Herpetology : An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles

by Zug, George R.

• ISBN13: 9780127826202
• ISBN10: 0127826203
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1993-03-01
• Publisher: Academic Pr

Summary

Herpetology has always been one of the most exciting disciplines of zoology. During the past few years the field has continued to grow, yet it has been plagued by scarcity of comprehensive, up-to-date textbooks containing the most important developments. This timely book fills that void. Through skillful synthesis, the author summarizes the diversity in the biology of living amphibians and reptiles and describes the breadth of current herpetological research. Topics covered include the evolution, classification, development, reproduction, population, and environmental issues surrounding the study of amphibians and reptiles. Designed as an advanced undergraduate textbook, Herpetology is a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and interested amateurs alike. Key Features * Provides an incisive survey and much needed update of the field * Emphasizes the biological diversity among amphibians and reptiles * Details the most recent research findings, citing key references * Contains more than 200 new illustrations and photographs * Includes a summary of the history of herpetology * Features an extensive bibliography

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Evolutionary History
Tetrapod Relationships and Evolutionary Systematics
Amphibians and Reptiles--Evolutionary History	p. 4
Systematics--Theory and Practice	p. 21
Additional Reading	p. 32
References	p. 32
Anatomy of Amphibians and Reptiles
Development and Growth	p. 33
Integument--The External Envelope	p. 45
Skeleton and Muscles--Support, Movement, and Form	p. 49
Nerves and Sense Organs--Coordination and Perception	p. 60
Heart and Vascular Network--Internal Transport	p. 66
Digestive and Respiratory Organs--Energy Acquisition and Processing	p. 68
Urinary and Reproductive Organs--Waste Removal and Propagation	p. 72
Endocrine Glands--Chemical Regulators and Initiators	p. 74
Additional Reading	p. 76
References	p. 76
Evolution of Ancient and Modern Amphibians and Reptiles
History of Amphibians	p. 77
History of Reptiles	p. 87
Additional Reading	p. 103
References	p. 104
Reproduction and Life Histories
Modes of Reproduction and Parental Care
Gametogenesis and Fertilization	p. 107
Reproductive Modes	p. 113
Sexual versus Asexual Reproduction	p. 124
Parental Care	p. 128
Evolution of Parental Care	p. 133
Additional Reading	p. 133
References	p. 134
Reproductive Ecology and Life Histories
Reproductive Ecology	p. 135
Life Histories	p. 144
Additional Reading	p. 153
References	p. 153
Physiological Ecology
Water Balance and Gas Exchange
Water and Salt Balance	p. 157
Respiratory Gas Exchange	p. 168
Respiration and Metabolism	p. 174
Additional Reading	p. 175
References	p. 175
Thermoregulation, Performance, and Energetics
Thermoregulation	p. 179
Dormancy	p. 188
Energetics	p. 191
Additional Reading	p. 196
References	p. 196
Behavioral Ecology
Spacing, Movements, and Orientation
Local Distribution of Individuals	p. 200
Movements, Homing, and Migrations	p. 208
Additional Reading	p. 219
References	p. 220
Communication and Social Behavior
Communication	p. 222
Reproductive Behavior	p. 236
Additional Reading	p. 247
References	p. 247
Foraging Ecology and Diets
Foraging Modes	p. 249
Detecting, Capturing, and Eating Prey	p. 252
Additional Reading	p. 272
References	p. 273
Defense and Escape
Predator Avoidance	p. 276
Offsetting the Effects of Parasitism	p. 295
Additional Reading	p. 297
References	p. 298
Population And Community Ecology
Population Structure and Dynamics
Characteristics of Populations	p. 301
Population Structure and Growth	p. 305
Additional Reading	p. 313
References	p. 313
Community and Geographical Ecology
Communities	p. 315
Geography of Populations	p. 331
Additional Reading	p. 338
References	p. 338
Conservation Biology
General Principles	p. 340
Human Impact on Amphibian and Reptile Communities	p. 342
Preservation and Management--Ideals and Problems	p. 357
Additional Reading	p. 364
References	p. 364
Classification And Diversity
Caecilians
Overview	p. 367
Taxonomic Accounts	p. 370
Salamanders
Overview	p. 375
Taxonomic Accounts	p. 376
Frogs
Overview	p. 389
Taxonomic Accounts	p. 397
Turtles
Overview	p. 435
Taxonomic Accounts	p. 438
Crocodylians
Overview	p. 457
Taxonomic Accounts	p. 458
Tuataras and Lizards
Overview--Sphenodontida	p. 465
Taxonomic Account	p. 466
Overview--Squamata	p. 467
Taxonomic Accounts	p. 469
Snakes
Overview	p. 503
Taxonomic Accounts	p. 506
Glossary	p. 533
Bibliography	p. 539
Taxonomic Index	p. 597
Author Index	p. 615
Subject Index	p. 627
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