Evolution / Evolutionary biology Books
The University of Chicago Press Plant Allometry The Scaling of Form and Process
Book SynopsisAllometry, the study of the growth rate of an organism's parts in relation to the whole, has produced various results in research on animals. This text applies allometry to studies of the evolution, morphology, physiology and reproduction of plants.
£42.75
The University of Chicago Press The Evolutionary Biology of Plants
Book SynopsisProvides a comprehensive synthesis of modern evolutionary biology as it relates to plants. This text recounts the saga of plant life from its origins to the radiation of the flowering plants. Through computer-generated walks it shows how living plants might have evolved.
£28.00
The University of Chicago Press Tangled Trees Phylogeny Cospeciation and
Book SynopsisTangled Trees presents various methodological and theoretical approaches, ranging from the parsimony approach to 'jungles' and Bayesian statistical models. This volume will be of interest to researchers in a wide variety of fields from parasitology to evolutionary biology.
£38.00
The University of Chicago Press Making Sense of Evolution The Conceptual
Book SynopsisMaking Sense of Evolution explores contemporary evolutionary biology, focusing on the elements of theoriesselection, adaptation, and speciesthat are complex and open to multiple possible interpretations, many of which are incompatible with one another and with other accepted practices in the discipline. Particular experimental methods, for example, may demand one understanding of selection, while the application of the same concept to another area of evolutionary biology could necessitate a very different definition. Spotlighting these conceptual difficulties and presenting alternate theoretical interpretations that alleviate this incompatibility, Massimo Pigliucci and Jonathan Kaplan intertwine scientific and philosophical analysis to produce a coherent picture of evolutionary biology. Innovative and controversial, Making Sense of Evolution encourages further development of the Modern Synthesis and outlines what might be necessary for the continued refinement of this evolving field.
£30.40
The University of Chicago Press Sewall Wright and Evolutionary Biology Science
Book SynopsisProvine's thorough and thoroughly admirable examination of Wright's life and influence, which is accompanied by a very useful collection of Wright's papers on evolution, is the best we have for any recent figure in evolutionary biology.Joe Felsenstein, NatureIn Sewall Wright and Evolutionary Biology . . . Provine has produced an intellectual biography which serves to chart in considerable detail both the life and work of one man and the history of evolutionary theory in the middle half of this century. Provine is admirably suited to his task. . . . The resulting book is clearly a labour of love which will be of great interest to those who have a mature interest in the history of evolutionary theory.-John Durant, ;ITimes Higher Education Supplement;X
£38.00
The University of Chicago Press Phyllostomid Bats
Book SynopsisTrade Review"When reading a book like this magnificent new volume from the University of Chicago Press, Phyllostomid Bats: A Unique Mammalian Radiation, it’s important to understand the usage in the title: the radiation being discussed here is out-filing and endless tiny, fussy adaptations that a group of species can make to a variety of ecological and behavioral niches. As the book’s editors point out right away, the marquee example of adaptive radiation will probably always be Darwin’s famous finches, but in any case of animal adaptation, bats, specifically microchiroptera (the little bats, not the big flying foxes), some of the most successful creatures in evolutionary story, will always merit extra attention. . . . Phyllostomid Bats, although abstruse and nerdy in the extreme, is a wonderful intaglio of the sheer ferocious inventiveness of evolution. These leaf-nosed bats have radiated out to fill and exploit every conceivable niche where food and breeding might be found; in their endless forms—and in the wearily predictable ways they’re threatened in the twenty-first century—they are, among other things, fascinating bellwethers. And readers who might have a bat aficionado on their gift-recipient list? Well, their course is clear this book-season." * Open Letters Review *"Over two-hundred species of leaf-nosed bats range from the southern United States to northern Argentina and feature a wide range of diets (insects, vertebrates, blood, pollen, nectar, and fruit). This diverse family of bats demonstrates adaptive radiation patterns similar to those found among Darwin’s finches and Australian marsupials. Fleming, Dávalos, and Mello edited this nicely produced scholarly work, which features contributions from over forty contributing authors. Twenty-four chapters cover phylogeny and evolution, general biology, feeding habits, ecology, and conservation status. This volume comprehensively updates previous work on this family of bats (the most recent overview having been published during the 1970s), with new scholarship focusing especially on phylogeny. It is a fairly technical volume but will still be accessible to general readers interested in these bats. The book is illustrated by figures and tables appearing throughout the text, along with a section devoted to color plates. References at the conclusion of each chapter include literature published during the past two decades. Subject and taxonomic indexes complete the volume. This work would be a suitable addition to all college biology collections. Recommended." * Choice *“Phyllostomid Bats is a well-referenced and scholarly text, coauthored by a selection of experts in the field. Well-written, generally engaging, and . . . largely accessible to more general readers, it affords an intriguing discussion of evolutionary biology and ecology, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of this unique group of animals. This comprehensive, up-to-date reference work will be of considerable interest to evolutionary biologists, ecologists, conservationists, and bat biologists, as well as to lay readers with more than just a passing interest in the natural history and biology of bats.” * NSS News *"This recently published book on phyllostomids provides a comprehensive compendium on various aspects of this family and does not disappoint. It is a well-edited volume with twenty-four chapters written by eminent specialists delivering a notable work in the field of bat biology. Most impressive is how authors integrate natural history with experimental biology thereby broadening the perspective of readers and stimulating new research hypotheses. . . . Although I could only mention a few aspects of this excellent volume in this short review, there are many more facets that readers will enjoy. This book is a worthy purchase and I commend the many authors who each provided new insights into the biology of this fascinating group of mammals." * Quarterly Review of Biology *“Phyllostomid Bats is an excellent, comprehensive compendium of the latest research on this fascinating group. The book reflects how this incredibly diverse clade can be a model system for advancing our understanding of fundamental aspects of evolution and ecology of not just bats, but also of other organisms. The language is accessible to both budding biologists and veteran researchers looking to dip their toes into a new field, and it will surely be an indispensable volume to bat researchers everywhere.” -- Susan M. Tsang, research associate, Department of Mammalogy, American Museum of Natural History“Phyllostomid Bats: A Unique Mammalian Radiation (edited by Theodore H. Fleming, Liliana M. Dávalos, and Marco A. R. Mello) is an outstanding book. The diversity of detailed information is exceptional. The book’s twenty-four chapters provide an in-depth look at these astonishing bats. The book will be an exceptional addition to the libraries of bat biologists, evolutionary biologists, and those who are intrigued by diversity. I am glad that I have already ordered my copy.” -- M. Brock Fenton, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario (Canada), coeditor of “Bat Ecology” and coauthor of “Bats: A World of Science and Mystery”“These are timely and eagerly anticipated reviews of the huge volume of research carried out in recent decades on this diverse and fascinating family of bats.” -- Paul Racey, Regius Professor of Natural History (Emeritus), University of Aberdeen, Scotland“Phyllostomid Bats is certainly worthwhile, as we have learned a good deal about this family in the last forty years or so (since the previous review of the whole family). From interesting speculation on the correlation between sexual dimorphism and mating systems in bats to a very nice summary of conservation threats and more importantly, perhaps, a good overview of some of the actions being taken in response, this book will serve the bat community well, and will be used by anyone studying this family in the future.” -- Don E. Wilson, curator emeritus of vertebrate zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian InstitutionTable of ContentsSection 1 Introduction 1 Overview of This Book Theodore H. Fleming, Liliana M. Dávalos, and Marco A. R. Mello 2 Setting the Stage: Climate, Geology, and Biota Theodore H. Fleming Section 2 Phylogeny and Evolution 3 Phylogeny, Fossils, and Biogeography: The Evolutionary History of Superfamily Noctilionoidea (Chiroptera: Yangochiroptera) Norberto P. Giannini and Paúl M. Velazco 4 Diversity and Discovery: A Golden Age Andrea L. Cirranello and Nancy B. Simmons 5 Fragments and Gaps: The Fossil Record Nancy B. Simmons, Gregg F. Gunnell, and Nicolas J. Czaplewski 6 Phylogenetics and Historical Biogeography Liliana M. Dávalos, Paúl M. Velazco, and Danny Rojas 7 Adapt or Live: Adaptation, Convergent Evolution, and Plesiomorphy Liliana M. Dávalos, Andrea L. Cirranello, Elizabeth R. Dumont, Stephen J. Rossiter, and Danny Rojas 8 The Evolution of Body Size in Noctilionoid Bats Norberto P. Giannini, Lucila I. Amador, and R. Leticia Moyers Arévalo Section 3 Contemporary Biology 9 Structure and Function of Bat Wings: A View from the Phyllostomidae Sharon M. Swartz and Justine J. Allen 10 The Relationship between Physiology and Diet Ariovaldo P. Cruz-Neto and L. Gerardo Herrera M. 11 Sensory and Cognitive Ecology Jeneni Thiagavel, Signe Brinkløv, Inga Geipel, and John M. Ratcliffe 12 Reproduction and Life Histories Robert M. R. Barclay and Theodore H. Fleming 13 Patterns of Sexual Dimorphism and Mating Systems Danielle M. Adams, Christopher Nicolay, and Gerald S. Wilkinson Section 4 Trophic Ecology 14 The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Paradox of the Generalist Predators Claire T. Hemingway, M. May Dixon, and Rachel A. Page 15 Vampire Bats John W. Hermanson and Gerald G. Carter 16 The Ecology and Evolution of Nectar Feeders Nathan Muchhala and Marco Tschapka 17 The Frugivores: Evolution, Functional Traits, and Their Role in Seed Dispersal Romeo A. Saldaña-Vázquez and Theodore H. Fleming Section 5 Population and Community Ecology 18 Roosting Ecology: The Importance of Detailed Description Armando Rodríguez-Durán 19 Population Biology Theodore H. Fleming and Angela M. G. Martino 20 Community Ecology Richard D. Stevens and Sergio Estrada-Villegas 21 Network Science as a Framework for Bat Studies Marco A. R. Mello and Renata L. Muylaert 22 Contemporary Biogeography Richard Stevens, Marcelo M. Weber, and Fabricio Villalobos Section 6 Conservation 23 Challenges and Opportunities for the Conservation of Brazilian Phyllostomids Enrico Bernard, Mariana Delgado-Jaramillo, Ricardo B. Machado, and Ludmilla M. S. Aguiar 24 Threats, Status, and Conservation Perspectives for Leaf-Nosed Bats Jafet M. Nassar, Luis F. Aguirre, Bernal Rodríguez-Herrera, and Rodrigo A. Medellín Contributors Index
£53.20
The University of Chicago Press Evolution of Vertebrate Design
Book SynopsisThe Evolution of Vertebrate Design is a solid introduction to vertebrate evolution, paleontology, vertebrate biology, and functional, comparative anatomy. Its lucid style also makes it ideal for general readers intrigued by fossil history. Clearly drawn diagrams illustrate biomechanical explanations of the evolution of fins, jaws, joints, and body shapes among vertebrates. A glossary of terms is included. A luminous text is matched by lucid drawings rationally placed...A great teaching monograph, the book will charm lay readers of fossil history. For virtually every college & public collection.--Scitech Book News
£24.00
The University of Chicago Press The Shape of Life
Book SynopsisIn "Embryos, Genes, and Evolution", Raff and his co-author proposed a synthesis of developmental and evolutionary biology. In this book, Raff analyzes the rise of this experimental discipline and lays out research questions, hypotheses and approaches to guide its development.
£35.15
The University of Chicago Press Darwin and the Emergence of Evolutionary Theories
Book Synopsis
£46.55
The University of Chicago Press Species Diversity in Ecological Communities
Book SynopsisLooks at biodiversity in its broadest geographical and historical contexts. The authors use new theoretical developments, analyses and case studies to explore the large-scale mechanisms that generate and maintain diversity.
£40.85
The University of Chicago Press The Evidence for Evolution
Book SynopsisHow do we know that species change? Has there really been enough time for evolution to operate? This title details the evidence for evolution. It covers different levels of evolution, from within-species changes, which are much less challenging to see and believe, to much larger ones, say, from fish to amphibian, or from land mammal to whale.Trade Review"A well-written and timely book. Rogers has the unique ability to present complicated and seemingly illogical ideas in a very coherent way." (Christina Richards, University of South Florida)"
£23.00
University of Chicago Press The Robots Rebellion Finding Meaning in the Age of Darwin
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£20.43
The University of Chicago Press Evolution and the Machinery of Chance Philosophy
Book SynopsisTrade Review“This book will interest readers looking for the most recent discussions and finer points of current thinking about evolution. Those with a technical background in the mathematics of probability and statistics will find parts of this book especially informative, but those preferring to skip the technicalities will discover plenty that illuminates the ‘machinery of change’ behind evolution without the mathematics. . . . Highly recommended.” * Choice *“Abrams’s exciting new book aims to correct fundamental mistakes that have bedeviled philosophical thinking about evolutionary fitness and natural selection for forty-some years. Using information about the empirical procedures that scientists deploy and focusing on population-environment systems rather than on single organisms, he throws new light on natural selection as a probabilistic and causal influence on evolution.” -- Elliott Sober, author of The Design Argument“Abrams gives an illuminating discussion of fundamental concepts in evolutionary studies from the sometimes opposing views of the philosophy of biology and evolutionary biology. He treats the foundational ideas of probability, fitness, and population with a clearly personal view but with clarity and a command of the literature in both philosophy and biology. I found his introduction of population-environment systems to be both provocative and compelling. The book will have a permanent place on my shelves.” -- Bruce Weir, author of Genetic Data Analysis“A must-read for philosophers of biology who want to continue to participate in debates about the nature of fitness and probability in evolutionary theory. Abrams has accomplished what he set out to do: elaborate and defend a particular way of understanding fitness and probability that illuminates the causal role of natural selection and fitness in evolutionary theory.” -- Christopher Stephens, coeditor of Philosophy of Biology“Marshall Abrams’s erudite analysis of fitness is motivated by his view that philosophy of science enhances understanding by tackling issues that working evolutionary biologists can avoid. Practitioners can avoid the issues because they study specific outcomes that take place among many other possibilities. Abrams generalizes this idea into what he calls population-environment systems based on complex interacting components that can yield various possible outcomes depending on chance. Yet he is sympathetic with everyday researchers who must use imprecise and flexible language to describe things with still inchoate understanding—as evidenced by Barbara McClintock’s once telling me that she knew how transposable elements worked long before she could put it into words.” -- Daniel L. Hartl, coauthor of How Life WorksTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 0. Background on Probability and Evolution Part I. Laying the Foundation 1. Population-Environment Systems 2. Causal Probability and Empirical Practice 3. Irrelevance of Fitness as a Causal Property of Token Organisms 4. Roles of Environmental Variation in Selection Part II. Reconstructing Evolution and Chance 5. Populations in Biological Practice: Pragmatic Yet Real 6. Real Causation in Pragmatic Population-Environment Systems 7. Fitness Concepts in Measurement and Modeling 8. Chance in Population-Environment Systems 9. The Input Measure Problem for MM-CCS Chance 10. Conclusion Acknowledgments Notes References Index
£85.00
The University of Chicago Press Evolution and the Machinery of Chance
Book SynopsisAn innovative view of the role of fitness concepts in evolutionary theory. Natural selection is one of the factors responsible for changes in biological populations. Some traits or organisms are fitter than others, and natural selection occurs when there are changes in the distribution of traits in populations because of fitness differences. Many philosophers of biology insist that a trait's fitness should be defined as an average of the fitnesses of individual members of the population that have the trait. Marshall Abrams argues convincingly against this widespread approach. As he shows, it conflicts with the roles that fitness is supposed to play in evolutionary theory and with the ways that evolutionary biologists use fitness concepts in empirical research. The assumption that a causal kind of fitness is fundamentally a property of actual individuals has resulted in unnecessary philosophical puzzles and years of debate. Abrams came to see that the fitnesses of traits that arTrade Review“This book will interest readers looking for the most recent discussions and finer points of current thinking about evolution. Those with a technical background in the mathematics of probability and statistics will find parts of this book especially informative, but those preferring to skip the technicalities will discover plenty that illuminates the ‘machinery of change’ behind evolution without the mathematics. . . . Highly recommended.” * Choice *“Abrams’s exciting new book aims to correct fundamental mistakes that have bedeviled philosophical thinking about evolutionary fitness and natural selection for forty-some years. Using information about the empirical procedures that scientists deploy and focusing on population-environment systems rather than on single organisms, he throws new light on natural selection as a probabilistic and causal influence on evolution.” -- Elliott Sober, author of The Design Argument“Abrams gives an illuminating discussion of fundamental concepts in evolutionary studies from the sometimes opposing views of the philosophy of biology and evolutionary biology. He treats the foundational ideas of probability, fitness, and population with a clearly personal view but with clarity and a command of the literature in both philosophy and biology. I found his introduction of population-environment systems to be both provocative and compelling. The book will have a permanent place on my shelves.” -- Bruce Weir, author of Genetic Data Analysis“Marshall Abrams’s erudite analysis of fitness is motivated by his view that philosophy of science enhances understanding by tackling issues that working evolutionary biologists can avoid. Practitioners can avoid the issues because they study specific outcomes that take place among many other possibilities. Abrams generalizes this idea into what he calls population-environment systems based on complex interacting components that can yield various possible outcomes depending on chance. Yet he is sympathetic with everyday researchers who must use imprecise and flexible language to describe things with still inchoate understanding—as evidenced by Barbara McClintock’s once telling me that she knew how transposable elements worked long before she could put it into words.” -- Daniel L. Hartl, coauthor of How Life WorksTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 0. Background on Probability and Evolution Part I. Laying the Foundation 1. Population-Environment Systems 2. Causal Probability and Empirical Practice 3. Irrelevance of Fitness as a Causal Property of Token Organisms 4. Roles of Environmental Variation in Selection Part II. Reconstructing Evolution and Chance 5. Populations in Biological Practice: Pragmatic Yet Real 6. Real Causation in Pragmatic Population-Environment Systems 7. Fitness Concepts in Measurement and Modeling 8. Chance in Population-Environment Systems 9. The Input Measure Problem for MM-CCS Chance 10. Conclusion Acknowledgments Notes References Index
£28.00
The University of Chicago Press On the Origin of Phyla
Book SynopsisInvestigates the origins of life's diversity and integrates data from molecular genetics, evolutionary developmental biology, embryology, comparative morphology, and paleontology into an analysis of interest to scholars from any of these fields. This book examines the sorts of evidence that can be gleaned from fossils, molecules, and morphology.Trade Review"A magisterial compendium.... Valentine offers a judicious evaluation of an astonishing array of evidence." - Richard Fortey, New Scientist "Truly a magnum opus, On the Origin of Phyla has already taken its place as one of the classic scientific texts of the twentieth century, affecting the work of paleontologists, morphologists, and developmental, molecular, and evolutionary biologists for decades to come." - Ethology, Ecology & Evolution "Valentine is one of the Renaissance minds of our time.... Darwin wisely called his best-known work On the Origin of Species; the origin of the phyla is an even stickier problem, and Valentine deserves credit for tackling it at such breadth.... A magnificent book." - Stefan Bengtson, Nature"
£40.00
The University of Chicago Press Ecological Morphology Integrative Organismal
Book SynopsisEcological morphology examines the relation between an animal's anatomy and physiology - its form and function - and how the animal has evolved in, and can inhabit, a particular environment. This book provides a synthesis of major concepts in this field.
£40.85
The University of Chicago Press Evolution and the Genetics of Populations Volume
Book SynopsisWright's views about population genetics and evolution are so fundamental and so comprehensive that every serious student must examine these books firsthand. . . . Publication of this treatise is a major event in evolutionary biology.-Daniel L. Hartl, BioScience
£52.25
Columbia University Press Genetics and the Origin of Species
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsOrganic Diversity Gene Mutation Mutation as a Basis for Racial and Specific Differences Chromosomal Changes Variation in Natural Populations Selection Polyploidy Isolating Mechanisms Hybrid Sterility Species as Natural Units Literature Index
£38.25
Columbia University Press Human Culture A Moment in Evolution
Book Synopsis'
£84.75
Columbia University Press Extinction and Phylogeny
Book SynopsisComprising research papers in evolutionary and systematic biology, this text encompasses chapters concerning the recovery of information from living biota, and takes into account the limitations of sampling and the steady rate of contemporary extinction of taxa.
£67.20
Columbia University Press Interactions
Book SynopsisArgues against the reductionist tendencies in Darwinism known as genetic reductionism. The authors explore the biological underpinnings of social systems from invertebrates to mammals, particularly humans.Table of Contents1. Contemporary Evolutionary Perspectives 2. Darwinism and Ultra-Darwinism 3. Entities, Systems, and Processes in the Organic Realm 4. Biotic Consequences of Organismic Reproduction 5. Organismic Economics and Biotic Organizaition 6. The Biology of Sociality 7. Human Sociality
£64.00
Columbia University Press Our Earliest Ancestors
Book SynopsisTracing mankind's evolution from the birth of life on Earth three billion years ago to the emergence of modern human beings, this volume explains how the field of evolutionary study has been aided by research in comparative anatomy and molecular biology.Table of ContentsHumanity and us; a long story, briefly told; prosimians - types and collateral branches; Africa - the original home?; Micoene lady; the fork in the road; hominids before homo; animals and humans; the ape-man; humans in the European Ice Age; us; the present and the future.
£46.75
Columbia University Press Early Life on Earth Nobel Symposium No 84
Book SynopsisLeading chemists, geologists, palaeontologists and biologists contribute to this study of the most basic origins of life on Earth. They explore the origin of life during the Archean Eon, the maturation of life during the Proterozoic and the diversification of life that marks the Phanerozoic.
£67.20
Columbia University Press Genetics of Natural Populations
Book SynopsisA discussion of the life and wok of Theodosius Dobzhansky and an assessment of the current research that has the origins in his findings and contributions.
£93.60
Columbia University Press Mammoths Sabertooths and Hominids
Book SynopsisThis book covers mammalian evolution from the aftermath of the dinosaur extinction to the glacial climax of the Pleistocene epoch, from early lemur-like primates to giant cold-climate adapted mega-mammals, such as the woolly mammoth or mastodon.Trade ReviewAn exceptionally valuable, scholarly, yet widely accessible broad outline of the dazzling evolutionary history of the mammalian faunas and selected lineages during the Age of Mammals, the Cenozoic...an important contribution for those paleontologists and zoologists who are not mammal specialists, yet have wide-ranging interests in macroevolution. Very highly recommended. Choice A rich paleontological panorama...What struck me most forceably about the work is the magnitude of chance experienced by the region over this period. Times Literary Supplement An excellent balance of coverage between different lineages--and impressive achievement in and of itself... This is a very successful study, which tackles a difficult task with admirable deftness. Journal of Mammology Full of interesting matter...a vital aid in assisting the nonexpert reader to see the big picture. -- Tim Flannery Science An important resource for specialists who wish to know the latest about European mammal evolution, because so much has changed since [Bjorn] Kurten (1971)... Agusti has done an excellent job of bringing these latest developements into the text and integrating them with the great increase in our understanding of European tectonics as well. Earth Science History A fine book for all who have an interest in mammals, whether extant species or fossil species. Nicely done. Northeastern Naturalist It is always a pleasure to review a book that is accurate, easy to read and beautifully illustrated. -- Peter Andrews Journal of Mammalian EvolutionTable of ContentsPreface The Paleocene: The Dark Epoch The Eocene: Reaching the Climax The Oligocene: A Time of Change The Early to Middle Miocene: When the Continents Collide The Late Miocene: The Beginning of the Crisis The Pliocene: The End of a World The Pleistocene: The Age of Humankind Index
£31.50
Columbia University Press Evolving Eden An Illustrated Guide to the
Book SynopsisLinking the evidence of the past with that of the present, this illustrated guide examines the evolution of the mammalian fauna of Africa over the course of more than 30 million years of primate presence. It also covers such topics as the physical evolution of the African continent and the biological evolution of its mammalian fauna.Trade ReviewThis is an important book. -- John Laurence Kelland American Reference Books Annual This artistic and scholarly triumph belongs in all academic libraries...Highly recommended. Choice A fascinating read and a visual feast, this book lays the foundation for a deeper appreciation of contemporary African wildlife. Ethnology, Ecology & Evolution This book can be recommended for its illustrations alone... Add to this extensive research and explanations and you have an excellent book on the evolution of African large mammals. E-Streams Important for present-day conservationalists who want to protect this "Garden of Eden." -- Asad R. Rahmani Hornbill [It] fills an obvious gap in the popular scientific literature... It is a worthy addition to any fossil fan's library. Fossil NewsTable of Contents1. Dating, Continental Drift, Climate Change, and the Motor of Evolution 2. The Background to Mammalian Evolution in Africa 3. African Mammals, Past and Present 4. Fossil Sites in Africa 5. The Evolving African Mammalian Fauna Epilogue Further Reading Index
£27.00
Columbia University Press Dogs
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAn easy-to-read text, accompanied by Anton's marvelous illustrations... Recommended. Choice A definitive, readable treatment of the evolution of the canine clan. Fossil News Sets a new standard... With Anton's imagery, Wang and Tedford's Dogs is nothing short of wonderful. American Paleomtologist A must-read for dog junkies. -- H.J. Kirchhoff Toronto Globe & Mail Nothing short of wonderful. -- Richard A. Kissel American PaleontologistTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. Dogs: Methods of Study and the Place of Dogs in Nature 2. The Origin of Canids and Other Doglike Carnivorous Mammals 3. Diversity: Who Is Who in the Dog Family 4. Anatomy and Function: How the Parts Work 5. Hunting and Social Activity 6. Changing Environments and Canid Evolution 7. Going Places: Braving New Worlds 8. Domestic Dogs Appendix: Canid Species and Classification Glossary Further Reading Index
£22.00
Columbia University Press Fossil Mammals of Asia
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis large volume makes a major step in drawing together the diverse research programs extending from Turkey and Georgia through central and south Asia to China, Asian Russia, Thailand, and Japan. Highly recommended. Choice Invaluable... Fossil Mammals of Asia has done what no project had previously accomplished and will be an indispensable tool for completing the process of establishing a continent-wide biochronology. -- John D. Orcutt, Quarterly Review of Biology The book's editors and contributors are to be congratulated. We must be grateful that this volume has come into being. It is a book into which specialists as well as other interested readers will have to delve again, and again, and again. -- Ephraim Nissan PriscumTable of ContentsIntroduction: Toward a Continental Asian Biostratigraphic and Geochronologic Framework, by Xiao-ming Wang, Lawrence J. Flynn, and Mikael Fortelius Part I. East Asia 1. Neogene Land Mammal Stages/Ages of China: Toward the Goal to Establish an Asian Land Mammal Stage/Age Scheme, by Zhan-xiang Qiu, Zhu-ding Qiu, Tao Deng, Chuan-kui Li, Zhao-qun Zhang, Ban-yue Wang, and Xiao-ming Wang 2. North China Neogene Biochronology: A Chinese Standard, by Michael O. Woodburne, Richard H. Tedford, and Everett H. Lindsay 3. A Single Point Base Definition of the Xiejian Age as an Exemplar for Refining Chinese Land Mammal Ages, by Jin Meng, Jie Ye, Wen-yu Wu, Xi-jun Ni, and Shun-dong Bi 4. Early Miocene Xiejiahe and Sihong Fossil Localities and Their Faunas, Eastern China, by Zhu-ding Qiu and Zhan-xiang Qiu 5. Neogene Faunal Succession and Biochronology of Central Nei Mongol (Inner Mongolia), by Zhu-ding Qiu, Xiao-ming Wang, and Qiang Li 6. Mammalian Biochronology of the Late Miocene Bahe Formation, by Zhao-qun Zhang, Anu Kaakinen, Li-ping Liu, Juha Pekka Lunkka, Sevket Sen, Wulf A. Gose, Zhu-ding Qiu, Shao-hua Zheng, and Mikael Fortelius 7. Stratigraphy and Paleoecology of the Classical Dragon Bone Localities of Baode County, Shaanxi Province, by Anu Kaakinen, Benjamin H. Passey, Zhao-qun Zhang, Li-ping Liu, Lauri J. Pesonen, and Mikael Fortelius 8. Review of the Litho-, Bio-, and Chronostratigraphy in the Nihewan Basin, Hebei, China, by Bao-quan Cai, Shao-hua Zheng, Joseph C. Liddicoat, and Qiang Li 9. Late Cenozoic Biostratigraphy of the Linxia Basin, Northwestern China, by Tao Deng, Zhan-xiang Qiu, Ban-yue Wang, Xiao-ming Wang, and Su-kuan Hou 10. Neogene Mammalian Biostratigraphy and Geochronology of the Tibetan Plateau, by Xiao-ming Wang, Qiang Li, Zhu-ding Qiu, Guang-pu Xie, Ban-yue Wang, Zhan-xiang Qiu, Zhijie J. Tseng, Gary T. Takeuchi, and Tao Deng 11. Hominoid-Producing Localities and Biostratigraphy in Yunnan, by Wei Dong and Guo-qin Qi 12. Miocene Land Mammals and Stratigraphy of Japan, by Yukimitsu Tomida, Hideo Nakaya, Haruo Saegusa, Kazunori Miyata, and Akira Fukuchi 13. Pliocene Land Mammals of Japan, by Ryohei Nakagawa, Yoshinari Kawamura, and Hiroyuki Taruno Part II. South and Southeast Asia 14. The Siwaliks and Neogene Evolutionary Biology in South Asia, by Lawrence J. Flynn, Everett H. Lindsay, David Pilbeam, S. Mahmood Raza, Michele E. Morgan, John C. Barry, Catherine E. Badgley, Anna K. Behrensmeyer, I. U. Cheema, Abdul Rahim Rajpar, and Neil D. Opdyke 15. The Neogene Siwaliks of the Potwar Plateau, Pakistan, by John C. Barry, Anna K. Behrensmeyer, Catherine E. Badgley, Lawrence J. Flynn, Hannele Peltonen, I. U. Cheema, David Pilbeam, Everett H. Lindsay, S. Mahmood Raza, Abdul Rahim Rajpar, and Michele E. Morgan 16. Mammalian Neogene Biostratigraphy of the Sulaiman Province, Pakistan, by Pierre-Olivier Antoine, Gregoire Metais, Maeva J. Orliac, J.-Y. Crochet, Lawrence J. Flynn, Laurent Marivaux, Abdul Rahim Rajpar, G. Roohi, and Jean-Loup Welcomme 17. Indian Neogene Siwalik Mammalian Biostratigraphy: An Overview, by Rajeev Patnaik 18. Paleobiogeography and South Asian Small Mammals: Neogene Latitudinal Faunal Variation, by Lawrence J. Flynn and Wilma Wessels 19. Advances in the Biochronology and Biostratigraphy of the Continental Neogene of Myanmar, by Olivier Chavasseau, Aung Aung Khyaw, Yaowalak Chaimanee, Pauline Coster, Edouard-Georges Emonet, Aung Naing Soe, Mana Rugbumrung, Soe Thura Tun, and Jean-Jacques Jaeger Part III. North and Central Asia 20. Miocene Mammal Biostratigraphy of Central Mongolia (Valley of Lakes): New Results, by Gudrun Daxner-Hock, Demchig Badamgarav, Margarita Erbajeva, and Ursula Bettina Gohlich 21. Late Cenozoic Mammal Faunas of the Baikalian Region: Composition, Biochronology, Dispersal, and Correlation with Central Asia, by Margarita Erbajeva and Nadezhda Alexeeva 22. New Data on Miocene Biostratigraphy and Paleoclimatology of Olkhon Island (Lake Baikal, Siberia), by Gudrun Daxner-Hock, Madelaine Bohme, and Annette Kossler Part IV. West Asia and Adjacent Regions 23. Late Miocene Mammal Localities of Eastern Europe and Western Asia: Toward Biostratigraphic Synthesis, by Eleonora Vangengeim and Alexey S. Tesakov 24. Late Miocene (Turolian) Vertebrate Faunas from Southern European Russia, by Vadim V. Titov and Alexey S. Tesakov 25. Recent Advances in Paleobiological Research of the Late Miocene Maragheh Fauna, Northwest Iran, by Majid Mirzaie Ataabadi, Raymond L. Bernor, Dimitris S. Kostopoulos, Dominik Wolf, Zahra Orak, Gholamreza Zare, Hideo Nakaya, Mahito Watabe, and Mikael Fortelius 26. A Review of the Neogene Succession of the Muridae and Dipodidae from Anatolia with Special Reference to Taxa Known from Asia and/or Europe, by Hans de Bruijn, Engin Unay, and Kees Hordijk 27. Late Miocene Fossils from the Baynunah Formation, United Arab Emirates: Summary of a Decade of New Work, by Faysal Bibi, Andrew Hill, Mark Beech, and Walid Yasin 28. Neogene Mammal Biostratigraphy and Chronology of Greece, by George D. Koufos Part V. Zoogeography and Paleoecology 29. Continental-Scale Patterns in Neogene Mammal Community Evolution and Biogeography: A Europe-Asia Perspective, by Majid Mirzaie Ataabadi, Liping Liu, Jussi T. Eronen, Raymond L. Bernor, and Mikael Fortelius 30. Intercontinental Dispersals of Sicistine Rodents (Sicistinae, Dipodidae, Rodentia) Between Eurasia and North America, by Yuri Kimura 31. Paleodietary Comparisons of Ungulates Between the Late Miocene of China and Pikermi and Samos in Greece, by Nikos Solounias, Gina Semprebon, Matthew Mihlbachler, and Florent Rivals List of Contributors Taxonomic Index General Index
£999.99
Columbia University Press Hermaphroditism A Primer on the Biology Ecology
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis book provides a basic, nontechnical introduction to sexual systems for a wide audience of readers. Choice Avise's book is truly what is expected from a primer, and ought to be read by all researchers interested in hermaphroditism, perhaps even more botanists than zoologists. -- Philippe Jarne The Quarterly Review of Biology Finally!...This new book, for the first time, assembles our state-of-the-art understanding of the biology of hermaphrodite gender expression, and makes the current research agenda on these fascinating organisms broadly accessible to both scientists and (under-)graduate students... -- Nils Anthes EcologyTable of ContentsPreface The Phenomenon of Dual Sexuality Hermaphroditism in Fiction Hermaphroditism in the Real World 1. Two Sexes in One Maleness and Femaleness Anisogamy and the Separate-sex Condition Sex Ratios in Separate-sex Taxa Sex Ratios in Hermaphroditic Taxa Hermaphroditism Versus Separate Sexes Summary 2. Dual-sex Plants Terminology Alternative Sexual Systems: Natural History and Examples Cosexuality Versus Dioecy Selfing Versus Outcrossing Sexual Selection in Plants Summary 3. Dual-sex Invertebrates Biological Examples Sex Determination and Pseudohermaphroditism Evolutionary Histories: Gonochorism and Hermaphroditism Selfing Versus Outcrossing Sex Allocation in Simultaneous Hermaphrodites Sex Allocation in Sequential Hermaphrodites Conclusions About Sex Allocation Theory Sexual Selection Summary 4. Dual-sex Vertebrates Sexual Flexibility Sequential Hermaphroditism Adaptive Significance of Alternative Modes Simultaneous Hermaphroditism Summary Glossary References Cited Index
£64.00
Columbia University Press Bringing Fossils to Life
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis well-written, well-illustrated book comprehensively covers the science of paleontology, running the gamut from the history of different aspects of the field to technical discoveries and taxonomic information. It is perfectly aimed at a student audience and belongs in the libraries of all professional (and amateur) paleontologists. -- Bruce S. Lieberman, University of Kansas Paleontological Institute Highly recommended. Choice Substantive, well illustrated, and engaging. [Bringing Fossils to Life] serves to introduce a field that illuminates not only our past but also important aspects of our future. -- Catherine Badgley Quarterly Review of Biology Prothero's textbook...is very welcome as it gives not only for students but for every geologist a nice and up-to-date overview of the wide field of paleobiology... An excellent, well written and nicely illustrated textbook. PriscumTable of ContentsPrefaceTo the Student: Why Study Fossils?PART I: THE FOSSIL RECORD: A WINDOW ON THE PAST 1. The Fossil Record What is a Fossil? How Does an Organism Become a Fossil? What Factors Affect the Fossilization Potential of an Organism? What Factors are Required for Extraordinary Preservation? How Good is the Fossil Record? Conclusions2. Variation in Fossils Theme: Variation; How do Organisms vary during their Lifespans? How do Populations of Organisms Vary? Conclusions3. Species and Speciation4. Systematics Why Systematics? Evolution and Classification; Competing Systematic Philosophies; Molecular Systematics; Codes of Systematic Nomenclature; Conclusions5. Evolution The Evolution of Evolution; The "Evolutionary Synthesis"; Challenges to the Neo-Darwinian Synthesis; Evolution and the Fossil Record; Conclusions6. Extinction7. Functional Morphology Form and Function; Theoretical Morphology; Functional Hypotheses as Testable Science; Case Studies in Functional Morphology; Conclusions8. Paleoecology Ecology and Paleoecology; Ecological Relationships; Environmental Limiting Factors; Direct Paleoecological Evidence; Some Ecological Ideas that have been Applied (and Misapplied) to the Fossil Record; Evolutionary Paleoecology; Conclusions9. Biogeography Organisms in Space and Time; Ecological Biogeography; Historical Biogeography; Conclusions10. Biostratigraphy Faunal Succession; Biostratigraphic Zonations; Factors controlling Fossil Distributions; Biostratigraphic Sampling; The Time Significance of Biostratigraphic Events; North American Land Mammal "Ages" and Biochronology; Resolution, Precision, and Accuracy; Index Fossils and the Global Biostratigraphic Standard; ConclusionsPART II: LIFE OF THE PAST AND PRESENT 11. Life's Origins and Early Evolution Concocting the "Primordial Soup"; Mud and Mosh Pits, Kitty Litter and Fool's Gold; Life is a Commune; The Earliest Fossils; Cambrian "Explosion"-or "Short Fuse"?; Why did Life Change So Slowly Before the Cambrian?; Rocks, Hox, and Molecular Clocks.12. Micropaleontology: Fossil Protistans Introduction; The Kingdoms of Life; Systematics; Foraminifera; Radiolaria; Diatoms; Coccolithophores13. Colonial Life: Sponges, Archaeocyathans, and Cnidarians14. The Lophophorates: Brachiopods and Bryozoans15. Jointed Limbs: The Arthropods16. Kingdom of the Seashell: The Molluscs Introduction; Systematics; Mollusc Origins and Diversification; Gastropods; Bivalves; Cephalopods17. Spiny Skins: The Echinoderms18. Dry Bones: Vertebrates and their Relatives Introduction; The Road to Amphioxus; Getting a Head: The Craniates; Jaws: The Gnathostomes; Fish Bones The Osteichthyans; Lobe Fins: The Sarcopterygians; Four on the Floor: The Tetrapods; Land Eggs: The Amniotes; Feathered Dinosaurs: The Birds; Furry Folk: Synapsids and Mammals19. Fossilized Behavior: Trace Fossils20. Traces of Earth's Green Mantle: Paleobotany Introduction; Plant Taphonomy; The First Photosynthetic Organisms; The Plant Kingdom; Vascular Plants; Tracheophytes; Naked Seeds: The Gymnosperms; Flower Power: The Angiosperm Revolution; Floras through Time GlossaryBibliographyIndex
£133.60
Columbia University Press The Engine of Complexity
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe Engine of Complexity is a well-written and erudite book of great importance. It promises to be the best single introduction to the informational concept of evolution, all while being clear and easy to read. -- Geoffrey M. Hodgson, University of Hertfordshire Wide ranging, ambitious, and clearly written, John E. Mayfield's The Engine of Complexity shows how information flowing down the ages in genes, thoughts, and words, guided only by the invisible hand of selection, has built everything from beetles and human brains to steam engines, space shuttles, and iPads. It will open your eyes to a different way of seeing the world. -- Mark Pagel, University of Reading, author of Wired for Culture: Origins of the Human Social Mind John E. Mayfield succeeds beautifully in making computational and biological concepts understandable to the non-expert reader. He suggests we are about to see a sea-change in our thinking with respect to how we view evolution in our society; he may be right, and his book is good reading to ready yourself for this potential change. -- Alan G. Atherly, Iowa State University An extraordinarily ambitious and broad volume. -- Chris Adami Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. The Problem How is the Earth different? What is information? What is an evolutionary system? What constitutes scientific understanding? How does computer science fit in? How is purposeful complexity explained by science? 2. Computation What is a computation? What does it mean to manipulate information? How is information defined and measured in computer science? Can great complexity be created by short (i.e., simple) programs? Can physical structure be computed? Why have long programs? 3. Structure for Free If physical processes compute, what and where are the programs? How do we explain a grain of salt? How does a solar system form? How do nonequilibrium structures form? Must structures have permanent parts? Is behavior a form of structure? Can avalanches be simulated in a computer? Whence structure for free? 4. Purposeful Structure What can you get by using instructions that you can't get for free? Can you get a watch without a watchmaker? How do instructions encoded in DNA specify structures more complicated than single proteins? Can instructions dictate activity? What about ongoing activity? So, exactly how do we define purposeful structure? 5. Improbability and the Engine of Complexity How do order and disorder relate to each other? How do we reconcile great improbability with existence? Where do instructions come from? How do instructions change our view of object probability? Is life the outcome of a computation? 6. Algorithmic Evolution Can computers learn? What are evolutionary algorithms? Can the rules evolve? How can we visualize what is happening during an evolutionary computation? Is randomness necessary for learning? 7. Evolution Within the Body How does the human body form from a single cell? How is the brain wired? Why isn't the body destroyed by microorganisms? What does copying add to selection? 8. Taking Control of the Cycle Can the engine of complexity accept any form of information? Can variation be controlled? Must selection be natural? Is there any aspect of the cycle that cannot be controlled? 9. Complex Systems What constitutes a complex system? How is an electronic device also a network? What is a biochemical network? What is a genetic network, and what does it do? What is a proteome? What is life? What is a complex adaptive system? 10. Human Learning and Creativity How are we to understand the human mind? Where is the information? How are decisions made? Could our world, and therefore our thoughts, be deterministic? What are some general principles of brain function? What is evolutionary epistemology? What are some current theories? How do we invent? What is the evidence that the engine of complexity plays a major role in brain function? What can we say about the origin of human creativity? 11. Cultural Evolution What is human culture? How do cultures change? How does science work? Economies change, but do they evolve? Do religions evolve? How does the engine of complexity operate in human society? 12. The Evolution of Complexity Can complexity be defined? How is complexity defined by biologists? How do optimization and coevolution fit in? Do resources matter? How does depth figure in? Is there evidence? 13. Past and Present How do engines of complexity get started? What does it mean to be in the middle of a computation? 14. The Future Where is it all going? Are we about to participate in a new implementation of the engine of complexity? Acknowledgments Notes Glossary References Index4
£35.70
Columbia University Press The Story of Life in 25 Fossils
Book SynopsisEvery fossil tells a story. Best-selling paleontology author Donald R. Prothero describes twenty-five famous fossils in a gripping scientific history. Recounting the adventures behind the discovery of these objects and interpreting their significance within the larger fossil record, Prothero creates a riveting history of life on our planet.Trade ReviewDonald R. Prothero is one of the most talented science writers of his generation-as a paleontological writer, he has no peer. This is an engaging, attractive book! -- David J. Bottjer, University of Southern California There is no other book that brings together such diverse fossils and tells their unique stories in a way that is both accurate and approachable. -- Xiaoming Wang, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County The Story of Life in 25 Fossils shows the reader the joys of paleontological discovery as well as the stories behind some of the most important fossils. I loved reading it, and I suspect that most paleontologists, and many members of the general public, will feel the same way-the text is lucid, extremely easy to read, and highly informative. Anyone interested in ancient life-forms and the fossil record would be well served to buy this book. -- Bruce S. Lieberman, University of Kansas Prothero, an outstanding paleontologist and skilled communicator, has written the best up-to-date account of the history of life as revealed by the fossil record that I have ever had the pleasure to read. His lucid prose brings these long-dead organisms back to life, while painting a picture of how all life has been interconnected through evolution. I was especially struck by the inclusion of field outcrops, as well as museums, where one can go to see these fossils. I will keep Prothero's book handy as a core reference for years to come! -- Niles Eldredge, author of Eternal Ephemera: Adaptation and the Origin of Species from the Nineteenth Century Through Punctuated Equilibria and Beyond A guide to museums where the original fossils or high-quality reproductions are housed and more than 150 illustrations accompany Prothero's lively account of the science and politics that shaped the rich history of these discoveries. Kirkus Reviews Engaging and accessible... Ideal for anyone interested in the origins of life on earth. Library Journal (starred review) An accessible, well-done book that will better enable general readers to understand the fossil record and how paleontologists interpret it. Publishers Weekly Prothero's careful description of 25 fossils... offer[s] an overview of the progression of plants and animals in the last 3.5 billion years. -- Ashley Yeager Sciece News [Prothero] pays attention not just to the fossils themselves but to the continuing quest to uncover and understand how life has been changing since it first came into existence on Earth. Sure, The Story of Life in 25 Fossils includes snakes with legs, giant dinosaurs, walking whales and extinct primates whose existence confirms that our own species is a variety of modified ape. But most chapters also introduce us to the researchers who labored to pull back the curtain on lost worlds. -- Brian Switek Wall Street Journal Ideal for all who love prehistoric landscapes and delight in the history of science, this book makes a treasured addition to any bookshelf, stoking curiosity in the evolution of life on Earth. -- Ian Paulsen The Birdbooker Report Prothero brings erudition and expert perspective to the material, but animates it in an entertaining and accessible manner. It reads like a fun conversation with a learned friend. -- Nathan H. Lents The Human Evolution Blog Written with bright enthusiasm... [The Story of Life in 25 Fossils] is a wonderful primer. -- Rob Hardy The Commercial Dispatch Chock full of excellent and interesting illustrations... [Prothero] writes excellent, readable prose, and vigorously makes connections between evolutionary questions and evolutionary data. Greg Laden's Blog A thoroughly enjoyable, highly readable, and entertaining book. Prothero is a masterful communicator of science and a lover of paleontology, and these traits have combined to produce one of the best books on the history of life I have read. If you want an introduction to the history of life on Earth, get this book. -- Jason S. Anderson BioScience A great introduction to the history of life on the planet Earth... A solid primer on why evolution is true... A fun read with lots of tales of paleontological adventure and derring-do... I recommend this book without hesitation. -- John Dupuis Confessions of a Science Librarian A magnificent journey through life's story told in such loving detail... Highly recommended. Choice [The book], written with bright enthusiasm and describing clearly how the fossil record shows evolution to have occured, is a wonderful primer about what paleontologists do. The DispatchTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. Planet of the Scum: The First Fossils (Cryptozoon) 2. Garden of Ediacara: The First Multicellular Life (Charnia) 3. "Little Shellies": The First Shells (Cloudina) 4. Oh, Give Me a Home, When the Trilobites Roamed: The First Large Shelled Animals (Olenellus) 5. Is It a Worm or an Arthropod? The Origin of Arthropods (Hallucigenia) 6. Is It a Worm or a Mollusc? The Origin of Molluscs (Pilina) 7. Growing from the Sea: The Origin of Land Plants (Cooksonia) 8. A Fishy Tale: The Origin of Vertebrates (Haikouichthys) 9. Mega-Jaws: The Largest Fish (Carcharocles) 10. Fish out of Water: The Origin of Amphibians (Tiktaalik) 11. "Frogamander": The Origin of Frogs (Gerobatrachus) 12. Turtle on the Half-Shell: The Origin of Turtles (Odontochelys) 13. Walking Serpents: The Origin of Snakes (Haasiophis) 14. King of the Fish-Lizards: The Largest Marine Reptile (Shonisaurus) 15. Terror of the Seas: The Largest Sea Monster (Kronosaurus) 16. Monster Flesh-Eater: The Largest Predator (Giganotosaurus) 17. Land of the Giants: The Largest Land Animal (Argentinosaurus) 18. A Feather in Stone: The First Bird (Archaeopteryx) 19. Not Quite a Mammal: The Origin of Mammals (Thrinaxodon) 20. Walking Into the Water: The Origin of Whales (Ambulocetus) 21. Walking Manatees: The Origin of Sirenians (Pezosiren) 22. Dawn Horses: The Origin of Horses (Eohippus) 23. Rhinoceros Giants: The Largest Land Mammal (Paraceratherium) 24. The Ape's Reflection? The Oldest Human Fossil (Sahelanthropus) 25. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds: The Oldest Human Skeleton (Australopithecus afarensis) Appendix: The Best Natural History Museums Index
£75.15
Columbia University Press CroMagnon
Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of the dynamic and resilient people commonly known as the Cro-Magnons in light of recent scientific advances.Trade ReviewTrenton Holliday is unquestionably one of the foremost experts on this subject. -- John Shea, Stony Brook University, author of The Unstoppable Human Species: : The Emergence of Homo Sapiens in PrehistoryMost every schoolchild has heard of the Cro-Magnons, but few people actually know anything about them. This engaging and accessible book by Trenton Holliday may go a long way toward remedying that situation! Written by one of the leading experts on the Ice Age peoples of the world, Cro-Magnon brings to life—in clear, nontechnical English—what we know about these ancient Europeans, their fascinating history of study, and the very latest research on them. -- Steven Churchill, Duke University, author of Thin on the Ground: Neandertal Biology, Archeology, and EcologyIn Cro-Magnon, Holliday gifts us a vivid, impressively detailed portrait of the earliest modern Europeans. He deftly weaves studies of biological characteristics, behavioral indicators, environment, history, and colorful descriptions of places and people into a fascinating narrative that brings alive these humans of the distant past. Holliday’s book is thorough yet eminently readable, and is certainly required reading for anyone interested in the later phases of human evolution. -- Fred H. Smith, University Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Biological Sciences, Illinois State UniversityPerceptively reviews what we have learned about Cro-Magnons over the century and a half since their discovery. * Natural History Magazine *Well illustrated and referenced, citing both the most recent research and past studies, the volume has an obvious place in college and university libraries. Holliday’s engaging writing style also makes this a readable, informative source for an audience beyond the walls of academia. * Choice Reviews, the American Library Association (ALA) *Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction1. Discovery2. Archaeology of the Ancients3. The Abel to Our Cain? Homo neanderthalensis4. Fossil and Recent Homo sapiens5. A Paleontological Perspective on Modern Human Origins6. The Genetics of Modern Human Origins7. Is There Such a Thing as Modern Human Behavior?8. Neandertal and Cro-Magnon Interactions in Europe9. Bioanthropology of the Cro-Magnons10. Slings and Arrows11. Cro-Magnon Art12. Cold ComfortAcknowledgmentsNotesBibliographyIndex
£90.00
Columbia University Press CroMagnon
Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of the dynamic and resilient people commonly known as the Cro-Magnons in light of recent scientific advances.Trade ReviewTrenton Holliday is unquestionably one of the foremost experts on this subject. -- John Shea, Stony Brook University, author of The Unstoppable Human Species: : The Emergence of Homo Sapiens in PrehistoryMost every schoolchild has heard of the Cro-Magnons, but few people actually know anything about them. This engaging and accessible book by Trenton Holliday may go a long way toward remedying that situation! Written by one of the leading experts on the Ice Age peoples of the world, Cro-Magnon brings to life—in clear, nontechnical English—what we know about these ancient Europeans, their fascinating history of study, and the very latest research on them. -- Steven Churchill, Duke University, author of Thin on the Ground: Neandertal Biology, Archeology, and EcologyIn Cro-Magnon, Holliday gifts us a vivid, impressively detailed portrait of the earliest modern Europeans. He deftly weaves studies of biological characteristics, behavioral indicators, environment, history, and colorful descriptions of places and people into a fascinating narrative that brings alive these humans of the distant past. Holliday’s book is thorough yet eminently readable, and is certainly required reading for anyone interested in the later phases of human evolution. -- Fred H. Smith, University Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Biological Sciences, Illinois State UniversityPerceptively reviews what we have learned about Cro-Magnons over the century and a half since their discovery. * Natural History Magazine *Well illustrated and referenced, citing both the most recent research and past studies, the volume has an obvious place in college and university libraries. Holliday’s engaging writing style also makes this a readable, informative source for an audience beyond the walls of academia. * Choice Reviews, the American Library Association (ALA) *Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction1. Discovery2. Archaeology of the Ancients3. The Abel to Our Cain? Homo neanderthalensis4. Fossil and Recent Homo sapiens5. A Paleontological Perspective on Modern Human Origins6. The Genetics of Modern Human Origins7. Is There Such a Thing as Modern Human Behavior?8. Neandertal and Cro-Magnon Interactions in Europe9. Bioanthropology of the Cro-Magnons10. Slings and Arrows11. Cro-Magnon Art12. Cold ComfortAcknowledgmentsNotesBibliographyIndex
£23.75
Indiana University Press Tyrannosaurid Paleobiology
Book SynopsisHighlights the far ranging and vital state of current tyrannosaurid dinosaur research and discoveryTrade ReviewHighly recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsIntroduction /J. Michael Parrish and Ralph E. MolnarPart One. Systematics and Descriptions1. Phylogenetic Revision of Chingkankousaurus fragilis, a Forgotten Tyrannosauroid from the Late Cretaceous of China /Stephen L. Brusatte, David W. E. Hone, and Xu Xing2. The Case for Nanotyrannus /Peter Larson3. Preliminary Analysis of a Sub-Adult Tyrannosaurid Skeleton from the Judith River Formation of Petroleum County, Montana /Walter W. Stein and Michael TrieboldPart Two. Functional Morphology and Reconstruction4. Internal Structure of Tooth Serrations /William L. Abler 5. Feet of the Fierce (and Not So Fierce): Pedal Proportions in Large Theropods, Other Non-Avian Dinosaurs, and Large Ground Birds /James O. Farlow, Thomas R. Holtz, Jr., Trevor H. Worthy, and Ralph E. Chapman6. Relative Size of Brain and Cerebrum in Tyrannosaurid Dinosaurs: An Analysis Using Brain-Endocast Quantitative Relationships in Extant Alligators /Grant R. Hurlburt, Ryan C. Ridgley, and Lawrence M. Witmer7. Jane, In the Flesh: The State of Life-Reconstruction in Paleoart /Tyler Keillor8. Comparison of Reconstructed Jaw Musculature and Mechanics of Some Large Theropods /Ralph E. Molnar9. Tyrannosaurid Craniocervical Mobility: A Preliminary Assessment /Tanya SammanPart Three. Paleopathology, Paleoecology, and Taphonomy10. Clawing Their Way to the Top: Tyrannosaurid Pathology and Lifestyle /Bruce M. Rothschild11. Brodie Abscess Involving a Tyrannosaur Phalanx: Imaging and Implications /Christopher P. Vittore, MD and Michael D. Henderson12. Using Pollen, Leaves, and Paleomagnetism to Date a Juvenile Tyrannosaurid in Upper Cretaceous Rock /William F. Harrison, Douglas J. Nichols, Michael D. Henderson, and Reed P. Scherer13. The Biomechanics of a Plausible Hunting Strategy for Tyrannosaurus rex /David A. Krauss and James M. Robinson14. A Closer Look at the Hypothesis of Scavenging vs. Predation by Tyrannosaurus rex /Kenneth Carpenter15. New Evidence of Predation by a Large Tyrannosaurid /Nate L. Murphy, Kenneth Carpenter, and David Trexler Index
£45.00
Indiana University Press Darwins On the Origin of Species
Book SynopsisBy removing the linguistic barriers to understanding and appreciating the Origin, this book aims to bring 21st-century readers into closer contact with Charles Darwin's revolutionary ideas.Trade Review[This] modernized version provided by Daniel Duzdevich, a doctoral student of biology at Columbia University, doesn't meddle with Darwin's theories or basic exposition and so his edited Origin remains a weighty trek, but he has made the way a lot smoother. * Foreword Reviews *Table of ContentsForeword by Olivia JudsonA Note to the ReaderAcknowledgmentsOn the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (1859) by Charles DarwinIntroductionChapter 1: Variation under DomesticationChapter 2: Variation in NatureChapter 3: The Struggle for ExistenceChapter 4: Natural SelectionChapter 5: VariationChapter 6: Difficulties with the TheoryChapter 7: InstinctChapter 8: HybridsChapter 9: The Imperfection of the Geological RecordChapter 10: The Succession of Organisms in the Geological RecordChapter 11: The Geographical Distribution of LifeChapter 12: Geographical Distribution of Life, ContinuedChapter 13: Affinities between Organisms; Morphology, Embryology, and Rudimentary OrgansChapter 14: Summary and ConclusionNotesRecommended Further ReadingIndex
£21.59
Indiana University Press Dinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of
Book SynopsisPresents an overview of dinosaur discoveries in Mexico that synthesizes information about the geography and environment of the region during the Mesozoic when it was the western margin of the ancient continent of Pangea. This book summarizes research on various groups, including turtles, lepidosauromorphs, pleisosaurs, crocodyliforms, pterosaurs.Trade ReviewDinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico is an up-to-date, informative volume on an area that has not been comprehensively described until now. * Birdbooker Report *I would suggest Dinosaurs and Other Reptiles from the Mesozoic of Mexico to those who are interested in Mesozoic paleontology. The layout, content, and chapter lengths flow well making this book easy to read and the material easy to absorb. * Priscum *[This book] is richly illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and includes a color signature that attempts to re-create some of the animals discussed. . . . Recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsContributorsAcknowledgmentsPreface1. History of the Discoveries of Dinosaurs and Mesozoic Reptiles in Mexico Jose Ruben Guzman-Gutierrez and Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva2. Paleogeography and Paleoenvironment of Mexico during the Mesozoic Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard Frey 3. Turtles of the Mesozoic of México Donald Brinkman4. Mesozoic Lepidosauromorphs of Mexico: A Review and Discussion of Taxonomic Assignments Víctor Hugo Reynoso and J. Alberto Cruz5. Plesiosaurs, Reptiles between Grace and Awe Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck6. Mexican Ichthyosaurs Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck7. Overview of Mesozoic Crocodyliforms from Mexico Gerardo Carbot-Chanona8. Mexican Pterosaurs—Rare Jewels in the Fossil Record Eberhard Frey and Wolfgang Stinnesbeck 9. Mexican Saurischian Dinosaurs Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter10. The Ornithischian Dinosaurs of Mexico Héctor E. Rivera-Sylva and Kenneth Carpenter11. A Summary of the Mesozoic Vertebrate Tracks of Mexico Victor Manuel Bravo Cuevas and Rubén Rodríguez de la Rosa 12. The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary in Mexico Wolfgang Stinnesbeck and Eberhard FreyIndex
£35.10
Indiana University Press Owens Ape and Darwins Bulldog
Book SynopsisDiscusses a contentious 19th-century debate about apes, humans, and competing theories of evolutionTrade ReviewOwen's Ape and Darwin's Bulldog sheds new light on one of the most celebrated episodes in the history of evolutionary biology. Cosans's careful analysis draws on history, philosophy, and even his own dissections, to reveal a complexity hitherto underestimated. -- Frederick R. Davis * QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY *Owen's Ape and Darwin's Bulldog introduces a brilliant, new and insightful perspective into the philosophy behind Richard Owen's methods and reasoning. 2010 * Evo Edu Outreach *In conclusion, the reviewer recommends this book strongly for all specialists and students, including palaeontologists and palaeoanthropologists. 11, 5/6, 2009 * Zentralblatt fur Geologie und Palaontologie *Cosans's analysis is thought-provoking and informative, exemplifying an overall point that has been increasingly accepted: a scientist's interpretation of what s/he observes is best understood within its historic context. Vol. 66, 2010 * Journal of Anthropological Research *Table of ContentsList of IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: On the Origin of the Darwin WarsAnalytic Table of Contents1. The Parable of the Hippopotamus Major2. Philosophical Anatomy and the Human Soul3. Evolution and the Discovery of the Gorilla4. Does the Brain Distinguish Human from Beast?5. Economics and Values on the Eve of the Origin6. The Values and Metaphysics of Darwin's Origin7. Why Owen Rejected Darwin's Analysis8. Huxley's Hippocampus Counter-Attack9. The Dissection of a Metaphysical Dispute10. Ethics, Experience, and TruthAppendix 1. Excerpt from Owen's 1851 Article on Ape and Human Brain SizeAppendix 2. The Concluding Pages of Owen's Anatomy of Vertebrates (1868) on Evolution, the Origins of Life, Metaphysics, and Theology BibliographyIndex
£16.14
MH - Indiana University Press African Dinosaurs Unearthed
Book SynopsisThe story of expeditions into Africa in search of dinosaur bones.Trade ReviewThe volume will certainly be the standard reference on the history of Tendaguru from here on . . . I thoroughly enjoyed African Dinosaurs Unearthed and recommend it to anyone interested in the history of research on Mesozoic fauna. * The Palaeontological Association Newsletter *Table of ContentsPreliminary Table of Contents:Preface1. 1907: Fraas and Something Curious in the African Bush 2. 1908: Von Branca and a Matter of National Honour3. 1909: Janensch, Hennig, and a Cemetery of Giants4. 1909-1910: Geology in the Rain and Comets, Stegosaurs, and Iguanodonts5. 1911: Along the Railway and Expansion, Exhaustion, and Completion?6. 1911-1912: A Museum Overflows - The Recks find Iguanodonts, Pterosaurs, and a Fossilized Forest7. 1913-1918: Fresh Discoveries and a Bitter War8. 1919-1924: The British Museum in Tanganyika Territory9. 1924-1925: Cutler, Leakey, and a Difficult Start10. 1925: Berlin Builds Dinosaurs11. 1925: A Death in Africa12. 1925: Migeod - A New Recruit 13. 1925-1926: An Expedition Saved 14. 1926-1927: Berlin in Chaos and Parkinson Reviews Stratigraphy 15. 1927-1929: Kenyan Interlude, Geology at Tendaguru, and Desperate Finances 16. 1929: Migeod Returns 17. 1930: Migeod and Parrington, Tendaguru and Nyasaland 18. 1931-1939: Hennig Returns and Berlin's Museum Triumphs 19. 1939-1976: Destruction and Renewal 20. 1971-2001: Russell to Africa, Brachiosaurus to Tokyo, Berlin to Tendaguru21. A Significant Contribution NotesReferencesIndex
£35.10
University of Notre Dame Press Darwin in the TwentyFirst Century
Book Synopsis Originating from conferences held at the Gregorian University in Rome and at the University of Notre Dame, these essays assess the continuing relevance of Darwin's work across academic fields.Trade Review“This volume presents the best scholarship available on the present and future developments in evolutionary science and its implications for the humanities. It will reward careful study by evolutionary biologists and social scientists, but also philosophers and theologians—or indeed, by any reflective person seeking to be informed about up-to-date analysis of its three main topics: Nature, Humanity, and God. The editors of this volume are to be congratulated for producing a volume that makes available a rich array of voices from a variety of disciplines and schools of thought. It is a must read for anyone who wishes to be informed about the interpretation of Darwin in the twenty-first century.” —Stephen J. Pope, Boston College"Darwin in the Twenty-First Century aims to present 'new reflections that anticipate the future of scientific and philosophical inquiry about evolution,' rather than giving an overview of all issues discussed in the conference or beyond. The volume focuses on present and future developments within evolutionary science and the impact on, and relation to, the humanities. These are central and the most exciting questions, and the volume gives multiple answers to how the discourse could be shaped in the future, both scientifically and from the perspective of the humanities." —Hille Haker, Loyola University Chicago “Of note to Catholic readers is the implicit growth in the magisterium’s understanding of many evolutionary theory embodied in many of these papers. . . . Also worthy of attention here is the explication of the vibrant (unresolved?) tension within Catholic thinking between the two dominant views of evolution.” —Catholic Library World “This collection of 16 essays was gleaned from a 2009 conference at Notre Dame by the same title. . . Scholars interested in controversies surrounding evolution will be interested and will (no doubt) find this book a goldmine.” —Choice “The essays potently assess the continuing relevance of Darwin’s work from the perspectives of biological science, history, philosophy, and theology. I recommend this book for those who are involved in the ever-proceeding science and theology dialogue.” —Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith“The value of this anthology for upper-level and graduate students is its attention to the areas of intersection between the natural sciences and humanities. For example, the anthology as a whole forces readers to abandon their casual use of terms such as ‘randomness’ and ‘causality.’ What terminology may replace such notions is impossible to determine now, and that means that the future of the science-religion debate will continue to fascinate.” —CatholicBooksReview.org“The essays present a vision of Darwin and the scope of his ideas, not only from the standpoint of the traditional historical discourse, but seeks to create a dialogue with contemporary discussions in biology, philosophy, and theology, focusing above all on the future. . . . This volume is a major contribution in interdisciplinary dialogue, given the broadness of its overall proposal, to build innovative bridges between the sciences and humanities.” —The Quarterly Review of Biology"This volume emerges from a 2009 conference at the University of Notre Dame to mark Charles Darwin's bicentennial. An influential 1959 symposium at the University of Chicago marked the centennial of Darwin's On the Origin of Species and solidified a neo-Darwinian theory that has dominated interdisciplinary discourse on evolution since that time. This book evaluates subsequent changes to Darwinism and how they affect the humanities, especially Catholic theology." —Isis
£35.10
University of Notre Dame Press Verbs Bones and Brains
Book SynopsisVerbs, Bones, and Brains engages in an interdisciplinary conversation about God, creation, evolution, and human nature. Trade Review"This is a landmark volume for those fostering collaboration between the sciences and humanities. It shows the fruitfulness of a mutually respectful and yet rigorous approach to cross-disciplinary engagement. The editors and contributors are to be congratulated, not only for clarifying areas of common and contested ground, within and among the participating disciplines, but also for clearing the ground for future transdisciplinary inquiry on human nature." —William Storrar, Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, NJ“Human nature is a difficult topic: it has major relevance to many social debates raging today, and writers in anthropology, psychology, history, and philosophy have long wrestled with it. Each of these fields is represented here. . . . The collection is fascinating, well organized, and well edited, and its interdisciplinary nature led the contributors to define key terms, a benefit to lay readers.” —Choice"Agustín Fuentes and Aku Visala have produced a benchmark collection of essays on the contemporary understanding of human nature. Their work engages very different fields of study, from biology and anthropology to theology and philosophy, yet the authors clearly convey the idea that they are dealing with a shared set of questions while making the case for this transdisciplinary approach to the problem. Engaging and accessible, the volume opens up many opportunities for further exploration." —Robin W. Lovin, Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics emeritus, Southern Methodist University
£35.10
Yale University Press Strange Natures
Book SynopsisA groundbreaking examination of the implications of synthetic biology for biodiversity conservationTrade ReviewCHOICE Outstanding Academic Title 2022“Brilliant, challenging and fresh: Kent Redford and Bill Adams’s focus on genetics as a means of conservation raises fascinating ethical and scientific questions, and helps us understand why we so often fail.”—Fiona Reynolds, author of The Fight for Beauty“A fantastic, readable primer on genetic technologies for conservationists and on conservation for geneticists—with the ultimate aim of charting an ethical course forward for both fields.”—Emma Marris, author of Rambunctious Garden and Wild Souls“Strange Natures is a ground-breaking work, the first book to investigate the multiple challenging questions of synthetic biology in biodiversity conservation for a broad audience.”—Thomas Brooks, International Union for the Conservation of Nature“At last: Strange Natures goes to the very heart of the intersection of gene technology, conservation and ethics. Kent Redford and Bill Adams are thoughtful, sure-footed guides through this scientific and ethical thicket. An amazing book!”—Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University“An essential guide to the future of nature; a future that you may not know is already underway. Strange Natures succinctly introduces a most urgent dilemma that all life has a stake in.”—Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, artist/ lead author of Synthetic Aesthetics: Investigating Synthetic Biology’s Designs on Nature
£27.50
WW Norton & Co Darwins Backyard
Book SynopsisHow Darwin found universal evolutionary truths in simple yet ingenious home-spun experiments.Trade Review"If you’ve ever fantasized walking and conversing with the great scientist on the subjects that consumed him, and now wish to add the fullness of reality, read this book." -- Edward O. Wilson"Darwin’s Backyard, is a passionate but balanced celebration of the Victorian scientist’s lifelong obsession with enquiry and how the fields and meadows around his home were a microcosm of the wider world... Costa more than achieves his stated goals of revealing the evolution of Darwin’s insights and the relevance of his methods now." -- Nature"It is a charming book about Darwin’s homespun experiments..." -- Times Literary Supplement"...excellent Darwin's Backyard... James Costa has written an intimate and big-hearted book. In its pages, readers will discover the real Darwin, a complicated man behind a revolutionary theory." -- Science Lives"With Darwin's Backyard, Costa has written an intimate and big-hearted book. In its pages, young readers will discover the complicated man behind the revolutionary theory." -- Science Magazine
£20.89
WW Norton & Co Close Encounters with Humankind A
Book SynopsisIn this captivating bestseller, Korea's first paleoanthropologist offers fresh insights into humanity's dawn and evolution.Trade Review"... Close Encounters with Humankind offers additional vistas on our unique plight..." -- The Ideas Driving 2018 - New Scientist"Succinctly and engagingly, Lee revisits... key questions about the story of our evolving species — and gives some unconventional answers... ultimately, Lee will inspire even experts with her efforts at elucidating a field often seen as arid and inscrutable." -- Nature"To describe this as a toilet book is not a criticism. The short, punchy, stand-alone chapters (including Are We Cannibals? Are Humans Still Evolving?) lend themselves perfectly to reflective moments in the smallest room of the house." -- Wild reading - books for the summer - BBC Wildlife Magazine
£19.94
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Amphibian Evolution
Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the first vertebrates to conquer land and their long journey to become fully independent from the water. It traces the origin of tetrapod features and tries to explain how and why they transformed into organs that permit life on land.Trade Review“Amphibian Evolution delivers a wide-ranging synthesis of viewpoints and data on early tetrapods and the ancestry of lissamphibians. This conveniently sized volume suits a higher-level undergraduate course on palaeobiology or introductory graduate class. Clearly written and illustrated, the text provides just enough historical context to give a sense of where the topics come from and where new developments seem to be heading… In summary, this is a thoroughly useful volume to have on your shelf (as well as recommending several copies for the college library).” (Acta Zoologica, July 2017)“In summary, this is a comprehensive work that could be used as a guide to focus on specific aspects of one of the most exciting chapters of vertebrate history.” (Ameghiniana, 1 April 2015) “It provides rewarding reading, useful for students and researchers/professionals studying amphibians as well as other vertebrates. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.” (Choice, 1 December 2014) Table of ContentsPreface viii Acknowledgments x 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Changing paradigms in amphibian evolution 3 1.2 Paleobiology: data, methods, and time scales 5 1.3 Concepts and metaphors: how scientists “figure out” problems 7 1.4 Characters and phylogenies 8 1.5 What’s in a name? 8 References 11 2 The Amphibian World: Now and Then 13 2.1 Tetrapoda 14 2.1.1 The tetrapod skeleton 14 2.1.2 Tetrapod characters 23 2.1.3 Stem-tetrapods (Tetrapodomorpha) 25 2.1.4 Carboniferous tetrapods or tetrapodomorphs? 31 2.2 The amniote stem-group 32 2.2.1 Anthracosauria 33 2.2.2 Seymouriamorpha 37 2.2.3 Chroniosuchia 38 2.2.4 Lepospondyli 40 2.2.4.1 Lepospondyl characters 42 2.2.4.2 Microsauria 42 2.2.4.3 Lysorophia 44 2.2.4.4 Nectridea 44 2.2.4.5 Aïstopoda 45 2.2.4.6 Adelospondyli 46 2.2.4.7 Acherontiscidae 46 2.2.5 Gephyrostegida 46 2.2.6 Amniota 47 2.2.6.1 Stem-amniotes and early crown amniotes 48 2.3 The lissamphibian stem-group (Temnospondyli) 48 2.3.1 Edopoidea 51 2.3.2 Dendrerpeton and Balanerpeton 53 2.3.3 Dvinosauria 54 2.3.4 Dissorophoidea and Zatracheidae 54 2.3.5 Eryopoidea 56 2.3.6 Stereospondyli 57 2.4 Albanerpetontidae 58 2.5 Lissamphibia 59 2.5.1 Lissamphibian characters 61 2.5.2 Batrachia 62 2.5.2.1 Anura (frogs and toads) 62 2.5.2.2 Caudata (salamanders) 67 2.5.2.3 Gymnophiona (caecilians) 68 References 70 3 Amphibian Life Through Time 81 3.1 Aquatic predators prepare for land 83 3.2 Hot springs, scorpions, and little creepers 83 3.3 Life in the tropical coal forest 85 3.4 Neotenes explore unfavorable waters 89 3.5 Lowlands, uplands, and a cave 90 3.6 Hide and protect: extreme life in the hothouse 94 3.7 Predators in deltas, lakes, and brackish swamps 97 3.8 Stereospondyls in refugia, lissamphibians on the rise 97 3.9 Batrachians diversify, stereospondyls disappear 100 3.10 Lissamphibians expand into diverse habitats 101 References 102 4 The Amphibian Soft Body 106 4.1 How to infer soft tissues in extinct taxa 107 4.2 Fossil evidence: soft tissue preservation 109 4.3 Head and visceral skeleton 110 4.4 Respiratory organs 113 4.5 Lateral lines, electroreception, and ears 118 References 122 5 Evolution of Functional Systems 126 5.1 How paradigms and brackets give a functional scenario 127 5.2 Feeding and breathing under water 131 5.3 Decoupling breathing and feeding 134 5.4 Hearing: exapting the spiracle and hyomandibula 136 5.5 Respiration in early tetrapods 141 5.6 The evolution of terrestrial feeding 143 5.7 Transforming fins into limbs 144 5.8 Locomotion in paleozoic tetrapods 146 References 148 6 Development and Evolution 152 6.1 Ontogeny in modern amphibians 153 6.2 Fossil ontogenies 158 6.3 Ontogeny as a sequence: developmental trajectories 163 6.4 Histology: the skeleton as archive 167 6.5 Changing shape: allometry 171 6.6 Heterochrony: the evolution of development 174 6.7 Body plans: gene regulation and morphogenesis 179 References 184 7 Paleoecology 191 7.1 Lissamphibian ecology 192 7.2 Paleoecology: problems and perspectives 193 7.3 Paleozoic and Mesozoic amphibians 196 7.4 Amphibian evolution as a walk through trophic levels 203 References 205 8 Life History Evolution 208 8.1 Plasticity, reaction norm, and canalization 209 8.2 Reaction norms in extant amphibians 210 8.3 The biphasic life cycle in lissamphibians 211 8.4 Seymouriamorphs: biphasic life cycles without metamorphosis 213 8.5 Temnospondyls: flexible uni- and biphasic ontogenies 213 8.6 Lepospondyls: dwarfism and uniphasic life cycles 215 8.7 The evolution of metamorphosis 216 8.8 The evolution of neoteny 216 8.9 General features of life history evolution 217 References 219 9 Phylogeny 222 9.1 Phylogeny of amphibians 223 9.2 The big picture: tetrapod diversification 223 9.3 The origin of lissamphibians 224 References 231 10 Macroevolution 234 10.1 What is macroevolution? 235 10.2 Patterns of early tetrapod evolution 235 10.3 Major factors of amphibian evolution 240 10.4 Clades, space, and time 248 10.5 Diversity, disparity, and extinction 249 10.6 The evolution of terrestriality 252 References 254 Index 260
£44.60
John Wiley & Sons Inc Handbook of Elemental Speciation Techniques and
Book SynopsisBrings together different aspects of procedures for speciation analysis at different levels starting from sample collection and storage, through sample preparation approaches to render the species chromatographable, principles of separation techniques used in speciation analysis, to the element specific detection.Trade Review"This book provides broad coverage of the different aspects of the analysis of elemental species..." (Journal of the American Chemistry Society, 2004 Vol. 126) "...a welcome contribution to the literature...will provide a useful insight..." (Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Vol 23(4), April 2004) "...the reader can use this book as a reference book for the next 5 to 10 years.." (Applied Organmettallic Chemistry, Jan 2004) "...a long-awaited high-quality handbook...will be of great value in both academia and industry." (Angewandte Chemie, Vol.43, No.42, 25th October 2004) "Each chapter, written by an expert on the field, is a stand alone reference...an excellent introductory text" (International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2004) "...provides an excellent compendium of information on all the important methods of speciation analysis..." (Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry, No.380, 2004) "...this is a long-awaited high-quality handbook for speciation analysis ...(and) has the potential to become one of the most frequently used books in the personal shelves of specialists in the field and teachers of analytical chemistry!" (also in German, Angewandte Chemie, 2004; Vol 43; No. 42)Table of ContentsList of Contributors. Preface. Technical Abbreviations and Acronyms. 1 Introduction. 2 Sampling: Collection, Storage. 2.1 Sampling: Collection, Processing and Storage of Environmental Samples. 2.2 Sampling of Clinical Samples: Collection and Storage. 2.3 Food: Sampling with Special Reference to Legislation, Uncertainty and Fitness for Purpose. 2.4 Sampling: Collection, Storage – Occupational Health. 3 Sample Preparation. 3.1 Sample Treatment for Speciation Analysis in Biological Samples. 3.2 Sample Preparation Techniques for Elemental Speciation Studies. 3.3 Sample Preparation – Fractionation (Sediments, Soils, Aerosols and Fly Ashes). 4 Separation Techniques. 4.1 Liquid Chromatography. 4.2 Gas Chromatography and Other Gas Based Methods. 4.3 Capillary Electrophoresis in Speciation Analysis. 4.4 Gel Electrophoresis for Speciation Purposes. 5 Detection. 5.1 Atomic Absorption and Atomic Emission Spectrometry. 5.2 Flow Injection Atomic Spectrometry for Speciation. 5.3 Detection by ICP-Mass Spectrometry. 5.4 Plasma Source Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry: a Powerful Tool for Elemental Speciation. 5.5 Glow Discharge Plasmas as Tunable Sources for Elemental Speciation. 5.6 Electrospray Methods for Elemental Speciation. 5.7 Elemental Speciation by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry with High Resolution Instruments. 5.8 On-line Elemental Speciation with Functionalised Fused Silica Capillaries in Combination with DIN-ICP-MS. 5.9 Speciation Analysis by Electrochemical Methods. 5.10 Future Instrumental Development for Speciation. 5.11 Biosensors for Monitoring of Metal Ions. 5.12 Possibilities Offered by Radiotracers for Method Development in Elemental Speciation Analysis and for Metabolic and Environmentally Related Speciation Studies. 6 Direct Speciation of Solids. 6.1 Characterization of Individual Aerosol Particles with Special Reference to Speciation Techniques. 6.2 Direct Speciation of Solids: X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy for Species Analysis in Solid Samples. 7 Calibration. 7.1 Calibration in Elemental Speciation Analysis. 7.2 Reference Materials. 8 Screening Methods for Semiquantitative Speciation Analysis. 9 Risk Assessments/Regulations. 9.1 Environmental Risk Assessment and the Bioavailability of Elemental Species. 9.2 Speciation and Legislation. Index.
£367.16
John Wiley & Sons Inc Comparative Animal Physiology Environmental and
Book SynopsisHere is a uniquely modern approach to the study of physiological diversity that builds on the tradition established by C. Ladd Prosser''s Comparative Animal Physiology. Responding to the need for a rigorously up-to-date, comprehensive survey of function and integrative systems in a variety of species, which is also easily accessible to the user, Dr. Prosser has delivered a thoroughly revised Fourth Edition in a convenient two-volume format. This carefully designed framework lets each volume zero-in on distinct aspects of comparative physiology normally studied as a whole unit. From the study of genetically replicating molecules to investigations of adaptive modulation, these two companion volumes offer an all-encompassing view of the field. With their contemporary approach, scholarly editing, flexible format, and detailed contents, Neural and Integrative Animal Physiology and Environmental and Metabolic Animal Physiology will stand together as the autTable of ContentsPartial table of contents: Water and Ions (L. Kirschner). Temperature (C. Prosser). Hydrostatic Pressure and Adaptations to the Deep Sea (G.Somero). Feeding and Digestion (C. Prosser). Nutrition (J. Morris). Excretory Nitrogen Metabolism (J. Campbell). Design of Energy Metabolism (P. Hochachka). Respiration and Metabolism (W. Burggren & J. Roberts). Respiratory Functions of Blood (W. Burggren, et al.). Circulation of Body Fluids (A. Farrell). Index.
£325.76
John Wiley & Sons Inc The Mathematical Theory of Selection
Book SynopsisIt is close to being a masterpiece...could well be the classic presentation of the area. Warren J. Ewens, University of Pennsylvania, USA Population genetics is concerned with the study of the genetic, ecological, and evolutionary factors that influence and change the genetic composition of populations. The emphasis here is on models that have a direct bearing on evolutionary quantitative genetics. Applications concerning the maintenance of genetic variation in quantitative traits and their dynamics under selection are treated in detail. * Provides a unified, self-contained and in-depth study of the theory of multilocus systems * Introduces the basic population-genetic models * Explores the dynamical and equilibrium properties of the distribution of quantitative traits under selection * Summarizes important results from more demanding sections in a comprehensible way * Employs a clear and logical presentation style Following an introduction to Trade Review"an excellent reference volume" (Zentralblatt Math, Vol. 959, No. 9 2001) "...Burger's text is without equal. This is a book that should grace shelves in both mathematics and biology...that provides yet another point of contact for two communities whose interests can only grow closer..." (SIAM Review, Vol. 43, No. 4) "This is a book that should grace shelves in both mathematics and biology departments." (Society for Industrial Applied Mathematics Review, Vol.43. No.4 2001) "...it is such a comprehensive compendium that it will become the first port of call for any mathematician..." (The Statistician, Vol. 51, No.2, 2002) "...the models described here provide a fundamental underpinning to our understanding of the properties of quantitative genetic variation...." (Journal of Evolutionary Biology, Vol. 14, 2001) "...a major and significant piece of work..." (Genetical Research)Table of ContentsElementary Population Genetics. Selection at Two or More Loci. Classical Mutation-Selection Models. Mutation-Selection Models for Quantitative Traits. Dynamical Equations for Quantitative Traits under Selection. Stabilizing Selection and Genetic Variation in Large Populations. Quantitative Variation and Selection. Appendix. References. Indexes.
£183.56
