Ebook: Ecophysiology of Desert Arthropods and Reptiles

Ecophysiology of Desert Arthropods and Reptiles starts with a new classification of the world's deserts, based upon the type of precipitation and the effect on their faunas of arthropods and reptiles. This is followed by an account of microclimates and the avoidance of environmental extremes. Whereas thermoregulation is primarily behavioural, responses to water shortage are largely physiological. Seasonal activity and phenology are described, adaptations for burrowing, the avoidance of enemies, and defence, are also outlined. A comparative account of interspecific relationships, feeding specializations, and species diversity in the two taxa is described. The purpose of the book is to provide a new and up-to-date analysis that will stimulate further research along these lines.

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Ecophysiology of Desert Arthropods and Reptiles starts with a new classification of the world's deserts, based upon the type of precipitation and the effect on their faunas of arthropods and reptiles. This is followed by an account of microclimates and the avoidance of environmental extremes. Whereas thermoregulation is primarily behavioural, responses to water shortage are largely physiological. Seasonal activity and phenology are described, adaptations for burrowing, the avoidance of enemies, and defence, are also outlined. A comparative account of interspecific relationships, feeding specializations, and species diversity in the two taxa is described. The purpose of the book is to provide a new and up-to-date analysis that will stimulate further research along these lines.

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Ecophysiology of Desert Arthropods and Reptiles starts with a new classification of the world's deserts, based upon the type of precipitation and the effect on their faunas of arthropods and reptiles. This is followed by an account of microclimates and the avoidance of environmental extremes. Whereas thermoregulation is primarily behavioural, responses to water shortage are largely physiological. Seasonal activity and phenology are described, adaptations for burrowing, the avoidance of enemies, and defence, are also outlined. A comparative account of interspecific relationships, feeding specializations, and species diversity in the two taxa is described. The purpose of the book is to provide a new and up-to-date analysis that will stimulate further research along these lines.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-X
Introduction....Pages 1-3
The Deserts of the World and Their Faunas....Pages 4-28
Avoidance of Environmental Extremes....Pages 29-51
Thermal Regulation and Control....Pages 52-79
Water Balance and Nitrogenous Excretion....Pages 80-101
Seasonal Activity and Phenology....Pages 102-113
Adaptations for Burrowing in Sand, Avoidance of Enemies and Defence....Pages 114-146
Interspecific Relationships, Feeding Specializations and Species Diversity....Pages 147-168
Final Conclusions....Pages 169-170
Back Matter....Pages 171-203

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Ecophysiology of Desert Arthropods and Reptiles starts with a new classification of the world's deserts, based upon the type of precipitation and the effect on their faunas of arthropods and reptiles. This is followed by an account of microclimates and the avoidance of environmental extremes. Whereas thermoregulation is primarily behavioural, responses to water shortage are largely physiological. Seasonal activity and phenology are described, adaptations for burrowing, the avoidance of enemies, and defence, are also outlined. A comparative account of interspecific relationships, feeding specializations, and species diversity in the two taxa is described. The purpose of the book is to provide a new and up-to-date analysis that will stimulate further research along these lines.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-X
Introduction....Pages 1-3
The Deserts of the World and Their Faunas....Pages 4-28
Avoidance of Environmental Extremes....Pages 29-51
Thermal Regulation and Control....Pages 52-79
Water Balance and Nitrogenous Excretion....Pages 80-101
Seasonal Activity and Phenology....Pages 102-113
Adaptations for Burrowing in Sand, Avoidance of Enemies and Defence....Pages 114-146
Interspecific Relationships, Feeding Specializations and Species Diversity....Pages 147-168
Final Conclusions....Pages 169-170
Back Matter....Pages 171-203
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