Review
"This second edition of the popular textbook provides a broad overview of amphibian and reptilian biology, taxonomy, evolution, behavior, and conservation. It is well-suited for an undergraduate-level herpetology course in biology, evolution, or taxonomy. It is invaluable also as a reference for professional herpetologists...well illustrated throughout with photographs (some in color), line drawings, and distribution maps. Provides up-to-date information on all of the major groups, and includes an extensive taxonomic index, as well as a glossary."
-SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST
"Taken as a whole, Zug et al. (2001) is an impressive volume, at once visually pleasing for its attractive layout and high production values, and at the same time, intellectually satisfying in its scope and detail. It is well-suited as a textbook for senior undergraduates and graduate students, and it will be a standard herpetological reference for years to come."
-Julican C. Lee, University of Miami for HERPETOLOGICAL REVIEW
Praise for 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 and 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
"Zug's text contains new chapeters with new text references and new color illustrations that will keep this book on the top...you couldn't do better for serious herpetological biology education than to read this book."
-Dave Hyatt for THE TUSCON HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
