Herpetology, Second Edition: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles [Hardcover]

George R. Zug (Author), Laurie J. Vitt (Author), Janalee P. Caldwell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 012782622X | ISBN-13: 978-0127826226 | Publication Date: June 13, 2001 | Edition: 2

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

Editorial Reviews

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

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 630 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (June 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 012782622X
• ISBN-13: 978-0127826226
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #740,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Still Missing Some Details and Organization (otherwise very good), February 20, 2007

By 

gradstud07 "gradstud07" (AZ) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Herpetology, Second Edition: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (Hardcover)

This is generally a VERY good book! Still, given minimal initial knowledge of Herpetology, the book can be somewhat ambiguous and disorganized and is missing a few essential details such as habitat and food for families of reptiles and amphibians in the necessary chapters. It requires more photographs and better taxonomic organization for clarity.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Educational, February 21, 2005

By 

Cody ~ Snakeboy (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Herpetology, Second Edition: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (Hardcover)

This book covers everything from the basics of herps, to the more advance steps in classification, breeding, and observing. In the most case this book is not a good reference guide for those with a minor understanding of the biology of reptiles, however, for those who know the basics, and are interested enough to continue their learning experiance on an advnaced level, this book is a must. Used in colleges as college text, anyone in the herpetological field in college needs this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, March 25, 2001

By 

Tyler (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (Hardcover)

This book is for expierienced herpers only .It has almost evrything you need to know.If you are interested in learning more about herps.I give this a 5 if you are a expiereienced reader.