Herpetology (eBook)

Cover 1
Copyright Page 5
Contents 8
Preface 12
Acknowedgments 14
Part I: Evolutionary History 16
Chapter 1. Tetrapod Relationships and Evolutionary Systematics 18
Amphibians and Reptiles„Evolutionary History 19
Systematics„Theory and Practice 36
Additional Reading 47
References 47
Chapter 2. Anatomy of Amphibians and Reptiles 48
Development and Growth 48
Integument„The Extemal Envelope 60
Skeleton and Musckes„Support, Movement, and Fofm 64
Nerves and Sense Organs„Coordination and Perception 75
Heart and Vascular Network„Intrnal Transport 81
Digestive and Respiratory Orgnas- Waste Removal and Propagation 83
Urinary and Reproductive Organs„Waste Removal and Propagation 87
Endocrine Glands„Chemical Regulators and Initiators 89
Additional Reading 91
References 91
Chapter 3. Evolution of Ancient and Modern Amphibians and Reptiles 92
History of Amphibians 92
History of Reptiles 102
Additional Reading 118
References 119
Part II: Reproduction and Life Histories 120
Chapter 4. Modes of Reproduction and Parental Care 122
Gametogenesis and Fertilization 122
Reproductive Modes 128
Sexual versus Asexual Reproduction 139
Parental Care 143
Evolution of Parental Care 148
Additional Reading 148
References 149
Chapter 5. Reproductive Ecology and Life Histories 150
Reproductive Ecology 150
Life Histories 159
Additional Reading 167
References 168
Part III: Physiological Ecology 170
Chapter 6. Water Balance and Gas Exchange 172
Water and Salt Balance 172
Respiratory Gas Exchange 183
Respiration and Metabolism 189
Additional Reading 190
References 190
Chapter 7. Thermoregulation, Performance, and Energetics 192
Thermoregulation 194
Dormancy 203
Energetics 206
Additional Reading 211
References 211
Part IV: Behavioral Ecology 212
Chapter 8. Spacing, Movements, and Orientation 214
Local Distribution of Individuals 215
Movements, Homing, and Migrations 223
Additional Reading 234
References 235
Chapter 9. Communication and Social Behavior 236
Communication 237
Reproductive Behavior 251
Additional Reading 262
References 262
Chapter 10. Foraging Ecology and Diets 264
Foraging Modes 264
Detecting, Capturing, and Eating Prey 267
Additional Reading 287
References 288
Chapter 11. Defense and Escape 290
Predator Avoidance 291
Offsetting the Effects of Parasitism 310
Additional Reading 312
References 313
Part V: Population and Community Ecology 314
Chapter 12. Population Structure and Dynamics 316
Characteristics of Populations 316
Population Structure and Growth 320
Additional Reading 328
References 328
Chapter 13. Community and Geographical Ecology 330
Communities 330
Geography of Populations 346
Additional Reading 353
References 353
Chapter 14. Conservation Biology 354
General Principles 355
Human Impact on Amphibian and Reptile 357
Preservation and Management„Ideals and Problems 372
Additional Reading 379
References 379
Part VI: Classification and Diversity 380
Chapter 15. Caecilians 382
Overview 382
Taxonomic Accounts 385
Chapter 16. Salamanders 390
Overview 390
Taxonomic Accounts 391
Chapter 17. Frogs 404
Overview 404
Taxonomic Accounts 407
Chapter 18. Turtles 450
Overivew 450
Taxonomic Accounts 453
Chapter 19. Crocodylians 472
Overview 472
Taxonomic Accounts 473
Chapter 20. Tuataras and Lizards 480
Overview„Sphenodontida 518
Taxonomic Account 481
Overview„Squamata 482
Taxonomic Accounts 484
Chapter 21. Snakes 518
Overview 518
Taxonomic Accounts 521
Glossary 548
Bibliography 554
Taxonomic Index 612
Author Index 630
Subject Index 642