured. Each page is expertly laid out to enhance either browsing or in-depth study. Readers will find detailed coverage of all sorts of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates. The Encyclopedia includes an introductory overview of animal evolution, biology, behavior, classification, habitats, and current conservation issues. An extensive encyclopedic survey of the animals follows, with special attention given to endangered and vulnerable species. All information is completely up-to-date, with the most recent scientific and conservation data. Elegant graphics put a broad selection of information at readers' fingertips, including classification information, scientific and common names, distribution maps for all animal groups, conservation panels that focus on threatened species, accurate and detailed anatomical drawings, and illustrations of multiple species. Each section is color coded for easy identification of animal groups. Feature pages explore topics of particular interest and provide insights into animal behavior. With its expansive scope, richly detailed information, and inviting design, this will be the ideal reference for a broad range of uses. * Completely up-to-date, with the most recent scientific information and conservation data * A gallery of more than 2,000 illustrations * Authoritative text contributed by a team of international specialists * Lavish color photographs from leading wildlife photographers * Distribution maps for all animal groups * Detailed explanatory scientific diagrams * Feature pages exploring topics of particular interest and providing insights into animal behavior

Table of Contents

How to use this book

The Animal World

Animal life Animals through the ages

Classifying animals

Biology and behavior

Habitats and adaptation

Animals in danger

Mammals

Introducing mammals

Monotremes Marsupials Anteaters Insectivores Tree shrews

Flying lemurs

Bats Primates Carnivores Whales and dolphins

Sea cows Elephants Hoofed mammals

Hyraxes Aardvark Pangolins Rodents Lagomorphs Elephant shrews

Birds

Introducing birds

Ratites and tinamous

Penguins Divers and grebes

Albatrosses and petrels

Pelicans Herons Waterfowl Birds of prey

Gamebirds Cranes Waders Pigeons Parrots and cockatoos

Cuckoos and turacos Owls Nightjars and frogmouths

Hummingbirds and swifts

Mousebirds and trogons

Kingfishers Woodpeckers and toucans

Passerines

Reptiles

Introducing reptiles

Tortoises and turtles

Crocodilians Lizards Snakes

Amphibians

Introducing amphibians

Salamanders and newts

Caecilians Frogs and toads

Fishes

Introducing fishes

Jawless fishes

Sharks and rays

Bony fishes

Fleshy-finned fishes

Lungfishes Bonytongues Eels and tarpons

Sardines Catfishes Salmon Dragonfishes Lanternfishes Cod and anglerfishes

Spiny-rayed fishes

Invertebrates

Introducing invertebrates

Sponges Cnidarians Jellies Worms Spiders Centipedes and millipedes

Crustaceans Mollusks Echinoderms Insects

Glossary

Index

Contributors

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.