Taxonomy and systematics Books

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Birdwatcher's Guide to Norway helps you find all the birds of Norway and Svalbard, and guides you in detail to more than 350 of the best birdwatching sites in this beautiful and wild but still highly developed and civilised country.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book describes the natural and cultural history of an iconic and unusual woodpecker – a species that nests in tree cavities but which forages mostly on the ground. The Green Woodpecker, known in folk English as the Yaffle, is afforded comprehensive coverage in this work, with information on its origins, taxonomy, anatomy, appearance, moult, calls, distribution, conservation status, habitats, movements, breeding, diet and relationships with other wildlife and humans all presented. The text is richly illustrated throughout with quality photographs as well as sound spectrograms. Many eye-opening observations of Green Woodpecker behaviour are detailed. This all-encompassing and engaging account has been written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist, citizen scientist, amateur birder, woodpecker aficionado or simply someone who wishes to learn more about this curious and remarkable bird.Trade ReviewThe Green Woodpecker is extensively illustrated with captivating photographs and artwork which support Gorman’s narrative which is always authoritative, entertaining and fast-paced. -- James Wright, The Wryneck blogIf you want to know what we currently know about this species then this, undoubtedly, is the book for you. -- Mark Avery, author and environmental campaignerThis book is a must have for anyone with an interest in this species or with woodpeckers in general. -- Ian Paulsen, The Birdbooker ReportThis is a well-written book that brings together a wealth of information. Nobody has done more on a European scale to promote woodpecker issues than Gerard Gorman. -- Keith Betton, British BirdsWritten with a blend of scientific rigour and a narrative style, The Green Woodpecker invites both nature enthusiasts and curious minds to embark on a journey that deeps down into the species taxonomy, behaviours and conservation by highlighting the links between the bird and its surroundings. -- Letizia Campioni, AvocettaTable of ContentsAbout the author Acknowledgements Preface 1. Origins and Taxonomy 2. Anatomy and Morphology 3. Description and Identification 4. Moult, Ageing and Sexing 5. Relatives 6. Communication 7. Distribution, Population and Trends 8. Challenges and Conservation 9. Habitats 10. Behaviour 11. Movements and Flight 12. Breeding 13. Cavities 14. Tracks and Signs 15. Foraging and Food 16. Relationships 17. Folklore, Mythology and Symbolism References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Seminary Co-Op Notable Book of the Year""If categorization is crucial to making sense of the world, how should we classify Carl Linnaeus? . . . Broberg’s biography dutifully accompanies Linnaeus every step of the way."---Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker"Whether we realize it or not, we live in a Linnaean world. . . . [A]n excellent starting point for the general reader. Dispensing with the prevalent image of Linnaeus as nature’s dullest bookkeeper, Broberg paints a moving portrait of a profoundly vulnerable human being."---Christopher Irmscher, Wall Street Journal"A detailed account of his subject’s work as well as his 'darker aspects.' . . . Writing for a general audience. . . . Everything you ever wanted to know about Linnaeus and more." * Kirkus Reviews *"A rich portrait. . . . [Broberg] offers readers an immersive glimpse into the life of a scientist who was instrumental to the formation of botany, zoology, and taxonomy. . . . The Man Who Organized Nature is sure to become the definitive biography of Linnaeus."---Darren Incorvaia, Science"A striking addition to the list of key scientific biographies."---Brian Clegg, Popular Science"A reminder of the remarkable life Linnaeus lead and the influence he had on the development of modern biology. . . . His work deserves to be remembered in magisterial biographies like this."---Laurence A. Marshall, Natural History"Anna Paterson’s new English translation of the late Gunnar Broberg’s 2019 life of the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus offers, however, something genuinely new and valuable . . . The book is a beguiling and expert account of an extraordinary individual who helped shape our understanding of the natural world."---Linda Colley, Financial Times"This is surely the definitive biography of Carl Linnaeus. . . .The book gives a rounded and vivid portrait highlighting his flaws as well as creative genius." * Paradigm Explorer *"We should be grateful to Broberg for the decades of research distilled into the volume, the closest thing to a comprehensive and contextualised account of Linnaeus as we are likely to get for at least a generation."---Lorraine Daston, London Review of Books

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow herbaria illuminate the past and future of plant scienceTrade Review“This book opens a window on a fascinating, rarely explored subject.”—Jack Watkins, Country Life“Access to most herbaria is restricted: biologist Maura Flannery knew ‘almost nothing’ about them until 2010, when a US curator took her behind the scenes at one and she fell in love with them. Her history dramatizes this revelation, discussing global collections and collectors using fine period drawings.”—Andrew Robinson, Nature“This book is the fruit of [Flannery’s] exploration into [plant’s] vital importance but also what they tell us about history, culture, aesthetics and ethnobotany.”—Ursula Buchan, The Spectator“An enchanting travelogue ranging across centuries of plant collecting, In the Herbarium is also an urgent reminder of the value of natural history collections to science, the humanities, and art.”—Yota Batsaki, Dumbarton Oaks“In this engaging, never-before-told story, Maura Flannery shows us how the herbarium has been at the center of our centuries-long quest to understand the world of plants.”—Peter Crane, author of Ginkgo and president, Oak Spring Garden Foundation“Maura Flannery’s love of all things botanical permeates through her writing, creating a story of botany past, present, and future seen through the lens of the herbarium.”—Caroline Cornish, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew“A stimulating and informative book to be read (and re-read) from cover to cover as a source of enjoyment, enlightenment and inspiration.”—D. S. Ingram, joint lead author/editor of Science and the Garden“A very useful and timely overview of the long history of engagement with botanical knowledge.”—Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis, author of Unifying Biology: The Evolutionary Synthesis and Evolutionary Biology

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe essential field guide to the Western Alps region

Read more less

Book SynopsisIf you have tried to identify wildflowers, you'll already know exactly what is meant by the title of this book. Although a lot of plants are relatively straightforward to recognise, many others are not. Standard wildflower guides tend to provide as much guidance with identifying the easy and distinctive as they do with complex, tricky species. This ingenious book is designed to come to the rescue of the exasperated novice botanist and to help those more experienced who might be stuck on unfamiliar and complex groups. From willows to water-crowfoots, from eyebrights to dandelion look-a-likes, all of us have struggled with baffling specimens or the seemingly cryptic. Presented here is a fresh new approach to identifying difficult plants by giving an understanding of the biology behind their complexity. In simple language, you will be directed to the particular parts of the plant that you need to look at most closely. The tabular keys are more user friendly and evolutionarily valid than conventional dichotomous keys, which are often confusing and unwieldy. Each chapter contains illustrations of key diagnostic features, rather than of entire plants. Other novel aspects include coverage of the historical recognition of complexity within each group, which is used to inform debate about the level of resolution that may be most appropriate for your needs. This accessible guide is the perfect chance to get to grips with that challenging group you keep saving for 'next year' or for untangling a botanical mystery which keeps repeating itself.Table of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgments SECTION I. APOMICTIC SPECIES: SPECIES THAT PRODUCE SEEDS WITHOUT SEX 1 Brambles 2 Dandelions 3 Lady’s-mantles 4 Sea-lavenders 5 Whitebeams, rowans and service trees 6 Yellow composites – things that look a bit like a dandelion SECTION II. HYBRIDS: SPECIES THAT HAVE SEX WITH OTHER SPECIES 7 Docks and sorrels 8 Pondweeds 9 Roses 10 Marsh-orchids and spotted-orchids 11 Water-crowfoots 12 Willows SECTION III. INBREEDERS: SPECIES THAT HAVE SEX WITH THEMSELVES 13 Eyebrights 14 Fumitories 15 Violets and pansies 16 Short white-flowered crucifers: cresses 17 Tall yellow-flowered cabbages, mustards, rapes and rockets SECTION IV. POLYPLOIDS AND RAPIDLY EVOLVING SPECIES 18 Broomrapes 19 Forget-me-nots 20 Speedwells SECTION V. SUCCESSFUL FAMILIES WITH LOTS OF SPECIES 21 Dead-nettles, mints and woundworts 22 Blue and purple vetches and peas 23 Umbellifers: carrots, parsnips, Hemlock etc Glossary Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisCould the race to de-carbonize our energy systems be leading us closer to environmental disaster?Why did biology choose carbon, in a variety of compounds, as its energy carrier and storage substance? From the smallest life forms, through multicellular organisms, and up to whole ecosystems, this economy of carbon compounds is fundamentally sustainable. Yet today, many are working to expunge carbon-based energy carriers from human economies, replacing them with solutions based on other elements and minerals. In The Decarbonization Delusion, independent scientist and writer Andrew Moore shows that the race to decarbonize is leading us further down the road to environmental degradation. Instead of banishing carbon, Moore argues that we should look to life on Earth, which has used carbon in highly sustainable ways for 3.5 billion years, as a model for how humans can use carbon sustainably.The Decarbonization Delusion begins by discussing carbon''s role in the inception of the universe and iTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Foreword Chapter 1: What carbon "does" in the universe - From the first stars to life on Earth Chapter 2: The carbon economy of nutrition and food production - Getting out of control in most respects Chapter 3: Sources and sinks - Where carbon compounds accumulate on Earth, and what they do there Chapter 4: Fuels, efficiency, and emissions - Understanding carbon-based energy carriers in the larger picture of sustainability Chapter 5: The call to "decarbonize" - Public perception, hard-to-abate carbon-positives, and hard-to-achieve carbon-negatives Chapter 6: Decarbonizing the car - Trading off CO2 against larger environmental problems? Chapter 7: A carbonaceous, biology-inspired recipe for sensible and environmentally-conscious energy economies List of figures References Index of topics

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents an engaging and accessible examination of the role of systematic biology in species exploration and biodiversity conservation.Our planet and systematic biology are at a crossroads. Millions of species face an imminent threat of extinction, and, with knowledge of only a fraction of earth's species we are unprepared to respond. Species, Science and Society explains what is at stake if we continue to ignore the traditional mission of systematics. Rejecting claims that it is too late to document earth's species, that molecular evidence is sufficient and that comparative morphology and the grand traditions of systematics are outdated, this book makes a compelling argument for a taxonomic renaissance. The book challenges readers to rethink assumptions about systematics. Shattering myths and misconceptions and clarifying the role of systematics in confronting mass extinction, it hopes to inspire a new generation of systematists. Readers are giTrade Review"Wheeler’s compelling narrative reminds us of the unprecedented crisis facing biodiversity and forcefully argues that the way forward, for the sake of life on our planet and our humanity, must include and emphasize detailed morphological study of the species we name. This book is in part a provocative, fact-based opinion piece, a memoir of a lifelong passion for the wonders of the natural world, and a serious logical challenge to the hegemony of experimentalist and molecular genetics in biology. Wheeler’s take is more than just a screed on the current state of affairs, he lays out a vision of the solution. His solution requires a reconstituted science of taxonomy, a collaborative global workforce, and funds to make it happen."Kipling W. Will, University of California, Berkeley"The author has succeeded in writing a highly original book on species exploration: their discovery, explanation, and relationships, that is both rigorous and accessible to a wide audience. There is no book on the market that addresses the nature of the content of this book with the breadth, depth, and clarity that this book achieves."Antonio G. Valdecasas, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid"Usually thought of as the science dealing with describing and classifying all organisms, taxonomy is a rich and varied discipline. Quentin Wheeler’s book sets out to make a compelling case for taxonomy as a significant, fundamental, if under-appreciated, discipline. Rather than detail all the intricacies of its intellectual complexity, his book is a straightforward, no nonsense pragmatic account – one that should be, must be – read. But not just by life scientists and environmental policy makers, but by the general public as well – if for no other reason than to appreciate just how the interrelatedness of life on our earth is understood."David M. Williams, The Natural History Museum, London"Species, Science and Society is a constructive defense and promotion of Systematics in the 21st century... A timely book to remind us that good research in Systematics must integrate identification, description and classification in numerous and complementary comparative approaches... A clear statement that the results of Systematics are essential for a better understanding of Biodiversity, a fundamental societal challenge in facing global changes."Thierry Bourgoin, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris"This excellent book is lighting a path for those who wish to respond to the biodiversity crisis with expanded taxonomic knowledge rather than retracted expectations. It makes a persuasive argument for a mainly scientific solution to the biodiversity crisis based on the science of Systematics to replace the poverty of contemporary frameworks that treat the natural world as ecosystem services, natural capitol and nature-based solutions which, based on current data, have failed to halt or address the decline of biodiversity in any significant way. At its heart this book extols the idea that we need to live with, understand and document the natural world rather than solely viewing it as an object solely for exploitation."Robert Scotland, Oxford University"A plea for a renaissance of taxonomy in its full form by one of the greatest living advocates of the field. Wheeler speaks to the next generation of researchers in a personal and often humorous narrative, warning that the foundation of biodiversity studies is rapidly crumbling."Joseph V. McHugh, University of GeorgiaTable of ContentsPart I — Overview A Little about Molecules Scientific Malpractice The Science of Species The Art of Survival Cosmology of the Life Sciences Choices Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Taxonomy but Were Afraid to Ask A Science Misunderstood Greatly The Species-Scape The Illusion of Knowledge Morphology without Apology The Inventory Imperative Other than That, Mrs. Lincoln, How Was the Play? Part II — A Crisis of Crises Extinction Systematics under Siege The Nature Gap Options for a Sustainable Future Part III — Solutions Taxonomic Renaissance A Planetary-Scale Species Inventory Hall of the Holocene Shameless Self-Promotion The Evolution of Evolutionary Economics

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents an engaging and accessible examination of the role of systematic biology in species exploration and biodiversity conservation.Our planet and systematic biology are at a crossroads. Millions of species face an imminent threat of extinction, and, with knowledge of only a fraction of earth's species we are unprepared to respond. Species, Science and Society explains what is at stake if we continue to ignore the traditional mission of systematics. Rejecting claims that it is too late to document earth's species, that molecular evidence is sufficient and that comparative morphology and the grand traditions of systematics are outdated, this book makes a compelling argument for a taxonomic renaissance. The book challenges readers to rethink assumptions about systematics. Shattering myths and misconceptions and clarifying the role of systematics in confronting mass extinction, it hopes to inspire a new generation of systematists. Readers are giTrade Review"Wheeler’s compelling narrative reminds us of the unprecedented crisis facing biodiversity and forcefully argues that the way forward, for the sake of life on our planet and our humanity, must include and emphasize detailed morphological study of the species we name. This book is in part a provocative, fact-based opinion piece, a memoir of a lifelong passion for the wonders of the natural world, and a serious logical challenge to the hegemony of experimentalist and molecular genetics in biology. Wheeler’s take is more than just a screed on the current state of affairs, he lays out a vision of the solution. His solution requires a reconstituted science of taxonomy, a collaborative global workforce, and funds to make it happen."Kipling W. Will, University of California, Berkeley"The author has succeeded in writing a highly original book on species exploration: their discovery, explanation, and relationships, that is both rigorous and accessible to a wide audience. There is no book on the market that addresses the nature of the content of this book with the breadth, depth, and clarity that this book achieves."Antonio G. Valdecasas, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid"Usually thought of as the science dealing with describing and classifying all organisms, taxonomy is a rich and varied discipline. Quentin Wheeler’s book sets out to make a compelling case for taxonomy as a significant, fundamental, if under-appreciated, discipline. Rather than detail all the intricacies of its intellectual complexity, his book is a straightforward, no nonsense pragmatic account – one that should be, must be – read. But not just by life scientists and environmental policy makers, but by the general public as well – if for no other reason than to appreciate just how the interrelatedness of life on our earth is understood."David M. Williams, The Natural History Museum, London"Species, Science and Society is a constructive defense and promotion of Systematics in the 21st century... A timely book to remind us that good research in Systematics must integrate identification, description and classification in numerous and complementary comparative approaches... A clear statement that the results of Systematics are essential for a better understanding of Biodiversity, a fundamental societal challenge in facing global changes."Thierry Bourgoin, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris"This excellent book is lighting a path for those who wish to respond to the biodiversity crisis with expanded taxonomic knowledge rather than retracted expectations. It makes a persuasive argument for a mainly scientific solution to the biodiversity crisis based on the science of Systematics to replace the poverty of contemporary frameworks that treat the natural world as ecosystem services, natural capitol and nature-based solutions which, based on current data, have failed to halt or address the decline of biodiversity in any significant way. At its heart this book extols the idea that we need to live with, understand and document the natural world rather than solely viewing it as an object solely for exploitation."Robert Scotland, Oxford University"A plea for a renaissance of taxonomy in its full form by one of the greatest living advocates of the field. Wheeler speaks to the next generation of researchers in a personal and often humorous narrative, warning that the foundation of biodiversity studies is rapidly crumbling."Joseph V. McHugh, University of GeorgiaTable of ContentsPart I — Overview A Little about Molecules Scientific Malpractice The Science of Species The Art of Survival Cosmology of the Life Sciences Choices Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Taxonomy but Were Afraid to Ask A Science Misunderstood Greatly The Species-Scape The Illusion of Knowledge Morphology without Apology The Inventory Imperative Other than That, Mrs. Lincoln, How Was the Play? Part II — A Crisis of Crises Extinction Systematics under Siege The Nature Gap Options for a Sustainable Future Part III — Solutions Taxonomic Renaissance A Planetary-Scale Species Inventory Hall of the Holocene Shameless Self-Promotion The Evolution of Evolutionary Economics

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book considers the natural history and cultural symbolism of a most unusual woodpecker – a species that neither excavates nest holes in trees, nor bores into wood to find insect prey. The Wryneck is best renowned for performing a twisting, writhing head and neck display when threatened, but this ground-breaking work reveals many more secrets of its behaviour and evolution. Detailed information is presented on the species' origins, taxonomy, anatomy, appearance, moult, calls, distribution, conservation status, habitats, movements, breeding, diet and relationships, along with a chapter on its closest relative, the Red-throated Wryneck. The text is richly illustrated throughout with high quality photographs as well as sound spectrograms. The author augments his many hours watching Wrynecks with comprehensive literature research, creating what is surely the definitive volume on the species. This all-encompassing and engaging account has been written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist, citizen scientist, amateur birder, woodpecker aficionado or simply someone who wishes to learn more about this curious and remarkable bird.Trade ReviewThoroughly researched and illustrated with many superb photographs, paintings and figures...Undoubtedly this comprehensive book will be the standard reference for birders, scientists, citizen scientists and naturalists who want to learn about the wryneck. -- Daniel Alder * Independent Ecologist and Researcher *The Wryneck is a thoroughly researched, comprehensive, well-written and beautifully illustrated portrait of these enigmatic birds. -- Linda Smith * British Trust for Ornithology *Entertaining and authoritative…The species' behaviour, its diet, its worldwide distribution, its favoured habitats and its place in folklore and mythology are all covered in absorbing detail. -- Jim Wright * The Heron – Lincolnshire Bird Club *This is a book that tells the story of an amazing species that used to be a common British breeding bird - the poet John Clare wrote a poem about them having watched them breeding in Cambridgeshire in 1835, for example. The Wryneck is now a passage migrant in Britain, especially in the autumn. Gerard Gorman (Mr Woodpecker!) has a wide experience of this species (even putting up nestboxes for them in his area of Hungary), and here he gives them the same close attention he did the woodpeckers of the world in a previous book. I found it very useful, as I have actually found the bird in spring below my house, and hope for its return as a British breeding species in future years. -- John Miles * Chick Books *...thoroughly recommended as an enjoyable way to increase your understanding of what is an iconic bird. -- Ed Stubbs * Birdguides.com *For woodpecker enthusiasts and anyone interested in how birds exploit distinctive ecological niches, as well as for birders who have or hope to see wrynecks when in the Old World, this finely illustrated book is a valuable resource. -- Roger F. Pasquier, The Wilson Journal of OrnithologyThe text tries to answer not only the questions introduced by the words when, where and how, but also tries to get to the bottom of the most interesting and fundamental moments that we usually prefix with why. So, if you have any questions about the wryneck... browse through this publication. I believe that you will be interested and that you will learn something new. -- Petr Procházka, Sylvia: Czech Journal of OrnithologyGorman skilfully writes a book based on an extensive scientific bibliography and enriches it with personal observations coming from his experience and long time spent observing the species in the field. As a result of this combination, the book is enjoyable to read and understandable by a very wide audience. -- Letizia Campioni, Avocetta Journal of OrnithologyTable of ContentsAbout the author Acknowledgements Preface 1. Origins and Taxonomy 2. Anatomy and Morphology 3. Description and Identification 4. Moult, Ageing and Sexing 5. The Red-throated Wryneck 6. Communication 7. Distribution, Trends and Status 8. Habitats 9. Challenges and Conservation 10. Behaviour 11. Flight, Movements and Migration 12. Breeding 13. Cavities 14. Foraging and Food 15. Relationships 16. Folklore, Mythology and Symbolism References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis accessible, beautifully illustrated guide gives you the tools to be confident in how to identify non-native invasive plants in Britain and Ireland. Covers everything from trees to seaweeds, and carefully differentiates lookalike species.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe authority on the flora of this region. Detailed plant descriptions

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow does death help us understand the living? Death is more than the last event of life; it is interwoven into our growth, development, protection against disease, and more. It influences the direction of entire species via the cycle of a lifespan, and it involves asking many fascinating questions. How do we differentiate between life and death, though? How do we know when a person, animal, or cell is really dead? How much grey area is there in the science? Why do we age? Can we do anything about it? Scientifically, there''s much we can learn about a living thing from its cells. In all living things, cells seem to carry death gene programs. Some living organisms have created systems to use these to their own advantage. Humans, for example, use the death of specific cells to hone our immune system and to give us fingernails and hair. Perhaps the most dramatic use occurs during the metamorphosis of insects and frogs. Even single-celled organisms use quorum sensing to eliminate some cellsTrade ReviewThe book is valuable for its encyclopedic scope and impressive information content * Richard A. Richards, The Quarterly Review of Biology *This is an expansive, nearly encyclopedic, review of the end of life, ranging from the life and death of cells to mass extinctions of species. Death is necessary for life to continue, and Gary C. Howard discusses all major categories of organisms, from bacteria, fungi, and plants to human beings. By reading Howard's book, readers will discover aspects of life they never before appreciated. * John Mayfield, Professor Emeritus, Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University *This remarkably interesting book explores a series of fascinating questions about life and death. Why do we age and what can we do about it? Gary C. Howard approaches these questions and, most amazingly, discusses how living organisms have evolved to use selective death to their advantage. Biology uses selective cell death to refine our immune system, to give us fingers, to allow fruit to drop from trees and tadpoles to become frogs. * Eric Verdin, CEO and President, The Buck Institute for Research on Aging *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Death in Life Chapter 2: Defining Life and Death Chapter 3: What Kills Humans Chapter 4: Aging and Senescence Chapter 5: Dying Chapter 6: Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust Chapter 7: Genetics of Life and Death Chapter 8: Death of Cells Chapter 9: Programmed Cell Death in Humans Chapter 10: Death in Plants Chapter 11: Death in Bacteria, Fungi, and Protista Chapter 12: Death on a Grand Scale Chapter 13: Last Hominid Standing Chapter 14: Bioethics Chapter 15: Future of Death Chapter 16: Death Is More than Dying Glossary References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisNeither cellular/molecular nor ecosystem processes can be fully understood without a detailed understanding of the biology of the whole organism. Despite this, much of modern biology teaching tends to be focused on the cellular and molecular level, with the organism often neglected. This is particularly noticeable in many undergraduate biology programs, where introductory courses in animal biology are either given with limited evolutionary context or else use an outdated view of animal phylogeny. This accessible textbook provides a general conceptual framework for understanding the organismic level. It provides a broad overview of the diversity of animal life while focusing on general organizational principles with a few, carefully chosen examples rather than providing exhaustive specific details. The book adopts two parallel tracks, with most chapters focusing on one or the other. The first follows the general principles of organismic biology and animal organization, starting with theTable of ContentsPreface 1: The Hierarchical Nature of Biology 2: Species Concepts and Speciation 3: What Is an Organism? The Simplest Organisms 4: The Concept of Evolutionary Change 5: Multicellularity 6: Sponges: The Simplest Multicellular Organisms 7: Germ Layers: Inside and Outside 8: Motility and Symmetry 9: Diploblastic Organisms: Cnidaria and Ctenophora 10: Colonial Organisms and Complex Life Cycles 11: Bilateria 12: Sensory Systems 13: Platyhelminthes 14: Parasitism 15: Mollusca 16: Coeloms and Skeletons 17: Annelida 18: Segmental Organization of the Body 19: Size and Complexity 20: Molting Animals 21: Arthropoda I: General Introduction and Chelicerata 22: Terrestrialization 23: Arthropoda II: Mandibulata 24: Transport and Gas Exchange Systems 25: Embryogenesis 26: Echinodermata 27: Chordata and Hemichordata 28: Excretory Systems 29: Vertebrate Characteristics 30: Vertebrate Diversity 31: Vertebrate Organogenesis 32: Organismic Biology in the Twenty-First Century

Read more less

Book SynopsisA powerful and critical investigation of iron deficiency in women throughout evolutionary history and in our current societyWomen of the world are beset by a hidden hunger: iron deficiency. Up to 40% of reproductive-aged women across the globe have iron deficiency anemia, and it contributes to 20% of maternal deaths. Despite these dire statistics, women are not routinely screened for iron deficiency. Iron deficiency has been used as a tool to control, categorize, and even ignore women and their suffering. Biomedical remedies - mostly iron supplementation - are unequally and indifferently applied to global populations of women. Thicker Than Water explores the reasons women are especially vulnerable, using evolutionary theory and social theory to understand the causes and consequences of iron deficiency in women. Contrary to popular belief, homeostasis protects the iron stores of women from iron loss during menstruation. Women''s iron metabolism has evolved to balance the benefits and da

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisParasitoid wasps are cosmopolitan, numerous and enormously diverse with probably one million or more species worldwide, most of which occur in the moist tropics. Their ecological importance is enormous although perhaps most evident in their major roles in the control of insect pest populations. In natural ecosystems they are integral in regulating populations of a vast number of insects, and therefore are key players in terrestrial food webs. Knowledge of their biology is still very poor because the current state of taxonomy is still in its infancy in most parts of the world. In this book, we provide an overview of the more than 30 families of parasitoid wasps that occur in the 11 countries in South East Asia. Particular emphasis is given to those most commonly encountered and reared, as well as to those used in biological control programmes. Outlines of the morphology, biology, ecology and behaviour of each family, as well as of various important subfamilies are presented. The current state of taxonomy in the region is summarised. Other chapters cover basic biology, behaviour, morphological terminology, phylogeny and methods of specimen collecting, preparation and rearing with particular relevance to the tropics. Modern molecular approaches to speeding taxonomic description of hyperdiverse taxa are considered in depth. All groups are illustrated with colour photographs. This book will be of value to professional entomologists, academics, entomology students and the growing body of amateur entomologists and insect photographers.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Biology Chapter 3: Behaviour Chapter 4: Parasitoid Diversity, with Special Reference to S.E. Asia Chapter 5: Classification and Phylogeny Chapter 6: Morphology Chapter 7: Recognition of Major Groups Chapter 8: Orussoidea Chapter 9: Braconidae Chapter 10: Ichneumonidae – Darwin Wasps Chapter 11: Stephanoidea (Crown Wasps) Chapter 12: Evanioidea Chapter 13: Ceraphronoidea Chapter 14: Megalyroidea Chapter 15: Trigonalyoidea Chapter 16: Parasitoid Aculeates – Chrysidoidea Chapter 17: Parasitoid Aculeates — Vespoidea sensu lato Chapter 18: Platygastroidea Chapter 19: Cynipoidea – Gall Wasps and Their Kin Chapter 20: Proctotrupoidea Chapter 21: Diaprioidea Chapter 22: Chalcidoidea and Mymarommatoidea Chapter 23: Collection, Preservation and Rearing

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe island of New Guinea is the most floristically diverse island in the world with an extremely rich tree flora of up to 5,000 species. Trees of New Guinea details each of the 693 plant genera with arborescent members found in New Guinea. The entire New Guinea region is covered, including the West Papua and Papua Provinces of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the surrounding islands such as New Britain, New Ireland and Bougainville. The book follows contemporary classifications and is richly illustrated with line drawings and photographs throughout. Each group has a family description and key to the New Guinea tree genera, followed by a description of each genus, with notes on taxonomy, distribution, ecology and diagnostic characters. Trees of New Guinea is the essential companion to anyone studying or working in the region, including botanists, conservation workers, ecologists and zoologists.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTicks of the family Ixodidae, commonly known as hard ticks, occur worldwide and are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of agents pathogenic to humans. Of the 729 currently recognized hard tick species, 283 (39%) have been implicated as human parasites, but the literature on these species is both immense and scattered, with the result that health professionals are often unable to determine whether a particular tick specimen, once identified, represents a species that is an actual or potential threat to its human host. In this book, two leading tick specialists provide a list of the species of Ixodidae that have been reported to feed on humans, with emphasis on their geographical distribution, principal hosts, and the tick life history stages associated with human parasitism. Also included is a discussion of 21 ixodid species that, while having been found on humans, are either not known to have actually fed or may have been misidentified. Additionally, 107 tick names that have appeared in papers on tick parasitism of humans, and that might easily confuse non-taxonomists, are shown to be invalid under the rules of zoological nomenclature. Although the species of ticks that attack humans have long attracted the attention of researchers, few comprehensive studies of these species have been attempted. By gleaning and analyzing the results of over 1,100 scientific papers published worldwide, the authors have provided an invaluable survey of hard tick parasitism that is unprecedented in its scope and detail.Table of ContentsACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY CHAPTER 1 – TICK SPECIES FOUND FEEDING ON HUMANS CHAPTER 2 – TICK SPECIES WRONGLY CONSIDERED PARASITES OF HUMANS CHAPTER 3 – INVALID SPECIES RECORDED FROM HUMANS (synonyms, incertae sedis, nomina dubia, nomina nuda) COMMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

Read more less

Book SynopsisAccented with color plates of select bees, The Bees of the World will continue to be the world's best reference on these diverse insects.Trade ReviewThe author has produced a new definitive world taxonomic treatise on this large group of insects and is to be congratulated. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 2008Table of ContentsPreface to the Second EditionPreface to the First EditionAbbreviations1. About Bees and This Book2. What Are Bees?3. The Importance of Bees4. Development and Reproduction5. Solitary versus Social Life6. Floral Relationships of Bees7. Nests and Food Storage8. Parasitic amd Robber Bees9. Body Form, Tagmata, and Sex Difference10. Structures and Anatomical Terminology of Adults11. Structures and Terminology of Immature Stages12. Bees and Sphecoid Wasps as a Clase13. Bees as a Monophyletic Group14. The Origins of Bees from Wasps15. Classification of the Bee-Sphecoid Clade16. Bee Taxa and Categories17. Methods of Classification18. The History of Bee Classificatinos19. Short-Tongued versus Long-Tongued Bees20. Family-Level Phylogeny and the Proto-Bee21. The Higher Classification of Bees22. Fossil Bees23. The Geological History of Bees24. Diversity and Abundance25. Disperal26. Biogeography27. Reduction or Loss of Structures28. New and Modified Structures29. Family-Group Names30. Explanation of Taxonomic Accounts in Sections 36 to 12131. Some Problematic Taxa32. The Identification of Bees33. Key to the Families, Based on Adults34. Notes on Certain Couplets in the Key to Families (Section 33)35. Practical Key to Family-Group Taxa, Based on Females36. Family Stenotritidae37. Family Colletidae38. Subfamily Colletinae39. Tribe Paracolletini40. Tribe Colletini41. Tribe Scraptrini42. Subfamily Diphaglossinae43. Tribe Caupolicanini44. Tribe Diphaglossini45. Tribe Dissoglottini46. Subfamily Xeromelissinae47. Subfamily Hylaeinae48. Subfamily Euryglossinae49. Family Andrenidae50. Subfamily Alocandreninae51. Subfamily Andreninae52. Subfamily Panurginae53. Tribe Protandrenini54. Tribe Panurgini55. Tribe Nolanomelissini56. Tribe Melitturgini57. Tribe Protomeliturgini58. Tribe Perditini59. Tribe Calliopsini60. Subfamily Oxaeinae61. Family Halictidae62. Subfamily Rophitinae63. Subfamily Nomiinae64. Subfamily Nomioidinae65. Subfamily Halictinae66. Tribe Halictini67. Tribe Augochlorini68. Family Melittidae69. Subfamily Dasypodainae70. Tribe Dasypodaini71. Tribe Promelittini72. Tribe Sambini73. Subfamily Meganomiinae74. Subfamily Melittinae75. Family Megachilidae76. Subfamily Fideliinae77. Tribe Pararhophitini78. Tribe Fideliini79. Subfamily Megachilinae80. Tribe Lithurgini81. Tribe Osmiini82. Tribe Anthidiini83. Tribe Dioxyini84. Tribe Megachilini85. Family Apidae86. Subfamily Xylocopinae87. Tribe Manueliini88. Tribe Xylocopini89. Tribe Ceratinini90. Tribe Allodapini91. Subfamily Nomadinae92. Tribe Hexepeolini93. Tribe Brachynomadini94. Tribe Nomadini95. Tribe Epeolini96. Tribe Ammobatoidini97. Tribe Biastini98. Tribe Townsendiellini99. Tribe Neolarrini100. Tribe Ammobatini101. Tribe Caenoprosopidini102. Subfamily Apinae103. Tribe Isepeolini104. Tribe Osirini105. Tribe Protepeolini106. Tribe Exomalopsini107. Tribe Ancylini108. Tribe Tapinotaspidini109. Tribe Tetrapediini110. Tribe Ctenoplectrini111. Tribe Emphorini112. Tribe Eucerini113. Tribe Anthophorini114. Tribe Centridini115. Tribe Rhathymini116. Tribe Ericrocidini117. Tribe Melectini118. Tribe Euglossini119. Tribe Bombini120. Tribe Meliponini121. Tribe ApiniLiterature CitedAddendaIndex of TermsIndex of Taxa

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated glossary comprises over 2400 terms commonly used to describe vascular plants. The majority are structural terms referring to parts of plants visible with the naked eye or with a x10 hand lens, but some elementary microscopical and physiological terms are also included, as appropriate. Each term is defined accurately and concisely, and whenever possible, cross referenced to clearly labelled line drawings made mainly from living material. The illustrations are presented together in a section comprising 127 large format pages, within which they are grouped according to specific features, such as leaf shape or flower structure, so allowing comparison of different forms at a glance. The illustrations therefore provide a unique compilation of information that can be referred to independently of the definitions. This makes the glossary a particularly versatile reference work for all those needing a guide to botanical terminology and plant structure.Trade Review' This illustrated glossary will be welcomed by those who still enjoy the challenges of identifying and naming vascular plants. It is an excellent guide to botanical terminology and the diagrams are good examples of how illustrations could be produced by authors and by students. The producers of this book have performed a useful service and are to be congratulated for providing a book that is needed.' Biologist' … an admirable piece of work, and one that will prove very useful to many people. Recommended!' Royal Botanic Gardens'It is an excellent guide to botanical terminology and the diagrams are good examples of how illustrations could be produced by authors and by students. The producers of this book have performed a useful service and are to be congratulated for providing a book that is needed.' Biologist'A useful adjunct to a general botanical library …'. Mycotaxon'… a very helpful reference.' American Society & Botanical Artists Newsletter' … an excellent book, to be strongly recommended to everyone with a need to describe plants accurately or to de-mystify technical descriptions.' Journal of Field StudiesTable of ContentsForeword; Acknowledgements; Preface; Notes to readers; Symbols; Prefixes (general); Prefixes (numerical); Suffixes; Measurements; Taxonomic ranks; Part I. The Glossary; Part II. The Illustrations: Roots, storage organs and vegetative reproduction; Seeds and seedlings; Growth and life forms; General features of flowering plants; Plant features and responses; Leaf-like structures and other vegetative features; Leaves; Hairs and scales; Floral features; Flower structure; Features of certain plant families; Fruits; Conifers and conifer allies; Ferns and fern allies.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsUNIT I SYSTEMATICS 1. Plant Systematics: An Overview 2. Phylogenetic Systematics UNIT II EVOLUTION AND DIVERSITY OF PLANTS 3. Evolution and Diversity of Green and Land Plants 4. Evolution and Diversity of Vascular Plants 5. Evolution and Diversity of Woody and Seed Plants 6. Evolution of Flowering Plants 7. Diversity and Classification of Flowering Plants: Amborellales, Nymphaeales, Austrobaileyales, Magnoliids, Ceratophyllales, and Monocots 8. Diversity and Classification of Flowering Plants: Eudicots UNIT III SYSTEMATIC EVIDENCE AND DESCRIPTIVE TERMINOLOGY 9. Plant Morphology Chapter 10. Plant Anatomy and Physiology 11. Plant Embryology 12. Palynology 13. Plant Reproductive Biology 14. Plant Molecular Systematics UNIT IV RESOURCES IN PLANT SYSTEMATICS 15. Plant Identification 16. Plant Nomenclature 17. Plant Collecting and Documentation 18. Herbaria and Data Information Systems UNIT V SPECIES CONCEPTS AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 19. Species and Conservation in Systematics Appendix 1. Plant Description 2. Botanical Illustrations 3. Scientific Journals in Plant Systematics 4. Statistics and Morphometrics in Plant Systematics

Read more less

Book SynopsisUnderstanding the history and philosophy of biological systematics (phylogenetics, taxonomy and classification of living things) is key to successful practice of the discipline. In this thoroughly revised Third Edition of the classic Biological Systematics, Andrew V. Z. Brower and Randall T. Schuh provide an updated account of cladistic principles and techniques, emphasizing their empirical and epistemological clarity. Brower and Schuh cover: -the history and philosophy of systematics -the mechanics and methods of character analysis, phylogenetic inference, and evaluation of results -the practical application of systematic results to: -biological classification -adaptation and coevolution -biodiversity, and conservation -new chapters on species and molecular clocks Biological Systematics is both a textbook for students studying systematic biology and a desk reference for practicing systematists. Part explication of concepts and methods, part exploration of the underlying epistemology of systematics, This third edition addresses why some methods are more empirically sound than others.Trade ReviewThis lovely book is a godsend to those of us who teach systematics. I believe that Biological Systematics is the best textbook currently available for courses focusing on the theory and practice of cladistics. * Cladistics *This is an excellent book. Written by a practicing systematist with a keen interest in the theoretical development of systematics, it has a blend of theory and empiricism that results in a very authoritative treatment. In total, I thoroughly recommend this book. It demands to be read as much for its readability as its content. * Paleontological Association Newsletter *Table of ContentsSection I: HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL BACKGROUND FOR SYSTEMATICS 1. Introduction to Systematics: First Principles and Practical Tools 2. Systematics and the Philosophy of Science Section II: CLADISTIC METHODS 3. Characters and Character States 4. Character Polarity and Inferring Homology 5. Tree-Building Algorithms and Philosophies 6. Evaluating Results Section III: APPLICATION OF CLADISTIC RESULTS 7. Species: Concepts, Recognition, and Analytical Problems 8. Nomenclature, Classifications, and SystematicDatabases 9. The Integration of Phylogenetics, Historical Biogeography, and Host-Parasite Coevolution 10. Evaluating Hypothetical Scenarios of Evolution,Ecology and Adaptation 11. Understanding Molecular Clocks and Time Trees 12. Biodiversity and Conservation Postscript: Parsimony and the Future of Systematics

Read more less

Book SynopsisActive, accessible, and assuming no prior knowledge: the ideal text for biologists encountering bioinformatics for the first time.A vast amount of biological information about a wide range of species has become available in recent years as technological advances have significantly reduced the time it takes to sequence a genome or determine a novel protein structure. This text describes how bioinformatics can be used as a powerful set of tools for retrieving and analysing this biological data, and how bioinformatics can be applied to a wide range of disciplines such as molecular biology, medicine, biotechnology, forensic science and anthropology.Fully revised and updated, the fifth edition of Introduction to Bioinformatics contains a host of new material including new content on next generation sequencing, function prediction, sequence assembly, epigenomics, the bioinformatics of gene editing, and the effects of single nucleotide variants.Written primarily for a biological audience without a detailed prior knowledge of programming, this book is the perfect introduction to the field of bioinformatics, providing friendly guidance and advice on how to use various methods and techniques. Furthermore, frequent examples, self-test questions, problems, and exercises are incorporated throughout the text to encourage self-directed learning.Trade ReviewThis is an excellent textbook that would appeal to those new to the field as well as those who have prior experience in the subject area. The mixture of narrative and clear diagrammatic representation has been skilfully woven together to produce a rich contextualised resource. * Dr Don Green, London Metropolitan University *It provides an excellent introduction to the subject and balances a historical perspective with recent developments. Although it is easily accessible, in places it doesn't shy away from more complex, but relevant computational analysis. * Dr Colin Sharpe, University of Portsmouth *[It] discusses the key concepts well and in an easy to understand format, with useful exercises and examples of real-world applications. * Dr Dallas Roulston, Middlesex University London *The writing style is appropriate, consistent and very clear. * Dr. Lorena Fernández-Martínez, Edge Hill University *My "go to" introductory text on bioinformatics. Accessible, yet intelligent. * Dr Lee J. Byrne, Canterbury Christ Church University *Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: From genetics to genomes 3: The panorama of life 4: Alignments and phylogenetic trees 5: Structural bioinformatics and drug discovery 6: Scientific publications and archives: media, content, access, and presentation 7: Artificial intelligence and machine learning 8: Introduction to systems biology 9: Metabolic pathways 10: Control of organization and organization of control

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis second part of Volume 48 of the Flora of Pan-Himalaya is devoted to the single genus, Saussurea of the Asteraceae family, which has wide medicinal applications. This is the largest family in the Pan-Himalaya, with 235 species, 149 of which are endemic to the Pan-Himalaya. Saussurea is a notoriously difficult, largely Asiatic, genus with often indistinct species boundaries. Many new species of Saussurea were described in the course of preparing this account. The nomenclatural novelties in this volume include five changes in status, and 17 new synonyms. 27 lectotypes are newly designated. During the research for this volume, the author and his team described 40 new species of Saussurea, and these, along with numerous new designations and classifications, are recorded here for the first time.Table of ContentsForeword; Introduction; Preface; Acknowledgements; Part I. Asteraceae II: 1. Saussurea; 2. Subg. Theodorea; 3. Subg. Eriocoryne; 4. Subg. Amphilaena; 5. Subg. Saussurea; List of nomenclatural novelties published in this volume of the Flora of Pan-Himalaya; Index to scientific names.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis 2-volume set is written by the grandfather of Charles Darwin. The purpose of the books is to reduce the facts belonging to animal life into classes, orders, genera, and species; and, by comparing them with each other, to unravel the theory of diseases.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis 2 volume set is written by the grandfather of Charles Darwin. The purpose of the books is to reduce the facts belonging to animal life into classes, orders, genera, and species; and, by comparing them with each other, to unravel the theory of diseases.

Read more less

Book SynopsisKew Bulletin Additional Series X

Read more less

Book SynopsisSince the Origin of Species was first published, Darwinism has been attacked for undermining traditional morality. In particular, because it emphasizes the kinship between humans and other animals, Darwinism seems incompatible with the traditional idea of human dignity - that human life has a special value, while other animals may be sacrificed for any purpose that humans choose. This book argues that Darwinism does undermine the traditional idea of human dignity; however, this is not a reason for rejecting Darwin''s outlook. Instead, it is a reason for rejecting human dignity and replacing it with a better moral view, a more enlightened ethic regarding both the value of human life and our treatment of nonhuman animals. This important book, presenting Darwin''s scientific and non-scientific views as one united theory, will stimulate all those interested in evolution, morality, religion, and animal rights to re-examine their views.Trade Review`Professor Rachel's study of ethics and evolution is an example of polemical writing at its best.' The Tablet`James Rachels can take a complex theory or tangled issue and make it lucid. The book is philosophically sophisticated, yet never obscure, pedantic, or muddled. The book should appeal to any thinking person who wishes to become better informed on the best current philosophical thought from the "animal rights" point of view.' Journal of Value Inquiry'he presents a stimulating argument in lucid prose, and demonstrates without question the relevance of Darwinian theory for ethics' Times Higher Education Supplement'A remarkably clear, straightforward, and brief discussion ... of the implications of Darwinism for animal rights.' Kirkus Reviews'lucid, thoughtful and well argued book ... Forceful, but never strident, it offers a moral perspective which thoughtful people, inside and outside the laboratory, would do well to ponder.' Philip Kitcher, University of California at San Diego, Nature'In his most engaging way, James Rachels ... shows how Darwinism undermines the traditional idea of human superiority, producing a book that is a powerful weapon in the war against speciesism.' RSPCA Journal'this ambitious book, like Rachels' previous books, is easy to read and is accessible to the many who want to know about how evolutionary biology, cognitive ethology and philosophy inform and motivate each other in coming to terms with many of the complex issues surrounding the treatment of non-humans by humans. But just because Created From Animals is an easy read, this does not mean that Rachels compromises quality. Rachels should be congratulated for his forthright, clear, and novel presentation, and also his willingness to argue openly a case that many would rather see argued behind closed doors or not at all.' Marc Bekoff, University of Colorado, Environmental Values vol.1, no.1'His style is pleasant, thoughtful, fair-minded and well-argued; and if the Christian reader is not convinced of the case Dr Rachels espouses he will nevertheless find this an interesting, instructive and rewarding study. ... this is a fascinating and worthwhile book.' Science & Christian Belief'it provides an excellent introduction to the whole of Darwin's life and thought' Ethology Ecology & Evolution 4: 1992`Rachels spells out some practical consequences of abandoning special category status for human beings.' The Heythrop Journal'His description of the development of Darwin's ideas about the mechanism of evolution is one of the best succinct summaries I have read.' Eugenie C. Scott, National Center for Science Education, Inc, Journal of Human Evolution (1993) 24Table of ContentsDarwin's discovery; how evolution and ethics might be related; must a Darwinian be sceptical about religion?; how different are humans from other animals?; morality without the idea that humans are special.

Read more less