Reptiles and Amphibians : American Edition

by O'Shea, Mark; Halliday, Tim; Metcalf, Jonathan

• ISBN13: 9780789459640
• ISBN10: 0789459647
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-01-22
• Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary

The most accessible recognition guides. A systematic approach, authoritative text, and clear photographs make the Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians the most comprehensive and easy-to-use pocket guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the world. Packed with over 600 color photographs of more than 400 species, this handbook is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily. Expertly written, each entry combines a precise description with fully annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each species. A comprehensive introduction describes the anatomy, lifecycle, and behavior of the major groups of reptiles and amphibians, while the initial steps of identification are facilitated by a clear visual key. Each entry in the Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians is accompanied by a map showing the geographical distribution of the species while the text and color-coded bands give the internationally accepted scientific name and provide at-a-glance information on size, diet, habitat, reproduction, and population status. A concise glossary explains all technical and scientific terms used in the book.

Table of Contents

Introduction	6	(44)
Authors' Introduction	6	(3)
How This Book Works	9	(1)
What is an Amphibian?	10	(2)
What is a Reptile?	12	(4)
Amphibian Reproduction	16	(3)
Reptile Reproduction	19	(1)
Amphibian Feeding Habits	20	(1)
Reptile Feeding Habits	21	(3)
Movement and Activity	24	(2)
Defense	26	(2)
Distribution and Habitat	28	(2)
Conservation	30	(2)
Studying and Keeping	32	(2)
Identification Key	34	(10)
Reptiles	44	(152)
Turtles and Tortoises	44	(13)
Tuataras	57	(1)
Lizards	58	(46)
Snakes	104	(86)
Crocodilians	190	(6)
Amphibians	196	(50)
Newts and Salamanders	196	(13)
Caecilians	209	(2)
Frogs and Toads	211	(35)
Glossary	246	(2)
Index	248	(8)
Acknowledgments	256