Vertebrates (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This one-semester text is designed for an upper-level majors course. Vertebrates features a unique emphasis on function and evolution of vertebrates, complete anatomical detail, and excellent pedagogy. Vertebrate groups are organized phylogenetically, and their systems discussed within such a context. Morphology is foremost, but the author has developed and integrated an understanding of function and evolution into the discussion of anatomy of the various systems. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ken Kardong is a professor in the zoology department at Washington State University, Pullman, WA. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and his MS and BA from the University of Washington. In addition to teaching comparative anatomy and evolution, Ken is also involved in developing software programs for use in the laboratory sections of these courses. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 782 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 3International Ed edition (November 1, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0071122354
• ISBN-13: 978-0071122351
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,815,694 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good text, but...., November 24, 2001

By	Dale Pederson (Minnepolis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution (Hardcover)

I've used Kadong from the first edition and admire much about the text. As another reviewer commented, one has to be deliberate about the organization or the first time reader might feel as if he were going in circles. However, the single greatest shortcoming of this comparative anatomy text is the chapter on muscles which is inadequate and confusing unless one has already studied this subject. Kardong simply fails to provide an arganized description of trunk and appendicular muscles of the primary vertebrate models. The begining student would be well advised to turn to Walker, Kent or Romer for this topic.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good improvement from last edition, August 7, 2002

By	"taphonomy" (Durham, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution (Hardcover)

This is the book that I used to teach comparative vertebrate anatomy. The previous major flaw of the book was the many inaccuracies in the figures. However many of these appear to be changed. All in all this book is a good book to reference to for a variety of questions about vertebrates. Not the easiest of books to wade through for a beginner but Kardong for the most part does a good job in explanations and descriptions for a book of this level

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very good, not so easy to read, June 27, 2000

By	the Penguin (Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution (Hardcover)

a student of vertebrate comparative anatomy will find almost everything he needs in this book. the writings are clear, the drawings excellent, the topics are all very thoroughly covered. it gives not just dry facts but also highly stimulating explanations, within a broad evolutionary context. why "only" 4 stars? well, it is not so easy to navigate through, to the point of being not well organized. you will have to look hard for what you need, especially if you are a novice. it might have been a better book still, where it differently organized, but, all in all, an excellent and important, up to date textbook