Herpetology
Evolution, Natural History, and Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians
- 1st Edition - December 1, 2025
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Author: Joseph Mendelson
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 5 9 8 4 - 8
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 6 0 1 9 - 6
Herpetology: Evolution, Natural History, and Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians offers a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibian… Read more
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Herpetology: Evolution, Natural History, and Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians offers a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians. This text serves as an essential resource for understanding the evolution, classification, and ecological roles of these creatures. Written with the insights of leading experts, it incorporates the latest developments in conservation and genomics, making it an indispensable guide for researchers, academics, and enthusiasts alike. With a captivating blend of scientific rigor and accessibility, the book sheds light on the diversity and significance of herpetofauna worldwide, bridging gaps between foundational knowledge and cutting-edge discoveries.
The book delves into anatomy, developmental processes, behavioral biology, ecophysiology, and ecological interactions, providing a well-rounded understanding of herpetology. It also addresses critical conservation issues, including threats to species, policy implications, and the future of amphibian and reptile research. Notably, it integrates birds as a vital part of reptilian evolutionary history, offering a modern perspective on the subject. Readers can expect a thorough and engaging narrative that highlights the interconnectivity of these species with their ecosystems and underscores the importance of preserving their habitats.
- Provides a comprehensive, updated work for Elsevier’s publications on reptiles and amphibians
- Incorporates advancements in conservation and genomics relevant to the field of herpetology
- Demonstrates the significance of birds as a crucial component of the evolutionary history of reptiles
- Discusses conservation concerns, including threats to amphibians and reptiles, as well as policy and legislation
Advanced undergraduate and graduate students in zoological, animal science, and specific herpetological studies, Researchers and practitioners in herpetology, zoology, animal studies
Section I: Evolutionary History
1. Introduction to phylogenetic trees and nomenclature
2. Biogeography
3. Special topics
Section II: Classification, Diversity, and Distributions
4. Taxonomy
5. Species and variation
6. Diversity, characteristics, and distribution of amphibians
7. Diversity, characteristics, and distribution of reptiles
8. Special topics
Section III: Anatomy and Development
9. Anatomy of amphibians
10. Anatomy of reptiles
11. Development of amphibians
12. Development of reptiles
13. Functional morphology and biomechanics
14. Special topics
Section IV: Reproductive Biology
15. Reproduction in amphibians
16. Reproduction in reptiles
17. Parthenogenesis
18. Special topics
Section V: Behavioral Biology
19. Behavior of amphibians
20. Behavior of reptiles
21. Special topics
Section VI: Ecophysiology
22. Endothermy and ectothermy
23. Physiology of amphibians
24. Physiology of reptiles
25. Venoms and toxins
26. Special topics
Section VII: Ecology
27. Ecology of amphibians
28. Ecology of reptiles
29. Special topics
Section VIII: Conservation
30. Direct and indirect threats to amphibians and reptiles
31. Policy and legislation
32. Future prospects for amphibians and reptiles
33. Special topics
1. Introduction to phylogenetic trees and nomenclature
2. Biogeography
3. Special topics
Section II: Classification, Diversity, and Distributions
4. Taxonomy
5. Species and variation
6. Diversity, characteristics, and distribution of amphibians
7. Diversity, characteristics, and distribution of reptiles
8. Special topics
Section III: Anatomy and Development
9. Anatomy of amphibians
10. Anatomy of reptiles
11. Development of amphibians
12. Development of reptiles
13. Functional morphology and biomechanics
14. Special topics
Section IV: Reproductive Biology
15. Reproduction in amphibians
16. Reproduction in reptiles
17. Parthenogenesis
18. Special topics
Section V: Behavioral Biology
19. Behavior of amphibians
20. Behavior of reptiles
21. Special topics
Section VI: Ecophysiology
22. Endothermy and ectothermy
23. Physiology of amphibians
24. Physiology of reptiles
25. Venoms and toxins
26. Special topics
Section VII: Ecology
27. Ecology of amphibians
28. Ecology of reptiles
29. Special topics
Section VIII: Conservation
30. Direct and indirect threats to amphibians and reptiles
31. Policy and legislation
32. Future prospects for amphibians and reptiles
33. Special topics
- Edition: 1
- Published: December 1, 2025
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Language: English
JM
Joseph Mendelson
Dr. Joe Mendelson is Director of Research at Zoo Atlanta and Adjunct Professor of Biology at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He received his MA in Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Ph.D. in Systematics and Ecology from the University of Kansas. He has studied amphibians for more than 30 years, concentrating mostly on Mexico and Central America. His work focuses on systematics and taxonomy – including the discovery and naming of approximately 40 new species. Dr. Mendelson’s broader research includes phylogenetic studies, biogeography, amphibian chytrid fungi, conservation, biomechanics of snake locomotion, and natural history. He co-founded the IUCN Amphibian Ark program and is Past-President of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Dr. Mendelson has published extensively in journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Experimental Biology, Science, Molecular Ecology, and Journal of Herpetology.
Affiliations and expertise
Zoo Atlanta / Georgia Institute of Technology