Herpetology
An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles
- 2nd Edition - May 30, 2001
- Authors: Laurie J. Vitt, George R. Zug, Janalee P. Caldwell
- Language: English
- Hardback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 7 8 2 6 2 2 - 6
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 0 8 - 0 5 4 9 4 0 - 8
Herpetology, Second Edition has been thoroughly revised. The text has been reorganized, new chapters have been added, new text references have been inserted. All this plus new co… Read more
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Herpetology, Second Edition has been thoroughly revised. The text has been reorganized, new chapters have been added, new text references have been inserted. All this plus new color systematics sections will maintain this book as THE leading textbook on the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The book will also showcase reptiles and amphibians as model systems in conceptual areas of biology. Such a text will help integrate herpetology as a discipline into conceptually oriented undergraduate programs. The book should also appeal to a large audience of sophisticated lay people interested in reptiles and amphibians.
- Written by internationally recognized experts on the biology of amphibians and reptiles
- Provides a general background on the evolution and morphology of amphibians and reptiles
- Details what is known about reproduction and life histories
- Examines physiological ecology, emphasizing water balance, temperature, and energy
- Integrates population and community ecology with conservation biology
- Provides detailed taxonomic accounts of all higher taxa, including high quality distribution maps and color photographs
Undergraduate students in herpetology and the faculty who teach this class and related classes (e.g. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Vertebrate Natural History, others). The book will also showcase reptiles and amphibians as model systems in conceptual areas of biology. Such a text will help intergrate Herpetology as a discipline into conceptually oriented undergraduate programs. The book should also appeal to a large audience of sophisticated lay people interested in reptiles and amphibian
Part I: Evolutionary History
Chapter 1. Tetrapod Relationships and Evolutionary Systematics
Amphibians and Reptiles—Evolutionary History
Systematics—Theory and Practice
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 2. Anatomy of Amphibians and Reptiles
Development and Growth
Integument—The External Envelope
Skeleton and Muscles—Support, Movement, and Form
Nerves and Sense Organs—Coordination and Perception
Heart and Vascular Network—Internal Transport
Digestive and Respiratory Organs-Waste Removal and Propagation
Urinary and Reproductive Organs—Waste Removal and Propagation
Endocrine Glands—Chemical Regulators and Initiators
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 3. Evolution of Ancient and Modern Amphibians and Reptiles
History of Amphibians
History of Reptiles
Additional Reading
References
Part II: Reproduction and Life Histories
Chapter 4. Modes of Reproduction and Parental Care
Gametogenesis and Fertilization
Reproductive Modes
Sexual versus Asexual Reproduction
Parental Care
Evolution of Parental Care
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 5. Reproductive Ecology and Life Histories
Reproductive Ecology
Life Histories
Additional Reading
References
Part III: Physiological Ecology
Chapter 6. Water Balance and Gas Exchange
Water and Salt Balance
Respiratory Gas Exchange
Respiration and Metabolism
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 7. Thermoregulation, Performance, and Energetics
Thermoregulation
Dormancy
Energetics
Additional Reading
References
Part IV: Behavioral Ecology
Chapter 8. Spacing, Movements, and Orientation
Local Distribution of Individuals
Movements, Homing, and Migrations
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 9. Communication and Social Behavior
Communication
Reproductive Behavior
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 10. Foraging Ecology and Diets
Foraging Modes
Detecting, Capturing, and Eating Prey
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 11. Defense and Escape
Predator Avoidance
Offsetting the Effects of Parasitism
Additional Reading
References
Part V: Population and Community Ecology
Chapter 12. Population Structure and Dynamics
Characteristics of Populations
Population Structure and Growth
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 13. Community and Geographical Ecology
Communities
Geography of Populations
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 14. Conservation Biology
General Principles
Human Impact on Amphibian and Reptile
Preservation and Management—Ideals and Problems
Additional Reading
References
Part VI: Classification and Diversity
Chapter 15. Caecilians
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 16. Salamanders
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 17. Frogs
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 18. Turtles
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 19. Crocodylians
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 20. Tuataras and Lizards
Overview—Sphenodontida
Taxonomic Account
Overview—Squamata
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 21. Snakes
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Glossary
Bibliography
Taxonomic Index
Author Index
Subject Index
Chapter 1. Tetrapod Relationships and Evolutionary Systematics
Amphibians and Reptiles—Evolutionary History
Systematics—Theory and Practice
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 2. Anatomy of Amphibians and Reptiles
Development and Growth
Integument—The External Envelope
Skeleton and Muscles—Support, Movement, and Form
Nerves and Sense Organs—Coordination and Perception
Heart and Vascular Network—Internal Transport
Digestive and Respiratory Organs-Waste Removal and Propagation
Urinary and Reproductive Organs—Waste Removal and Propagation
Endocrine Glands—Chemical Regulators and Initiators
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 3. Evolution of Ancient and Modern Amphibians and Reptiles
History of Amphibians
History of Reptiles
Additional Reading
References
Part II: Reproduction and Life Histories
Chapter 4. Modes of Reproduction and Parental Care
Gametogenesis and Fertilization
Reproductive Modes
Sexual versus Asexual Reproduction
Parental Care
Evolution of Parental Care
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 5. Reproductive Ecology and Life Histories
Reproductive Ecology
Life Histories
Additional Reading
References
Part III: Physiological Ecology
Chapter 6. Water Balance and Gas Exchange
Water and Salt Balance
Respiratory Gas Exchange
Respiration and Metabolism
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 7. Thermoregulation, Performance, and Energetics
Thermoregulation
Dormancy
Energetics
Additional Reading
References
Part IV: Behavioral Ecology
Chapter 8. Spacing, Movements, and Orientation
Local Distribution of Individuals
Movements, Homing, and Migrations
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 9. Communication and Social Behavior
Communication
Reproductive Behavior
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 10. Foraging Ecology and Diets
Foraging Modes
Detecting, Capturing, and Eating Prey
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 11. Defense and Escape
Predator Avoidance
Offsetting the Effects of Parasitism
Additional Reading
References
Part V: Population and Community Ecology
Chapter 12. Population Structure and Dynamics
Characteristics of Populations
Population Structure and Growth
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 13. Community and Geographical Ecology
Communities
Geography of Populations
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 14. Conservation Biology
General Principles
Human Impact on Amphibian and Reptile
Preservation and Management—Ideals and Problems
Additional Reading
References
Part VI: Classification and Diversity
Chapter 15. Caecilians
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 16. Salamanders
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 17. Frogs
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 18. Turtles
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 19. Crocodylians
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 20. Tuataras and Lizards
Overview—Sphenodontida
Taxonomic Account
Overview—Squamata
Taxonomic Accounts
Chapter 21. Snakes
Overview
Taxonomic Accounts
Glossary
Bibliography
Taxonomic Index
Author Index
Subject Index
- Edition: 2
- Published: May 30, 2001
- Language: English
LV
Laurie J. Vitt
Dr. Vitt is a reptile ecologist who received his Ph.D. from Arizona Sate University in 1976. He was a Professor at UCLA for 8 years and Professor and Curator at the Sam Noble Museum at the University of Oklahoma for 21 years. He currently maintains Emeritus status. He has had extensive field experience in American deserts and New World tropics, especially Brazil. He has published more than 250 research articles and 8 books. Awards include appointment as a George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the University of Oklahoma, membership in the Brazilian Academy of Scientists, Distinguished Alumnus (Western Washington University), Distinguished Herpetologist (Herpetologist League), and two book awards.
Affiliations and expertise
Sam Noble Museum and Biology Department
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OklahomaGZ
George R. Zug
Affiliations and expertise
National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.JC
Janalee P. Caldwell
Dr. Caldwell is an amphibian biologist who received her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1974. She was a Professor of Biology and Curator at the Sam Noble Museum at the University of Oklahoma for 21 years, where she received recognition for outstanding research. She is now Professor Emeritus and Curator Emeritus. Dr. Caldwell conducted field research in tropical forests in Brazil and other South American countries that resulted in publication of numerous scientific articles. She served as President of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles and as editor of several scientific journals. She participated is various projects with the goal of encouraging young people, especially girls, to choose careers in science.
Affiliations and expertise
Sam Noble Museum and Biology Department
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma