Herpetology

by Pough, F. Harvey; Andrews, Robin M.; Cadle, John E.; Crump, Martha L.; Savitzky, Alan H.; Wells, Kentwood D.; Pough, F. Harvey

• ISBN13: 9780130307958
• ISBN10: 0130307955
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-08-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

For upper-level undergraduate courses in herpetology, found in departments of Biology, Zoology, Natural Resources, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. This fascinating study integrates information about the ecology, behavior, morphology, and physiology of amphibians and reptiles, presenting topics in a phylogenetic and organismal context. An insightful collaboration among authors whose work has been instrumental in the development of such diverse specialties as molecular evolution, environmental physiology, and behavioral ecology, it shows amphibians and reptiles as vital organisms that represent a distinct and successful approach to terrestrial vertebrate life.

Table of Contents

PART I What Are Amphibians and Reptiles?	1	(157)
Herpetology as a Field of Study	3	(18)
The Place of Amphibians and Reptiles in Vertebrate Evolution	21	(20)
Classification and Diversity of Extant Amphibians	41	(47)
Classification and Diversity of Extant Reptiles	88	(69)
PART II How Do They Work?	157	(176)
Temperature and Water Relations	159	(37)
Energetics and Performance	196	(32)
Reproduction and Life History	228	(32)
Body Support and Locomotion	260	(32)
Feeding	292	(41)
PART III What Do They Do?	333	(156)
Movements and Orientation	335	(30)
Communication	365	(33)
Mating Systems and Sexual Selection	398	(33)
Foraging Ecology and Interspecific Interactions	431	(34)
Species Assemblages	465	(24)
PART IV What Are Their Prospects For Survival?	489	(2)
Conservation and the Future of Amphibians and Reptiles	491