Ebook: The Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles: An Introduction

An introduction to the evolution and adaptation of amphibians and reptiles, bridging the gulf between the plethora of 'popular' books and the more advanced texts directed towards the needs of specialist research workers, thus making it accessible to advanced students worldwide. Basic principles are explained in non-technical terms, and the adaptive responses to natural selection which have engendered the diversity of forms that exist in the fossil record and are found in the world today are covered. The book also includes the extinct forms such as dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. In the concluding chapter, relationships with mankind and the preservation of diversity are discussed.

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An introduction to the evolution and adaptation of amphibians and reptiles, bridging the gulf between the plethora of 'popular' books and the more advanced texts directed towards the needs of specialist research workers, thus making it accessible to advanced students worldwide. Basic principles are explained in non-technical terms, and the adaptive responses to natural selection which have engendered the diversity of forms that exist in the fossil record and are found in the world today are covered. The book also includes the extinct forms such as dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. In the concluding chapter, relationships with mankind and the preservation of diversity are discussed.

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An introduction to the evolution and adaptation of amphibians and reptiles, bridging the gulf between the plethora of 'popular' books and the more advanced texts directed towards the needs of specialist research workers, thus making it accessible to advanced students worldwide. Basic principles are explained in non-technical terms, and the adaptive responses to natural selection which have engendered the diversity of forms that exist in the fossil record and are found in the world today are covered. The book also includes the extinct forms such as dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. In the concluding chapter, relationships with mankind and the preservation of diversity are discussed.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-vii
Introduction....Pages 1-9
Evolution....Pages 11-27
Convergence and Extinction....Pages 29-40
Locomotory Diversity on the Ground....Pages 41-60
Arboreal, Aerial and Aquatic Locomotion....Pages 61-83
Diversity of Anti-predator Devices....Pages 85-107
Nutritional Diversity....Pages 109-129
Reproductive Diversity and Life Histories....Pages 131-156
Daily and Seasonal Cycles, Hibernation, Aestivation and Migration....Pages 157-176
Thermal Diversity and Temperature Regulation....Pages 177-196
Water Balance and Excretion....Pages 197-212
Relationships with Mankind....Pages 213-226
Back Matter....Pages 227-254

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An introduction to the evolution and adaptation of amphibians and reptiles, bridging the gulf between the plethora of 'popular' books and the more advanced texts directed towards the needs of specialist research workers, thus making it accessible to advanced students worldwide. Basic principles are explained in non-technical terms, and the adaptive responses to natural selection which have engendered the diversity of forms that exist in the fossil record and are found in the world today are covered. The book also includes the extinct forms such as dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. In the concluding chapter, relationships with mankind and the preservation of diversity are discussed.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-vii
Introduction....Pages 1-9
Evolution....Pages 11-27
Convergence and Extinction....Pages 29-40
Locomotory Diversity on the Ground....Pages 41-60
Arboreal, Aerial and Aquatic Locomotion....Pages 61-83
Diversity of Anti-predator Devices....Pages 85-107
Nutritional Diversity....Pages 109-129
Reproductive Diversity and Life Histories....Pages 131-156
Daily and Seasonal Cycles, Hibernation, Aestivation and Migration....Pages 157-176
Thermal Diversity and Temperature Regulation....Pages 177-196
Water Balance and Excretion....Pages 197-212
Relationships with Mankind....Pages 213-226
Back Matter....Pages 227-254
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