Herpetology

"Herpetology, Fourth Edition", explains why amphibians and reptiles, which are distantly related evolutionary lineages, are nonetheless grouped in the discipline known as herpetology, and describes the position of amphibians and reptiles within the evolution of vertebrates. Initial chapters present the fossil history of amphibians and reptiles and the phylogenetic relationships of extant groups, with descriptions of the biological characteristics of each family and photographs of representative species. The phylogenetic and biogeography chapters have been extensively revised to incorporate the most recent molecular phylogenetic information, including extensive discussion of the expanding field of phylogeography. Subsequent chapters consider amphibians and reptiles from morphological, physiological, ecological, and behavioral perspectives. The book concludes with a discussion of the threats facing amphibians and reptiles and approaches to conserving herpetological diversity. -- From product description.

pt. I. What are amphibians and reptiles? -- Why study herpetology? -- Phylogenetic systematics and the origins of amphibians and reptiles -- Systematics and diversity of extant amphibians -- Systematics and diversity of extant reptiles -- The biogeography of amphibians and reptiles -- pt. II. How do they work? -- Water and temperature relations -- Energetics and performance -- Reproduction and life histories of amphibians -- Reproduction and life histories of reptiles -- Body support and locomotion -- Feeding -- pt. III. What do they do? -- Spatial ecology -- Communication -- Mating systems and sexual selection -- Diets, foraging, and interactions with parasites and predators -- Populations and species assemblages -- pt. IV. What are their prospects for survival? -- Conservation and the future of amphibians and reptiles.