Taxonomy and systematics Books
Taylor & Francis Ltd Systema Naturae 250 The Linnaean Ark
Book SynopsisThe advent of relational databasing and data storage capacity, coupled with revolutionary advances in molecular sequencing technology and specimen imaging, have led to a taxonomic renaissance. Systema Naturae 250 - The Linnaean Ark maps the origins of this renaissance, beginning with Linnaeus, through his apostles, via the great unsung hero Charles Davies Sherbon arguably the father of biodiversity informatics up to the present day with the Planetary Biodiversity Inventories and into the future with the Encyclopedia of Life and web-based taxonomy. The book provides scientific, historical, and cultural documentation of the evolution of taxonomy and the successful adaptation of the Linnaean nomenclature system to that evolution. It underscores the importance of taxonomic accuracy, not only for the classification of living organisms, but for a more complete understanding of the living world and its biodiversity. The book also examinTable of ContentsThe Major Historical Trends of Biodiversity Studies. Linnaeus: A Passion for Order. Daniel Rolander: The Invisible Naturalist. Taxonomy and the Survival of Threatened Animal Species: A Matter of Life and Death. Engineering a Linnaean Ark of Knowledge for a Deluge of Species. Historical Name-Bearing Types in Marine Molluscs: An Impediment to Biodiversity Studies? Flying after Linnaeus: Diptera Names since Systema Naturae (1758). Reviving Descriptive Taxonomy after 250 Years: Promising Signs from a Mega-Journal in Taxonomy. Provisional Nomenclature: The On-Ramp to Taxonomic Names. Future Taxonomy. The Encyclopedia of Life: A New Digital Resource for Taxonomy. Future Taxonomy Today: New Tools Applied to Accelerate the Taxonomic Process. The All Genera Index: Strategies for Managing the BIG Index of All Scientific Names. Linnaeus–Sherborn–ZooBank. ZooBank: Reviewing the First Year and Preparing for the Next 250. Celebrating 250 Dynamic Years of Nomenclatural Debates. 250 Years of Swedish Taxonomy. Appendices. Index.
£61.99
Taylor & Francis Ltd Automated Taxon Identification in Systematics
Book SynopsisThe automated identification of biological objects or groups has been a dream among taxonomists and systematists for centuries. However, progress in designing and implementing practical systems for fully automated taxon identification has been frustratingly slow. Regardless, the dream has never died. Recent developments in computer architectures and innovations in software design have placed the tools needed to realize this vision in the hands of the systematics community, not several years hence, but now. And not just for DNA barcodes or other molecular data, but for digital images of organisms, digital sounds, digitized chemical data - essentially any type of digital data.Based on evidence accumulated over the last decade and written by applied researchers, Automated Taxon Identification in Systematics explores contemporary applications of quantitative approaches to the problem of taxon recognition. The book begins by reviewing the current state of systematics and placing automated taxon identification in the context of contemporary trends, needs, and opportunities. The chapters present and evaluate different aspects of current automated system designs. They then provide descriptions of case studies in which different theoretical and practical aspects of the overall group-identification problem are identified, analyzed, and discussed.A recurring theme through the chapters is the relationship between taxonomic identification, automated group identification, and morphometrics. This collection provides a bridge between these communities and between them and the wider world of applied taxonomy. The only book-length treatment that explores automated group identification in systematic context, this text also includes introductions to basic aspects of the fields of contemporary artificial intelligence and mathematical group recognition for the entire biological community.Table of ContentsIntroduction. The Need for Automated Approaches to Species Identification. Is Automated Species Identification Feasible? Natural Object Recognition: Machines Vs. Humans. Homology and Morphometrics: An Old Theme Revisited. Plastic Self-Organizing Maps. Decision Trees: A Machine-learning Methodology to Analyze the Relationship between Skeletal Morphology and Ecological Adaptations. DAISY: A Practical Computer Based Tool for Semi-Automated Species Identification. Introducing SPIDA-web: An Automated Identification System for Biological Species. Automated Extraction and Analysis of Morphological Features for Species Identification. Pattern Recognition for Ecological Science and Environmental Monitoring. Identification of Botanical Taxa using Artificial Neural Networks. Use of Neural Nets in Identification of Spheniscid Species. Drawing the Line: the Differentiation Between Morphological Plasticity and Interspecific Variation. Summary and Prospectus.
£61.99
Cambridge University Press Flora of Great Britain and Ireland
Book SynopsisThis definitive flora provides detailed accounts of the native species, naturalised species, frequent garden escapes and casuals found in the British Isles, including some newly described ones. Full keys and descriptions enable the user to name all plants occurring in the wild and some ornamental trees and shrubs. For the first time, accounts of all the large apomictic genera are included. Each species entry begins with the accepted Latin name, synonyms and English name. A detailed description follows, with the flowering period and chromosome number. Separate descriptions are provided for infraspecific taxa and many hybrids. The status, ecology and distribution (including worldwide distribution) of the taxa are also given. Black and white line drawings illustrate an extensive glossary and illuminate the diagnostic features in several genera. This final volume of five includes historical and taxonomic introductions to the whole project and covers the pteridophytes, gymnosperms and 44 faTrade Review'It is clear that Sell and Murrell's Flora of Great Britain and Ireland is a masterpiece, nothing less than a life's work … will stand for many decades … should be in the library of every serious botanist, whether professional or amateur.' Filip Verloove, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland News and Views (www.bsbipublicity.blogspot.com)Table of ContentsForeword; Preface and Acknowledgements; The Cambridge School of Plant Taxonomy; Introduction; Conspectus of families; 1. Lycopodiaceae; 2. Selaginellaceae; 3. Isoetaceae; 4. Equisetaceae; 5. Ophioglossaceae; 6. Osmundaceae; 7. Adiantaceae; 8. Pteridaceae; 9. Marsileaceae; 10. Hymenophyllaceae; 11. Polypodiaceae; 12. Cyatheaceae; 13. Dicksoniaceae; 14. Dennstaedtiaceae; 15. Thelypteridaceae; 16. Aspleniaceae; 17. Woodsiaceae; 18. Davalliaceae; 19. Dryopteridaceae; 20. Blechnaceae; 21. Azollaceae; 21A. Ginkgoaceae; 22. Pinaceae; 23. Taxodiaceae; 24. Cupressaceae; 25. Araucariaceae; 26. Taxaceae; 26A. Cephalotaxaceae; 27. Magnoliaceae; 28. Lauraceae; 28A. Saururaceae; 29. Aristolochiaceae; 30. Nymphaeaceae; 30A. Cabombaceae; 31. Ceratophyllaceae; 32. Ranunculaceae; 33. Berberidaceae; 34. Papaveraceae; 35. Fumariaceae; 36. Platanaceae; 37. Ulmaceae; 38. Cannabaceae; 39. Moraceae ; 40. Urticaceae; 41. Juglandaceae; 42. Myricaceae ; 43. Fagaceae; 44. Betulaceae; 45. Corylaceae; 46. Phytolaccaceae; 46A. Nyctaginaceae; 47. Aizoaceae; 48. Chenopodiaceae; 49. Amaranthaceae; 50. Portulacaceae; 51. Basellaceae; 52. Caryophyllaceae ; 53. Polygonaceae; 54. Plumbaginaceae; 55. Paeoniaceae; 56. Elatinaceae; 57. Hypericaceae; 58. Tiliaceae; 59. Malvaceae; 60. Sarraceniaceae; 61. Droseraceae; 62. Cistaceae; 63. Violaceae; 64. Tamaricaceae; 65. Frankeniaceae; 66. Cucurbitaceae; 67. Salicaceae; New taxa and combinations; Abbreviations; Glossary; Indexes.
£999.99
Cambridge University Press Climate Change Ecology and Systematics 78 Systematics Association Special Volume Series Series Number 78
Book SynopsisClimate change has shaped life in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Understanding the interactions between climate and biodiversity is a complex challenge to science. With contributions from 60 key researchers, this book examines the ongoing impact of climate change on the ecology and diversity of life on earth. It discusses the latest research within the fields of ecology and systematics, highlighting the increasing integration of their approaches and methods. Topics covered include the influence of climate change on evolutionary and ecological processes such as adaptation, migration, speciation and extinction, and the role of these processes in determining the diversity and biogeographic distribution of species and their populations. This book ultimately illustrates the necessity for global conservation actions to mitigate the effects of climate change in a world that is already undergoing a biodiversity crisis of unprecedented scale.Trade Review'… provides a useful starting point for contemporary research and synthesis into the relationships between climatic changes, biological diversity and speciation, and ecological dynamics.' Ecology'The volume will be an invaluable contribution to anyone studying climate change effects on the living world … truly enjoyed reading it. Its unique contribution is to explicitly provide links between systematics and climate change. As such, it will please natural historians and researchers working in natural history museums and botanical gardens. However, its breath of coverage makes it useful for a much wider range of readers, including students, academics, and practitioners.' Miguel B. Araujo, The Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsPart I. Introduction: 1. Integrating ecology and systematics in climate change research T. R. Hodkinson; 2. Climate modelling and deep time climate change R. Caballero and P. Lynch; 3. The perils of addressing long term challenges in a short term world: making descriptive taxonomy predictive R. M. Bateman; Part II. Adaptation, Speciation and Extinction: 4. Global climate and extinction: evidence from the fossil record P. J. Mayhew; 5. Long term fluctuations in atmospheric CO2 concentration influence plant speciation rate J. C. McElwain, K. K. Willis and K. J. Niklas; 6. Wood anatomy and climate change P. Baas and E. A. Wheeler; 7. Savanna biome evolution, climate change and the ecological expansion of C4 grasses Y. Bouchenak-Khelladi and T. R. Hodkinson; 8. Climate warming results in phenotypic and evolutionary changes in spring events: a mini review A. Donnelly, A. Caffarra, E. Diskin, C. T. Kelleher, A. Pletsers, H. Proctor, R. Stirnemann, M. B. Jones, J. O'Halloran, B. F. O'Neill, J. Peñuelas and T. Sparks; 9. Terrestrial green algae: systematics, biogeography and expected responses to climate change F. Rindi; Part III. Biogeography, Migration and Ecological Niche Modelling: 10. Biodiversity informatics for climate change studies A. Culham and C. Yesson; 11. Climate envelope models in systematics and evolutionary research: theory and practice D. Rödder, S. Schmidtlein, S. Schick and S. Lötters; 12. Biogeography of cyclamen: an application of phyloclimatic modelling C. Yesson and A. Culham; 13. Cenozoic climate changes and the demise of Tethyan laurel forests: lessons for the future from an integrative reconstruction of the past F. Rodríguez-Sánchez and J. Arroyo; 14. The impact of climate change on the origin and future of East African rain forest trees L. W. Chatrou, J. J. Wieringa and T. L. P. Couvreur; 15. Hybridisation, introgression and climate change: a case study for the tree genus Fraxinus (Oleaceae) M. Thomasset, J. F. Fernández-Manjarrés, G. C. Douglas, N. Frascaria-Lacoste and T. R. Hodkinson; Part IV. Conservation: 16. Assessing the effectiveness of a protected area network in the face of climatic change B. Huntley, D. G. Hole and S. G. Willis; 17. Documenting plant species in a changing climate: a case study from Arabia M. Hall and A. G. Miller; 18. A critical appraisal of the meaning and diagnosability of cryptic evolutionary diversity, and its implications for conservation in the face of climate change J. Bernardo; 19. Climate change and Cyperaceae D. A. Simpson, C. Yesson, A. Culham, C. A. Couch and A. M. Muasya; 20. An interdisciplinary review of climate change trends and uncertainties: lichen biodiversity, arctic alpine ecosystems and habitat loss C. J. Ellis and R. Yahr; 21. Climate change and oceanic mountain vegetation: a case study of the montane heath and associated plant communities in western Irish mountains R. L. Hodd and M. J. Sheehy Skeffington.
£999.99
CSIRO Publishing Australian Weevils Coleoptera Curculionoidea IV
Book SynopsisCovers the 11 smaller tribes of the weevil subfamily Entiminae (broad-nosed weevils), which comprises more than 100 genera and 700 described species in Australia. Around half of this fauna is covered, featuring keys to all the tribes, genera and described species as well as updated concepts and diagnoses of the tribes.
£129.20
CSIRO Publishing Forest Trees of Australia
Book SynopsisA reference for identifying native trees in Australia. This edition includes 70 additional species and has maps and photos showing us a diverse range of forests.Table of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; About the Fifth Edition; Book structure - explanatory notes; Introduction; Species descriptons; Abbreviations; Glossary; illustrations of botanical terms used in the text; Selected references; Index.
£139.50
CSIRO Publishing Flora of Australia Lichens v 56A Australian
Book SynopsisVolume 56a of the highly acclaimed 'Flora of Australia' books covers some of the most spectacular and ecologically significant Australian lichens.
£75.56
CSIRO Publishing Septoria Fungi of Australia
Book SynopsisPresents an overview of the Australian taxa, and documents 132 species of Septoria, its telemorph Mycosphaerella and six related genera. This work describes includes a comprehensive introduction to Septoria and its allies, followed by detailed descriptions and illustrations of each taxon.Table of Contents* The first authoritative identification guide to a significant genus of Australian plant-pathogenic fungi; * Detailed descriptions along with high-quality illustrations.
£93.05
CSIRO Publishing Nemaliales Algae of Australia
Book SynopsisThe Nemaliales is one of the most significant orders of red algae in Australian waters. Illustrated with colour photographs and line drawings, this book documents the three families, 20 genera and 56 species of Australian Nemaliales, along with a detailed introduction to the history, structure, reproduction and relationships of the order.
£77.00
CSIRO Publishing Australian Beetles Volume 2
Book SynopsisProvides information and identification keys to the genera of the Australian beetle families included in suborders Archostemata, Myxophaga, Adephaga and several groups of Polyphaga. Each chapter is richly illustrated with drawings and photographs. The book also includes colour habitus figures for about 1000 Australian beetle genera and subgenera.Trade Review"This volume is a monumental achievement, especially considering the vast Australian beetle fauna and all the challenges that brings with it." -- John Marris * The Weta (55) *
£999.99
CSIRO Publishing Australian Rainforest Fruits
Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated field guide covers 504 of the most common fruiting plants found in Australia's eastern rainforests, as well as a few species that are rare in the wild but generally well-known. These spectacular plants can be seen from Cape York to Victoria, with some species also found in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and overseas.
£999.99
Princeton University Press The Gardeners Botanical An Encyclopedia of Latin
Book SynopsisTrade Review"[A] bracing memory-fitness test, and a bit of a treasure hunt. Give in to the arcane, and be empowered: Get to know your plants, and the sometimes-nerdy snippets of the history of our human relationship with them, too."---Margaret Roach, New York Times"[A] botanist’s dream resource."---Sally Peterson, The Oregonian"[A] veritable treasure trove of information from the very first page to the final exquisite illustration."---David Gascoigne, Travels With Birds"I'm really having fun with this big, beautiful book."---Margaret Roach, A Way to Garden
£23.75
Princeton University Press Birds of Paradise and Bowerbirds An
Book SynopsisTrade Review"In the long history of identification guides this book is a tour de force. From start to finish, it is packed with information, superb artwork, splendid photographs, and a visual stimulus that is hard to beat."---David Gascoigne, Travels With Birds"A terrific achievement."---Donna Schulman, American Birding Podcast
£36.10
Johns Hopkins University Press The Bees of the World
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
£157.70
Taylor & Francis Inc Elemental Analysis of Biological Systems
Book SynopsisThe purpose of this volume is to emphasize the fact that biological trace element research is a multidisciplinary science which requires a prudent combination of biological insight and analytical awareness. The text frequently stresses that accurate measurements on biologically and analytically valid samples hold the key for success in future investigations. It reminds the analytical scientists and the life sciences researchers that their perceptions should extend beyond conventional limits - namely, the former as generators of data and the latter as interpreters of those findings. This book enables the reader to understand the intricacies of elemental composition studies in biological systems, and also provides a valuable source of information to biologists, biochemists, physicians, nutritionists and related scientific workers who intend to draw meaningful conclusions from the analytical findings.Table of ContentsVOLUME I: BIOLOGICAL, MEDICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, COMPOSITIONAL, AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS. Biological Trace Element Research. Chemical Elements in Biological Systems. Physiological and Anatomical Features of Biomedical Specimens. The Biological Basis for Selection of Specimens for Trace Element Research Studies. Problems in the Elemental Analysis of Biological Systems. Methods for Elemental Analysis of Biological Materials. Quality Assurance in Inorganic Bioanalytical Research. Presentation and Interpretation of Trace Element Data. Reference Values for Trace Elements in Human Tissues and Body Fluids. Biological and Dietary Reference Materials for Use in Bioinorganic Analytical Quality Control Programs. Index.
£999.99
CABI Publishing Revised Tabular Key to Species of Phytophthora
Book SynopsisMycological paper on a revision of the Tabular Key to species of Phytophthora.
£44.20
CABI Publishing Cycad Classification
Book SynopsisCycads resemble palms, but are taxonomically quite different. They are a significant and irreplaceable component of the planet's biological diversity, having evolved various and often unique morphological, anatomical and biochemical features during their 250-million-year evolutionary history. Many cycad species exist today only as small, poorly-known or isolated populations or as ornamental species in botanic gardens. In order to understand fully, as well as to conserve, this internationally endangered tropical plant group, it is paramount that cycad systematics is studied, documented and refined.This volume presents the current state of our knowledge of the systematics of the approximately 300 species of cycads. It includes contributions from leading researchers from Australia, China, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand and the USA. It has been developed from papers presented at a workshop held in 2002 at the Montgomery Botanical Center.Table of Contents1: We hold these truths…, T Walters, R Osborne and D Decker, Decker and Associates, Inc, California, USA 2: Saving ghosts? The implications of taxonomic uncertainty and shifting infrageneric concepts in the Cycadales for red listing and conservation planning, J Donaldson, National Botanical Institute, South Africa 3: Character evolution, species recognition and classification concepts in the Cycadaceae, K D Hill, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia 4: Morphological characters useful in determining species boundaries in Cycas (Cycadaceae), A Lindström, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Chonburi, Thailand 5: Comments on Cycas, Dyerocycas and Epicycas (Cycadaceae), C-J Chen, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, K D Hill, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia and D W Stevenson, New York Botanical Garden, USA 6: Classification concepts in Encephalartos (Zamiaceae), P Vorster, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa 7: Classification concepts in Macrozamia (Zamiaceae) from eastern Australia, P I Forster, Queensland Herbarium, Australia 8: Classification concepts in Ceratozamia (Zamiaceae), L M Whitelock, California, USA 9: Relationships and phytogeography in Ceratozamia (Zamiaceae), A P Vovides, Instituto de Ecologiá, Mexico, et al. 10: A morphometric analysis of the Ceratozamia norstogii complex (Zamiaceae), M A Pérez-Farrera, UNICACH, Mexico, et al. 11: Hypotheses on the relationship between biogeography and speciation in Dioon (Zamiaceae), T J Gregory, Montgomery Botanical Center, Miami, USA and J Chemnick, California, USA 12: Molecular phylogeny of Zamia (Zamiaceae), P Caputo, Universitá degli Studi di Napoli, Fedrico II, Italy, et al. 13: Systematics of mesoamerican Zamia (Zamiaceae), B Schutzman, University of Florida, USA 14: Zamiaceae of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, D W Stevenson, New York Botanical Gardens, USA 15: In search of the true tree: guidelines for classification, R Osborne and T Walters 16: The world list of cycads, K D Hill, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia, D W Stevenson, New York Botanical Gardens, USA and R Osborne 17: Glossary of terms encountered in cycad systematics, R Osborne and T Walters
£187.31
Palmer Higgs Poisonous to Pets
Book Synopsis
£38.66
Phelsuma Press Icons of Evolution Pacific Island treesnails of the family Partulidae
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£999.99
American Arachnological Society Spiders of North America An Identification Manual
Book Synopsis
£80.75
Cambridge University Press Asteraceae II Saussurea Part 2 48 Flora of the PanHimalaya Series Number 48
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.
£999.99
Johns Hopkins University Press Ordering Life
Book SynopsisThe broader social context in which scientists work is just as important to the project of naming, describing, classifying, and, ultimately, explaining life.Trade ReviewFor those with an interest in the history of natural history. -- Ian Paulsen, GrrlScientist Guardian A very readable account of the long-lived naturalist/entomologist Karl Jordan (1861-1959). Choice Any college-level natural history holding will find this enlightening. Midwest Book Review Karl Jordan's innovative methods of classifying insect species are highlighted in this biography of the early 20th century entomologist. Science News Ordering Life, by Kristin Johnson, is one part biography to three parts history and philosophy of science. 'Jordan serves as a useful guide', Johnson writes, 'not only to understanding how knowledge about biodiversity is obtained but how the answer to that question has changed over time and why'. -- Louise Fabiani Times Literary Supplement There are layers of richness in Johnson's book and readers will doubtless draw their own conclusions for Johnson's pleasong style leads the reader by means of historical narrtive rather than proselytization. -- Malcolm J. Scoble Biological Journal of the Linnean SocietyTable of ContentsIntroduction1. Joining the Naturalist Tradition"Beetles. Beautiful beetles"Becoming a ZoologistThe Cosmopolitan NaturalistsThe "nice berth": Curating a Zoological MuseumMobilizing the Naturalist Tradition2. Reforming EntomologyThe "strange mixture" of EntomologistsHow to Do EntomologyThe "making" of SpeciesA New Type of CollectionRetraining the Natural History Network3. Ordering Beetles, Butterflies, and Moths"The great desideratum"Revising the SwallowtailsMaking Systematics ScientificCrossing over to BiologyAmassing the Concreta4. Ordering NaturalistsMen of Two ClassesOrganizing EntomologistsThe End of Tring's Heyday"Science knows no country"A "nation of Entomologists"5. A Descent into DisorderTelling "which way the wind blows"The Balance of Europe Is UpsetThe StandstillRecovering Friends, Committees, and Congresses I"The requirements for a thorough investigation"Taxonomy in a Changed WorldThe Rise of Applied EntomologyThe Rise of Applied EntomologyVarious Utopias I: The Ithaca CongressVarious Utopias II: The International Entomological InstituteA Lad's Last Marble7. The Ruin of War and the Synthesis of BiologyThe Edges of EmpireWhere Subspecies Meet"The end of Tring as we have known and cherished it""Provided Europe does not get quite mad""Without the collection I am hopeless"8. Naturalists in a New LandscapeRecovering Friends, Committees, and Congresses IIThe Quest to "clear up the chaos" in Weevils and FleasAvoiding the Snake in the GrassGlorified Office BoysLate for a KnighthoodConclusionAcknowledgments
£37.50
Johns Hopkins University Press Lizards of the World
Book SynopsisThe first, definitive reference on the natural history and ecology of every one of the known 6500+ species of lizards, spanning the entire globe. Our planet is literally crawling with lizards. More than 6500 species are known to science, and new species are being discovered annually. In this monumental work, eminent researcher Gordon Rodda has created the first compilation of the natural histories of all the world's lizards and amphisbaenians, as well as the Tuatara. Although other books have attempted to survey the scope of adaptations present in the world's lizards, only Rodda has been able to quantify and summarize all species or higher taxa. Analyzing the relationships among traits such as morphologic characteristics, reproductive strategies, and food sources, Rodda uncovers novel insights into reptile ecology. Identifying 14 recurring character syndromes across all the world's lizards, he proposes a new lens for categorization. He also touches on common names geographic range lTrade ReviewRodda has given us a new framework for thinking about lizard natural history . . . Any scholar of lizard biology or natural history should think of adding this book to their library. It will be a wonderful resource for years to come.—Trends in Ecology and EvolutionAnyone who wants to deeply understand the true nature of what makes a lizard a lizard will be left in awe of the level of scholarship, detailed research, thought, and creativity that went into this unique contribution . . . It absolutely belongs on the shelf of any lab with even a passing interest in herpetology and in every university library, if only for the sheer number of masters and doctoral theses it is sure to inspire.—Herpetological ReviewLizards of the World is an absolute must for any serious lizard biologist or graduate student planning to work with lizards. The price is hefty, but accounting for the time it would require to track down natural history data for any single species without this book makes it worth every cent . . . Serious readers will learn a lot of ecology and evolutionary biology from the text and should come away with a nearly unlimited set of ideas for future research.—ICHTHYOLOGY & HERPETOLOGYFrom Ablepharus to Zygaspis this book was a massive, unparalleled undertaking. The result is indisputably the most thorough coverage ever published of the biology of every known lizard in the world . . . This volume will be an essential reference for anyone conducting research on any species of lizard anywhere in the world. Its value as a source of natural history information cannot be overstated.—Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction and MethodsThe Interplay between Ecological and Phylogenetic CausationDefinitionsSize EstimationAnalytical MethodsChapter 2. What Are Lizards?CompositionMorphologySexually Differing TraitsGeographyActivityReproductionDietPopulationsThe Modal LizardChapter 3. LinkagesMethods Unique to This ChapterMassMorphologySexual Size DimorphismColorDietForagingTime of Day (Diel Activity)Predator Concealment TacticsMicrohabitatReproduction AllocationIslandsLongevityPopulation Density/BiomassIntroductionsImperiled LizardsNext StepsChapter 4. Ecological Business ModelsCrack HermitDiurnal Canopy WalkerGiant HerbivoreGliderGround-foraging Tree LizardImmobility ExpertLitter CryptozoidNocturnal Canopy WalkerNocturnal Ground LizardRefugia-anchored Diurnal Ground LizardSand SharkSubterranean ForagerTrunk/Wall LizardWide-ranging ChemosensorOverview of Ecological Business ModelsChapter 5. Taxon Accounts(alphabetical by family or genus name; use index to search by English name)A (Ablepharus to Australolacerta)B (Bachia to Bunopus)C (Cadeidae and Cadea to Cyrtopodion)D (Dactylocnemis to Dryadosaura)E (Ebenavia to Exila)F (Feylinia to Furcifer)G (Gallotia to Gymnophthalmus)H (Haackgreerius to Hypsilurus)I (Iberolacerta to Isopachys)J (Janetaescincus to Jarujinia)K (Kaestlea to Kolekanos)L (Lacerta to Lyriocephalus)M (Mabuya to Morunasaurus)N (Nactus to Nucras)O (Oedodera to Ouroborus)P (Pachycalamus to Pygopus)Q (Quedenfeldtia)R (Ramigekko to Rondonops)S (Saara to Strophurus)T (Tachygyia to Tytthoscincus)U (Uma to Uvidicolus)V (Vanzosaura to Voeltzkowia)W (Woodworthia)X (Xantusia to Xenosauridae and Xenosaurus)Z (Zonosaurus to Zygaspis)AcknowledgmentsAppendicesA. Database Fields and Comments on Their TabulationB. Methods for Quantifying Lizard SizesC. Standards for Qualification of Absolute Population DensitiesLiterature CitedIndex
£126.00
CSIRO Publishing Taxonomy of Australian Mammals
Book SynopsisA complete taxonomic revision of all Australian mammals, both terrestrial and marine.
£999.99
CSIRO Publishing Hawkmoths of Australia
Book SynopsisHawkmoths are large charismatic insects with highly variable and colourful larvae. Some species are specialised in their habitat preferences, but others are widespread and often encountered in gardens. This book allows identification of all of the Australian hawkmoths and treats species found on mainland Australia and all offshore islands.
£158.95
CSIRO Publishing Algae of Australia Marine Benthic Algae of
Book SynopsisAn authoritative floristic account of the marine green and brown algae of north-western Australia and includes 68 genera and 171 species. Each taxonomic level, from division to species, is fully described, incorporating current nomenclature, morphology, keys and numerous illustrations, many in colour.
£120.65
CSIRO Publishing Australian Bryozoa Volume 2
Book SynopsisWritten by experts, Australian Bryozoa, Volume 2 describes Australia's 1,200 known species of bryozoans, the richest diversity of bryozoans of any country in the world. It contains detailed taxonomic data and illustrated family-level treatments, which can be used to identify specimens.
£173.70
CSIRO Publishing Secretive Slime Moulds
Book SynopsisNeither plants, nor animals, nor fungi, the myxomycetes are a surprisingly diverse and fascinating group of organisms. This comprehensive monograph provides keys, descriptions and information on the known distribution for all species in addition to containing introductory material relating to their biology and ecology.Trade Review"Secretive Slime Moulds is the first guide to the Myxomycetes of Australia that includes keys at all levels from class to species. It is clearly laid out and provides descriptions of more than 330 species. Introductory sections contain useful background information on life cycles, structure, distribution and ecology as well as on collecting and studying myxomycetes. As such, it is a welcome addition for the mxyomycetologist and the naturalist." -- Tom May * Australasian Systematic Botany Society Newsletter *
£131.40
Cornell University Press Biological Systematics
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
£999.99
Texas A & M University Press Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas: With Keys,
Book SynopsisThis third edition of James R. Dixon’s Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas: With Keys, Taxonomic Synopses, Bibliography, and Distribution Maps, completely redesigned throughout with colour photographs, revised taxonomic keys, and updated species descriptions, covers more than two hundred species of amphibians and reptiles. As in the previous editions, the book includes an extensive listing of the literature on Texas amphibians and reptiles that goes back to the historic writings of Berlandier, in the early nineteenth century, and is updated to reflect the most recent research.Comprehensive distribution maps, updated references, and an exhaustive bibliography round out this latest edition of what has come to be widely recognised as the standard scientific guide and reference for professional, academic, and amateur naturalists interested in the herpatofauna of Texas.
£999.99
Syrawood Publishing House Plant Taxonomy
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Pelagic Publishing The Vanishing Mew Gull
Book SynopsisA rich and detailed consideration of the names and naming of the birds of the Western Palaearctic.
£58.50
Royal Botanic Gardens Wild Plants for a Sustainable Future: 110
Book SynopsisWild Plants for a Sustainable Future is an output from The Useful Plants Project, managed by Kew’s Seed Conservation Department through the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership in Botswana, Kenya, Mali, Mexico and South Africa. Many inhabitants of these countries depend directly on natural vegetation for everyday needs such as food, medicine, fuel and building materials, and plants are faced with a range of threats that include climate change, over-exploitation, shortage of water, habitat loss and invasion of exotic species. The Useful Plants Project helps communities become better equipped to face such challenges by improving their livelihoods and using the surrounding resources in a more sustainable way. The book includes five chapters, compiled by experts from Botswana, Kenya, Mali, South Africa and Mexico. 110 species profiles are included, selected as being among the most important useful plants for the rural communities. Mostly thes are trees and shrubs, along with cacti, subshrubs, and perennial and annual herbs. Each species profile includes a description, information on taxonomy and nomenclature, fruits and seeds, distribution, habitat, uses, known hazards and safety, conservation status, seed conservation, propagation and trade. Illustrated throughout with images of the plants in the wild, associated habitats, seed morphology, and use in cultivation. Glossary of botanical and technical terms is included at the end of the book.
£56.36
Royal Botanic Gardens Flora Zambesiaca
Book SynopsisThe authority on the flora of this region. Detailed plant descriptions
£64.00
CABI Publishing Manual of Leaf Architecture
Book SynopsisThis is an essential reference for describing, measuring and classifying the foliage of flowering plants. The presented system provides long-needed guidelines for characterizing the organization, shape, venation, and surface features of angiosperm leaves. In contrast to systems focusing on reproductive characters for identification, the emphasis is on macroscopic features of the leaf blade including leaf characters, venation, and tooth characters. The advantage of this system is that it allows for the classification of plants independently of their flowers, which is especially useful for fossil leaves (usually found in isolation) and tropical plants (whose flowering cycles are brief and irregular, and whose fruits and flowers may be difficult to access). An illustrated terminology including detailed definitions and annotated illustrations is the focus of the classification system, the aim of which is to provide a framework with comparative examples to allow both modern and fossil leaves to be described and classified consistently. Published in association with the New York Botanical Garden.Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: General Definitions 3: Leaf Characters 4: Vein Definitions 5: Vein Characters 6: Tooth Definitions 7: Tooth Characters 8: References Appendix A: Summary of Characters and Character States Appendix B: Examples of Scored Leaves Appendix C: Vouchers Appendix D: Instructions for Clearing Leaves
£999.99
CABI Publishing Manual of Leaf Architecture
Book SynopsisThis is an essential reference for describing, measuring and classifying the foliage of flowering plants. The presented system provides long-needed guidelines for characterizing the organization, shape, venation, and surface features of angiosperm leaves. In contrast to systems focusing on reproductive characters for identification, the emphasis is on macroscopic features of the leaf blade including leaf characters, venation, and tooth characters. The advantage of this system is that it allows for the classification of plants independently of their flowers, which is especially useful for fossil leaves (usually found in isolation) and tropical plants (whose flowering cycles are brief and irregular, and whose fruits and flowers may be difficult to access). An illustrated terminology including detailed definitions and annotated illustrations is the focus of the classification system, the aim of which is to provide a framework with comparative examples to allow both modern and fossil leaves to be described and classified consistently.Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: General Definitions 3: Leaf Characters 4: Vein Definitions 5: Vein Characters 6: Tooth Definitions 7: Tooth Characters 8: References Appendix A: Summary of Characters and Character States Appendix B: Examples of Scored Leaves Appendix C: Vouchers Appendix D: Instructions for Clearing Leaves
£999.99
Pelagic Publishing Sharks: An Eponym Dictionary
Book SynopsisThis fascinating reference book delves into the origins of the vernacular and scientific names of sharks, rays, skates and chimeras. Each entry offers a concise biography, revealing the hidden stories and facts behind each species’ name. Full of interesting facts and humorous titbits, the authors’ extensive research and detective work has made this book a comprehensive source of knowledge on everyone associated with the naming of a species. A fascinating resource for anyone with an interest in sharks, from curious naturalist to professional ichthyologist, it is an essential addition to the library of anyone wishing to satisfy those tickling questions on the mysteries behind the names. Sometimes a name refers not to a person but to a fictional character or mythological figure. Eptatretus eos is named after the Greek goddess of the dawn in reference to the pink colouring of the hagfish. The Chilean Roundray Urotrygon cimar, named after Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología in honour of its 20th anniversary, and the Angular Angelshark Squatina Guggenheim, named after the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, are both named after institutions. The Whiteleg Skate Amblyraja taaf is just a shorthand way of describing a toponym – Territoire des Terres australes et antarctiques françaises. There are also entries which are light-hearted such as the one for a lady who told us "that decoration of her cakes have included roughtail skate Bathyraja trachura, red abalone Haliotis rufescens, and chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha." Following the success of their previous Eponym Dictionaries, the authors have joined forces to give the Elasmobranch group of fishes a similar treatment but they have also included the describers and authors of the original descriptions of the fishes involved, in addition to those names that are, or appear to be, eponyms. They have tracked down some 850 names of living as well as dead people. Of these half are eponyms after people who have fish named after them and may also have described a fish or fishes. The other half are ichthyologists, marine biologists and other scientists who have become involved in the description and naming of sharks, rays, skates and chimeras. For each person mentioned there is brief, pithy biography. Additionally there are some 50 entries for what sound like eponyms but turned out not to have any connection to a person, such as the Alexandrine Torpedo is named after the city in Egypt and not Alexander the Great. In some cases these are a reminder of the courage of scientists whose dedicated research in remote locations exposed them to disease and even violent death. The eponym ensures that their memory will survive, aided by reference works such as this highly readable dictionary. Altogether 1,577 fishes are listed.Trade ReviewSharks: An Eponym Dictionary would be an exceptional addition to any science collection, including STEM subjects at an academic library (community college or university). The format of Sharks provides readers with a framework of the naming of species and is a unique work that covers taxa and history. -- Danielle Colbert-Lewis * Reference Reviews *
£49.20
Missouri Botanical Garden Press The Berberis of China and Vietnam: A Revision:
Book Synopsis
£76.00
Missouri Botanical Garden Press Vascular Plants of New Mexico
£76.00
Smithsonian Books Photographic Guide to Longhorned Beetles of
Book SynopsisWith loss of habitats throughout the world occurring at a staggering rate, it is critical to document what is being lost. This book strives to do that by focusing on longhorned woodboring beetles in Bolivia. Wholesale clearing of large tracts of land kills everything or forces species to move quickly to other areas, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. This book will help people discover and appreciate some of the amazing diversity of life that exists in the undeveloped and/or remote natural areas of Bolivia. Nearly 1,900 species of longhorned woodboring beetles (Disteniidae, Vesperidae, and Cerambycidae) are known from Bolivia (with more than 200 species yet to be determined). This work features 500 of them, representing the breadth of morphological evolution.
£31.50
Rutgers University Press The Poetics of Natural History
Book SynopsisWinner of the 2000 American Studies Network Prize and the Literature and Language Award from the Association of American Publishers, Inc. Early American naturalists assembled dazzling collections of native flora and fauna, from John Bartram’s botanical garden in Philadelphia and the artful display of animals in Charles Willson Peale’s museum to P. T. Barnum’s American Museum, infamously characterized by Henry James as “halls of humbug.” Yet physical collections were only one of the myriad ways that these naturalists captured, catalogued, and commemorated America’s rich biodiversity. They also turned to writing and art, from John Edward Holbrook’s forays into the fascinating world of herpetology to John James Audubon’s masterful portraits of American birds. In this groundbreaking, now classic book, Christoph Irmscher argues that early American natural historians developed a distinctly poetic sensibility that allowed them to imagine themselves as part of, and not apart from, their environment. He also demonstrates what happens to such inclusiveness in the hands of Harvard scientist-turned Amazonian explorer Louis Agassiz, whose racist pseudoscience appalled his student William James. This expanded, full-color edition of The Poetics of Natural History features a preface and art from award-winning artist Rosamond Purcell and invites the reader to be fully immersed in an era when the boundaries between literature, art, and science became fluid.Trade Review“Christoph Irmsche’s The Poetics of Natural History now joins such books as Pamela Regi’s Describing Early America (1992) and Margaret Welch’s The Book of Nature (1998) as a major contribution to our understanding of American natural history and its cultural value. Irmscher’s book, which covers the period from the rise of American botanical studies in the 1730s through the establishment of the Darwinian paradigm in the late 1860s, is distinguished by its scholarly breadth, extensive use of manuscript sources, and insightful interpretations of natural history illustrations and collections as well as written text. The Poetics of Natural History gracefully combines study of autodidacts such as John Bartram, professional naturalists such as Louis Agassiz, and popularizers of natural history such as P. T. Barnum. . . .The Poetics of Natural History is . . . an impressive accomplishment and a welcome addition to the growing body of solid critical studies of the cultural and literary significance of American natural history.” -- American Literature“A veritable dialectical tour de force of Linnean taxonomy, cultural history, literature, and self-conscious awareness of the artist creating the art work. . . . From discussing discrete pieces of nature (taxonomy) to lyrical narrative and meaning derived from the analysis of both, The Poetics of Natural History stands as a thorough study that confirms its own thesis as revealed in the title. Scholarly, witty, and articulate, it adds a seminal work to the genre.” -- South Atlantic Review“The Poetics of Natural History is a learned, leisurely, capacious book, elegantly written and beautifully produced with many black-and-white illustrations. Crammed with interesting, sometimes out-of-the-way information, it brings huge quantities of material into enlightening juxtapositions when a chapter on snakes encompasses antebellum herpetology, Edgar Allan Poe, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. The book is divided into two sections: the first discusses actual collections amassed by natural historians; the second deals with natural historians’ representations in words and images. . . . It is a joy to work through [Irmscher’s] thoughtful, close readings and provocative juxtapositions. Those interested in natural history, in natural history writing, or in antebellum American scientific culture will find The Poetics of Natural History a first-rate collection in its own right.” -- New England Review“The six chapters, essays really, discuss American natural history as a form of storytelling. . . . The claims of natural history merit their own larger study; Irmscher’s strengths lie with the tellers and their tales. For him, poetics are exercises of imagination, and his almost seamless text incorporates thousands of quotations from the uneven narratives of American natural history.” -- Journal of the History of Biology“Focusing his attention on nature’s nation between, roughly the Revolution and the end of the Civil War, Irmscher’s central concern is with the image of the naturalist who creates a collection and then puts himself into it.” -- American Studies“This remarkable study revives a brilliant, exciting body of American writing pre-Darwinian natural history and makes it central to any understanding of American history and culture. The Poetics of Natural History is scholarly, tough, but at the same time a wonderful read, making the case for the art of natural-history writing, while recognizing that behind that art was intense, disturbing, often violent experience. This book will make a difference.” -- George Levine * Darwin and the Novelists and Lifebirds *“The Poetics of Natural History is a learned and inventive study of natural history discourse in the 18th-and 19th-century United States, and will be of great interest to students of literary and cultural history, as well as historians of science and art.” -- Lawrence Buell * The Dream of the Great American Novel *"American natural history owes much to gifted amateurs who, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, traveled widely, collected willy-nilly, and then, back at home, devoted years to sorting through their collections and cataloging their contents--an enterprise that introduced scientific rigor into what had been a kind of hobby. So writes literary scholar Christoph Irmscher, who, in exploring the aesthetic aspects of American natural history, considers the careers of several early naturalists, including Charles Willson Peale, John Bartram, John James Audubon, Louis Agassiz, and, in an unlikely turn, the showman P.T. Barnum, who turned a penchant for collecting oddments of nature into an itinerant freak show. All of these, Irmscher writes, delighted in 'transforming relatively random assemblages of natural collectibles into works of art,' works that would in many instances form the foundations for what are today important collections. Among the many pleasant surprises in Irmscher's narrative is an account of an 1865 trip organized by Agassiz to the Amazon River. One of the participants was the young William James, who would later become a famed psychologist and who wrote admiringly of Agassiz's relentless energy in pursuit of scientific specimens while admitting, 'If there is anything I hate it is collecting.' Irmscher's elegant book will be of interest to historians of 19th-century science, and to general readers with a fondness for the work of the brilliant, often eccentric, amateurs of the past." -- Gregory McNamee * Amazon.com review *“As deep as it is dazzling, this beautiful book sets in fresh context a view of the world almost lost to us.” -- Andrea Barrett * Winner of the National Book Award for Ship Fever *"Christoph Irmscher’s remarkable intelligence and engaging style make The Poetics of Natural History a foundational work in the environmental humanities. No book has done more to illuminate the vital relationship between natural history and literary culture in America." -- Michael P. Branch * Rants from the Hill and How to Cuss in Western *"The first edition of Irmscher's magisterial study is a benchmark in critical interpretation of natural history. With this extraordinary new edition, enhanced by Rosamund Purcell’s photographs, it becomes a classic." -- Alan Braddock * Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment *" Arguably a classic in its field, this new edition of The Poetics of Natural History is unreservedly recommended as a core addition to community, college, and university library collections and supplemental studies lists." * Midwest Book Review *"Herpetologists and other naturalists interested in the history of their subject will want this book for the wealth of information it contains on perspectives of collecting and natural history in pre-Darwinian America...The book presents a most interesting history and literary analysis." * Bibliotheca Herpetologica *"This new edition of Irmscher’s classic text is an excellent example of the value of attention to small details, as well as the tapestry into which they are woven. The combination of stage-setting and specific detail gives an incredible sense of the richness of the world Irmscher presents." -- Megan Baumhammer * H-Net *Table of ContentsContents List of Illustrations List of Abbreviations Preface by Rosamond Purcell Introduction Part One Displaying 1. “America Transplanted”: John and William Bartram 2. Collection and Recollection: Charles Wilson Peale 3. Collecting Human Nature: P.T. Barnum Part Two Representing 1. The Power of Fascination 2. Audubon at Large 3. Agassiz Agonistes Notes Selected Bibliography Index
£35.70
Springer Nature Switzerland AG Euphorbia in Southern Africa: Volume 1
Book SynopsisThis book presents a new account of Euphorbia in southern Africa. Euphorbia is the second largest genus of plants in the world. Southern Africa enjoys a high diversity in Euphorbia and 170 species occur here naturally. Of these 170 species, 128 or 74% are endemic. Where most species of Euphorbia in the northern hemisphere are herbs or shrubs, most of those in southern African are succulent. These succulents range from small, almost geophytic forms where the tuber is larger than the above-ground parts to huge trees 6 to 15 m or more in height. Many of them are spiny. There are also small numbers of herbaceous species in southern Africa and many of these are also dealt with here. The last account of the succulent species for southern Africa was published in 1941 and much new data has accumulated since then. Our understanding of the relationships of the species in Euphorbia has also been greatly enhanced by recent analyses of DNA-data, which led to new and unexpected results. From this new information an entirely new classification was developed, in which Euphorbia was divided into four subgenera. This provides the taxonomic framework for the presentation of our species here. Around ten new species have been described and these are presented in detail for the first time. This monograph is made up of two volumes. Volume 1 contains an extensive introductory chapter with an overview of the genus in the region, emphasizing many of its important and distinctive features. This is followed by Chapter 2, which deals with subgenus Athymalus. Of the four subgenera, this one is by far the most diverse in southern Africa, with 80 species. Volume 2 contains Chapters 3 (subg. Chamaesyce, 34 species), 4 (subg. Esula, 11 species) and 5 (subg. Euphorbia, 45 species), as well as an additional Chapter 6 covering the remarkable diversity of subg. Euphorbia in Moçambique. Each of Chapters 2 to 5 includes a key to all the species, followed by an account of each of them. This account includes synonymy, a description, data on distribution and habitat, line-drawings of floral features and other diagnostic details, notes on how the species is distinguished from its closest relatives and a brief history of its discovery. Several colour photographs are included for each species, illustrating its habitat, vegetative habit and flowering features, demonstrating key points distinguishing it from others and often showing its variability. Euphorbia is an important component of the vegetation in many of the drier parts of southern Africa. This book is based on a thorough evaluation of the vast herbarium record for southern African members of Euphorbia, on the extensive field-work conducted in the region and the wide taxonomic experience of the author. It is believed that both the professional botanist and the layman will find much that is new and informative in this monograph.Table of Contents
£999.99
Springer International Publishing AG Quaternary Foraminifera of the Caspian-Black Sea-Mediterranean Corridors: Volume 1: Ponto-Caspian Foraminifera
Book SynopsisThis handbook in two volumes offers a heretofore unavailable compilation of detailed information on foraminifera of the Caspian-Black Sea-Mediterranean Corridors (“CORRIDORS”), including their taxonomy, ecology, and applications in the study of Quaternary stratigraphy, paleogeographic reconstruction, and environmental stress. This subject is significant in light of the ongoing debates regarding the Flood Hypotheses because foraminifera can provide more information about many of the disputed questions. Foraminifera are highly reliable paleoenvironmental indicators, ubiquitous in marine environments, and taxonomically diverse, which gives them the potential for a wide range of biological responses to varied environmental factors. Their tests are readily preserved and can record evidence of environmental change through time, thus providing historical baseline data even in the absence of background studies. This book presents taxonomic descriptions for about 500 species and subspecies from the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, Caspian Sea, Aral Sea, Sea of Marmara, and the Eastern Mediterranean. This catalogue is supplemented by ecological remarks, stratigraphic distributions, paleogeography, and environmental/paleoenvironmental applications, including responses to environmental stress, e.g., river discharge, pollution by different contaminants, etc. The book will be useful to specialists in Quaternary history of the “CORRIDORS” as well as those in environmental monitoring and risk assessment. This handbook offers detailed taxonomic descriptions of foraminifera from the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, Aral Sea (in Volume 1) and Eastern Mediterranean and Sea of Marmara (in Volume 2). Table of ContentsForeword.- Preface.- Introduction.- Acknowledgments.- Chapter 1. State-of-the-art.- Chapter 2. Study area, material and methods.- Chapter 3. Taxonomic classification of foraminifera.- Chapter 4. Modern foraminifera.- Chapter 5. Quaternary bio- and ecostratigraphy, with elements of paleogeography of the Ponto-Caspian Corridors.- Chapter 6. Origin and taxonomy of the Pleistocene Ponto-Caspian benthic foraminifera.- Chapter 7. Benthic foraminifera as indicators of environmental change in the Black Sea in space and time.- Chapter 8. Systematic part.- Conclusions.- Index.
£999.99
De Gruyter Nematoda
Book SynopsisThis section of the Handbook of Zoology is intended as a comprehensive and exhaustive account of the biology of the taxa Gastrotricha, Nematoda, Nematomorpha, Priapulida, Kinorhyncha, Loricifera, Gnathostomulida, Micrognathozoa, Rotifera, Seisonida and Acanthocephala, covering all relevant topics such as morphology, ecology, phylogeny and diversity. The series is intended to be a detailed and up-to-date account of these taxa. As was the case with the first edition, the Handbook is intended to serve as a reliable resource for decades. Many of the taxa of this volume are comparatively unknown to many biologists, despite their diversity and importance for example in meiofaunal communities (Gastrotricha, Rotifera, Gnathostomulida), their fascinating recent discoveries (Loricifera and Micrognathozoa), their importance as parasites (many nematodes, Nematomorpha, Acanthocephala) and their importance for evolutionary questions (e.g. Priapulida, Gastrotricha). The groups covered range from those poor in species (such as Micrognathozoa with 2 known species) to the species-rich and diverse Nematoda and their ca. 20.000 described species. While each taxon is covered by one chapter, nematodes are treated in several chapters dedicated to their structural, taxonomic and ecological diversity.
£356.03
de Gruyter Die Systematik der Hefen
Book Synopsis
£134.09
Scandinavian Science Press The Sesiidae (Lepidoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark
£999.99
Scandinavian Science Press The Auchenorrhyncha (Homoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark, Volume 3. Family Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae, Catalogue, Literature and Index
£999.99
Scandinavian Science Press The Auchenorrhyncha (Homoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark, Volume 1. Introduction, Infraorder Fulgoromorpha
£999.99
