Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles
- Book Review,
by George R. Zug
From Book News, Inc.
The 1993 edition has been updated to incorporate new concepts and interpretations of biology as they apply to herpetology and the evolutionary and classificatory perspectives of living amphibians and reptiles current in about mid-1999, and to introduce more concepts and associated examples and demonstrate different interpretations and uncertainties. Balancing the needs of advanced readers who want to know the references, and novice readers who want a flowing text, citations are kept to a minimum, and lists of recommended reading are provided at the end of the chapters.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Julican C. Lee, University of Miami for Herpetological Review, 2002
"...an impressive volume...intellectually satisfying in its scope and detail... will be a standard herpetological reference for years to come.",
Review
From the Reviews of the First Edition
"...a must for anyone just starting into the field of herpetology ..."
Canadian Field Naturalist
"Zug's text contains new chapeters with new text references and new color illustrations that will keep this book on the top..."
Dave Hyatt for THE TUSCON HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY (Nov 2003)
Review
From the Reviews of the First Edition
"...a must for anyone just starting into the field of herpetology ..."
Canadian Field Naturalist
"Zug's text contains new chapeters with new text references and new color illustrations that will keep this book on the top…"
—Dave Hyatt for THE TUSCON HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY (Nov 2003)
Book Description
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
Book Info
Textbook introducing students to the biology of amphibians and reptiles, also of interest to researchers and faculty interested in these animals. Features information on reproductive and life history, behavior, social behavior, taxonomic accounts of all higher taxa, and physiological ecology. Color and halftone illustrations. Previous edition: c1993.
From the Back Cover
Amphibians and reptiles occupy a crucial position in the evolution of vertebrates and therefore are representative of many of the transitions that eventually resulted in the evolution of mammals and birds. The Second Edition of Herpetology synthesizes what is known about the biology and systematics of amphibians and reptiles, combining thoroughly revised and expanded text discussions with informative, largely new graphics and numerous color illustrations.
Herpetology is and ideal text for an undergraduate-level introductory course, but will also be of interest to faculty, researchers, and graduate students as a source of information about these interesting animals. Because of its broad coverage, Herpetology is relevant to courses in vertebrate biology, ecology, behavior, systematics, and evolution.
Key features
* Evolution and morphology of amphibians and reptiles
* Reproduction and life histories
* Physiological ecology emphasizing water balance, temperature, and energy
* Behavior, including spacing, social behavior, foraging, and predator escape
* Integration of population and community ecology with conservation biology
* Detailed taxonomic accounts of all higher taxa, including high-quality distribution maps and color photographs
From reviews of the First Edition:
"This will be a valued, and oft-consulted, addition to any naturalist's or conservationist's library for its up-to-date comprehensive overview of these ecologically important groups and their role in the contemporary environment; it is a must for anyone just starting into the field of herpetology...".
--CANADIAN FIELD NATURALIST
About the Author
George R. Zug, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
Laurie J. Vitt, University of Oklahoma, Norman, U.S.A.
Janalee P. Caldwell, University of Oklahoma, Norman, U.S.A.
Buy from Amazon
Compare Prices
|
|
Home
