Zoology and animal sciences Books

Book SynopsisBats are flying mammals in the order Chiroptera. The forelimbs of bats are webbed and developed as wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biology, behavior and conservation of bats. Topics discussed in this compilation include: chiroptophobia (the fear of bats); the reproductive biology of male bats; bats and rabies in Brazil; postnatal development, wing morphology and flight performance of the short-nosed fruit bat; hematophagous bats; prolonged sperm storage in bats and metabolic adaptations in frugivorous bats.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the biology, behaviours and disorders of monkeys. Topics discussed include the use of non-human primates in biogerontology; cognitive correlates of communication in primates; effects of the adverse rearing experience on the organisation of the brain and behaviour among non-human primates; parent-infant relationships in Marmosets; planning abilities of monkeys; neuropeptides in the monkey brainstem and developmental neuronal toxicity and the Rhesus monkey.

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Book SynopsisThe role of cognitive memory in "becoming" of the complexly organised systems is briefly considered from the viewpoint of the general systems theory; the role of Georgian neurophysiologists in emphasising cognitive aspects of memory role in animal behaviour is underlined. The existence of the "one-trial" non-spatial visual recognition memory in cats, as representatives of carnivores with poorly developed vision, is established; it is shown that analogously to primates and rodents in cats the so called rhinal cortex plays a major role in mediating this type of visual cognitive memory. It is shown that in cats, similarly to primates and rodents, parahippocampal cortex (with possible inclusion in this system of the subicular complex) is responsible for visuospatial memory. This book examines the aspects of cognitive visual memory in cats.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents topical research in the study of horses, including recent advances in equine herpes virus 4 genetics using BAC technology; selective breeding in horses; the sexual interference behaviour in a managed herd of Sorraia horses; the management of wild horses with porcine zona pellucida; pathogen inactivation during horse manure composting; horse and human personalities; as well as horse identification and parentage control.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of various studies in animal science. Topics discussed herein include the developmental expression profile of cockroach genes; zooplankton composition in an estuarine area; non-invasive methods of DNA sampling; morphology and distribution of four pill millipedes; and immunotoxicity of azadirachtin in freshwater Mussel.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents topical research in the study of the biology, behaviour and health disorders of cats. Topics discussed include the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in cats; development of the cat sympathetic ganglia in postnatal ontogenesis; feline perioperative analgesia; streptococcal disease as an emerging pathogen of cats; feline endometrial adnenocarcinoma; and non-spatial visual recognition memory in cats.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of various biological and ecological studies in animal science, including their embryology, evolution, classification, habitats and distribution. Topics discussed herein include the aphid behaviour in a multitrophic environment; mechanisms determining benthic adult distributions of estuarine and coastal crabs; feeding ecology of the pig-tailed macaques; adult neurogenesis in primates; and visceral adiposity and splanchnic organ mass in non-pregnant dry Holstein cows.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of various biological and ecological studies in animal science, including their embryology, evolution, classification, habitats and distribution. Topics discussed herein include cod aquaculture; the evolutionary history and habitats of the caucasian rock lizard; neuronal plasticity in the lizard brain; the house dust mite and allergic airway inflammation in asthma; special characteristics of the formation of population structure in Pacific cod and novel methodologies to assess metabolic changes of Atlantic cod (gadus Morhua) larvae in response to environmental factors.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors gather and present current research in the study of the behaviour, classification and diseases relating to the feline species. Topics discussed in this compilation include the use of Type 1 interferon for treating feline retrovirosis; new advances in the diagnosis, epizootiology and taxonomy of feline piroplasmids; feline hepatozoonosis and the resurrection of hepatozoon felis; the role of cats in toxoplasma gondii infection; and the therapeutic effect of melatonin in feline uveitis.

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Book SynopsisSymbiosis refers to the biological interaction between two organisms or species, living in close association. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the evolution, biology and ecological effects of symbiosis. Topics discussed include the evolution of arbuscular mycorrhiza; legume properties and symbiosis; sea anemones and hermit crab symbiosis in temperate seas; the agronomic and ecological importance between legumes and rhizobia; the behavioural, physiological and ecological effects of organisms in symbiotic associations; and a neuronal model with symbiotic interactions.

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Book SynopsisOmega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have been part of the human diet since the beginning of mankind. With the recent discovery of the tremendous health benefits provided by fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); a growing progress is occurring in understanding their biological functions and mode of action as well as the introduction of EPA-enriched value-added foods and nutraceuticals. This book discusses the sources, health effects and role in disease prevention of EPA. Topics include the eicosapentaenoic acid role in bone metabolism, malignant diseases, mental health, and reducing coronary heart disease; identification and characterization of n-6 and n-3 fatty acid desaturase and elongase from acanthopagrus shlegelii; fractionation and concentration of omega-3 by molecular distillation; and combined supplmentation with EPA-rich fish oil and phytosterols can improve plasma lipid profile and c-reactive protein in hyperlipidemia.

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Book SynopsisThe neotropical ecoregion consisting of South America, Central America, Southern Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Southern Florida, has long been considered an area rich in mammalian diversity and one that contains some of the world''s iconic carnivores such as the Jaguar and Puma. These, and other carnivores represent the highest trophic levels within neotropical areas and as keystone species, can markedly alter omnivore and herbivore mammalian communities and indirectly, plant communities. Unfortunately, due to human population pressures, many neotropical areas and the mammals within them are increasingly at risk. This problem is compounded by the lack of current genetics, evolutionary biology and conservation data of these critical carnivores available to conservation biologists at the forefront of trying to preserve and protect these imperiled geographical areas. This book helps to meet these shortcomings by providing contributions from 60 of the world''s leading scientists in the area of neotropical carnivores. The first section of the book covers molecular population genetics and phylogeography of diverse neotropical carnivores such as otters, coatis and other Mustelidae and Procyonidae, wild cats (jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarondi, Pampas cat, and Andean cat) and the Andean bear. Significant sections of the book are also devoted to the topics of reproduction, geometric morphometrics of wild canids and a complete paleontological view of the evolution of all neotropical carnivore groups. Furthermore, the book contains several chapters on the conservation details and varying cultural perspectives regarding the two larger and more mythical neotropical carnivores, the jaguar and the Andean bear, which together, are the paradigm for the conservation programs in Central and South America.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors discuss the structure, ecology and life cycle of crustaceans. Topics include the structure, development and evolution of crustacean eyes; the effect of gamma radiation on the extraction of chitosan from the exoskeleton of crustaceans; lipid transport and metabolism in crustaceans; and soft-bottom crustacean assemblages influenced by anthropogenic activities in the Arabian Gulf.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of various biological and ecological studies in animal science, including their embryology, evolution, classification, habitats and distribution. Topics discussed herein include the prophenoloxidase system in insects; cloacae, cloacal glands and female sperm storage in giant salamanders; anxiety, aggression and social behaviour in zebrafish; the shifting and transition mode of vertebrate genome evolution; fish lectins; nutritional consequences of extreme sexual size dimorphism; feeding behaviour of herbivores in rocky outcrops of north-western Patagonia; the morpho-physiology of the brown dog tick; vertebrate biodiversity and its relationship to peptide hormone evolution; classification of dinosaurs from the anatomical viewpoint; allergen exposure and the development of insect bite hypersensitivity in horses.

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Book SynopsisMussel is the common name used for members of several families of bivalvia mollusca, from saltwater and freshwater habitats. Mussels are economically and ecologically important as they play a key role in aquatic environments and are considered to be "ecosystem engineers." In this book, the authors discuss the ecology, life habits and control of mussels. Topics include native and invasive mussels; paralytic shellfish toxins and lipophilic toxins and their interaction with the habitat of mussels in the South Pacific Ocean; mussels as a tool to monitor pollution; bioenergetic model predictions of actual growth and allometric transitions during ontogeny of juvenile blue mussels; the synthesis of vitellogenin in the mussel mytilus galloprovincialis; the Brachidontes solisiannus mussel and its re-colonisation dynamics on a sandstone reef at Pernambuco, Brazil; and mussel farms in the Gulf of Naples.

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Book SynopsisSocial behaviour has broad implications for the survival and reproduction of an organism. Social behaviours often reflect rather complex mechanisms. Through a variety of interactions, individuals establish social relationships (dominant/subordinate, friend/foe, potential mate/mating partner, kin/non-kin). In some cases this may require aggressive physical altercations and more passive interactions such as ritualistic competitions, behavioural sequences, behavioural postures, and other forms of signalling. Social interactions are dependent on context and environmental influences. Understanding the functional significance and mechanisms driving various social behaviours will require empirical comparative studies with careful consideration of environmental factors. This book provides information on the idea of social behaviour in different animals being affected by evolution and the environment.

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Book SynopsisThere are several questions requiring attention for rearing horses. By providing appropriate care during early ages, important injuries such as lameness or musculoskeletal damage can be avoided, which becomes of capital importance especially among competition horses. In recent years, there has been an increasing body of evidence that the early rearing environment, in particular access to exercise, can have a positive effect on stimulating the musculoskeletal system and priming the tissue for the future demands it will face in the competition arena. Due to different reasons, such as their participation in competitions or exhibition, sales or pleasure, horses are transported from one location to another. Transportation could be a physical and psychological stressor for horses, contributing to the development of some diseases, thus the effects of transportation on performance and welfare should be appropriately taken into account.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a collection of fascinating contributions from research experts around the world and their studies on monkeys, their brains, behaviours, endocrinology, diseases that pose potential threats to our species and the evolution of hormonal genes. If "humans are like onions -- made of layers", as said by the character in the movie Shrek, monkeys are perhaps made of the same layers, except for the outermost. Thus, we share most of our genetics, physiology and pathology with them, in addition to our behaviour and social conduct. These great similarities, particularly in metabolic aspects, are thoroughly documented by the authors that close the book which describes the baboon as just an experimental animal model used to discover the genetic and hormonal alterations behind the appearance of those chronic diseases that have become a pandemic. The authors dealing with the brain development subject make the point that, given the position that non-human primates (NHP) occupy within the evolutionary tree, and as the closest phylogenetic species to humans, the rhesus monkeys constitute an ideal animal model for the study of fundamental neural mechanisms occurring throughout the developmental and maturation phases of life; from the neonatal to senile stages.

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Book SynopsisThe relationships between humans and aquatic mammals in the Neotropics has been important since archaic times in the American continent, but also varied across time and space, a fact taken on by this publication. In this book, the chapters were written by experts in the field of zooarchaeology, environmental archaeology and conservation biology and different lines of evidence and research questions are used to offer an archaeological approach to these long term relationships. One of the aims of this book is to discuss research questions, methodologies and results pursued and obtained across the different Neotropical regions. The range of variations in the zooarchaeological evidences that result from the aquatic mammal exploitation across time and space still cannot be clearly defined, and the book''s chapters show clearly that different archaeological expectations on this matter seem to be linked to the ecological properties and internal subdivisions of the Neotropical region. Thus, the book leads the reader to consider the different ways humans impacted on aquatic mammal populations in both, the prehistoric and historic past. For that reason, we believe that the archaeological data can contribute to deepen the knowledge about the natural history of the Neotropical aquatic mammals, eventually even helping to evaluate the ecological status of aquatic mammals in different areas of this region.

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Book SynopsisThe evolution to multicellular organisms determined the appearance of more sophisticated and specialized systems for the different physiologies like integumentary, respiration, digestion, excretion, circulatory, reproduction, skeletal and the nervous system. In the line of chordate evolution, advent of tetrapods have triggered the events leading to only partial dependence on water for physiological activities. The inconstant environment in which animals lives largely determine and guides the way animal physiology evolves. This directs the anatomical and morphological changes in the organism that translates into varied and diverse physiological process. This book describes the transition of life from aquatic to terrestrial habitat that brings about changes in feeding habit and subsequent anatomical and morphological changes in the digestive tract. Similar transition also guides modifications in urino-genital system due to demands of removing ammonia/urea or uric acid as excretory waste. The author of this book further explores the evolution of tetrapods as one major event in the evolutionary history of chordates in addition to adaptive radiation. This has transformed the locomotion from Fins'' to Feet''. Demands of terrestrial life also means metabolism and energy requirements has to be met for which circulatory system was modified to incorporate more chambers and double circulation for warm bloodedness and increased metabolism to meet the energy requirements of life on land. Subsequently, as explored in the book, different organ systems underwent modification in organization to work together the best physiological adaptations to sustain life on earth.

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Book SynopsisThis book is structured into eight chapters, starting from introductory chapters throwing light on basic evolutionary principles to different aspects of chordate evolution. This book is written to accommodate the needs of diverse readers that range from undergraduate and postgraduate students to research scholars. This book spans diverse but related disciplines that range from morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, evolution and diversity and has updates from the latest in chordate research.

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Book SynopsisVisual signals that are designed for effective communication are complex. Over the years, researchers interested in the study of animal communication have employed various artificial stimuli during behavioural experiments to precisely control what the observers get to see or experience. These diverse techniques to stage animal interactions have offered an alternative to the traditional experimental methods relying on the use of live companions or demonstrators. This book begins with a discussion on computer-animated stimuli to investigate visual communication in lizards. It then discusses the pretend play in signing chimpanzees; the evolution of TRP channels as mediators of pheromone signalling; and the role of cuticular hydrocarbon-based chemical communication in prezygotic reproductive isolation.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on recent advances in animal science and zoology research. In the first chapter, animal science is introduced along with major hurdles related to animal agriculture and then proposes a solution for these grand challenges on a global scale. In the second chapter, the author focuses on canine leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, which affects both humans and animals with humans being an accidental host. The third chapter assesses the outcomes of current research and future directions for improving post-thaw viability of stallion sperm (since the first success of mammalian cell cryopreservation, it has become a major method of cell preservation for both human and veterinary medicine). The fourth chapter focuses on the evaluation of all main hematological, biochemical, and coproparasitologic changes, besides larval designation found within pastures of Dorper breed sheeps and females through peripartum. In the fifth chapter, in the search for new food sources that contribute to the optimisation of livestock production, the authors discuss the possibility of using waste from a marine plant commonly found on the Mediterranean coasts. The next two chapters focus on penguin physiology, behavior as well as the identification of viruses capable of infecting both free-living healthy penguins, and the pathogens that may be related to the release of rehabilitated penguins and the implication of these agents in the conservation of the species. The remaining chapters of this book review current knowledge on the intra and inter-species behavior of Turkey vultures; molecular mechanisms operating in the Xenopus osmoregulatory organs and the physiological role of AQPs in Xenopus; and the impact of extended drought on the reproductive cycle of an endangered tropical killifish in the Brazilian semiarid region. The last chapter is a commentary on the the use of field sampling techniques and computerised video tracking in the study of directional grasshopper movement, influenced by climatic stimuli such as temperature, light, wind direction and habitat factors.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of recent advances in animal science and zoology research. Chapters included in this volume: Biomarkers of Thermal Adaptation: New Tools in Sustainable Livestock Production under Climate Change; studies of spatial ecology of mammals in which non-invasive methods were used (including mapping of scats, latrines, snow-tracking, scent stations, collecting feces and using remote cameras); the geographic distribution, general characteristics, social organization, communication, eating habits, behavior and illegal trade of Capuchin monkeys; data about helminths endoparasites of Brazilian bats as well as their hosts and infection sites; the obligate intracellular parasite that infects mononuclear leukocytes; key clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic methods for cryptosporidiosis in birds; a presentation of the main habitats where sand flies can be found in some of Brazil''s leishmaniasis-endemic regions; a discussion on the morphophysiology of tarantula spider hemolytes and bioactive molecules isolated from hemocytes and hemolymph; the results of studies on cryptosporidiosis in reptiles and their importance to veterinary medicine and public health; recent zooarchaeological data from several sites of the northern Maya area; the importance of water sources in the epidemiology of certain protozoans and the preservation of animal genetic resources, by obtaining insemination doses of semen free of reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) from three genetically valuable lines of boars.

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Book SynopsisSince early on in the development of wind-energy production, concerns have arisen about the potential impacts of turbines to wildlife; these concerns have especially focused on the mortality of birds. Structural changes and improved turbine design have been instrumental in reducing mortality in birds. Despite the improvements to turbines that have resulted in reduced mortality of birds, there is clear evidence that bat mortality at wind turbines is of far greater conservation concern. Larger and taller turbines actually seem to be causing increased fatalities of bats. Numerous research opportunities exist that pertain to issues such as identifying the best and worst placement of sites for turbines; and mitigation strategies that would minimise impacts to wildlife (birds and bats). This book focuses on refereed journal publications and theses about bats and wind-energy development in North America.

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Book SynopsisThe relationships between humans and aquatic mammals in the Neotropics has been important since archaic times in the American continent, but also varied across time and space, a fact taken on by this publication. In this book, the chapters were written by experts in the field of zooarchaeology, environmental archaeology and conservation biology and different lines of evidence and research questions are used to offer an archaeological approach to these long term relationships. One of the aims of this book is to discuss research questions, methodologies and results pursued and obtained across the different Neotropical regions. The range of variations in the zooarchaeological evidences that result from the aquatic mammal exploitation across time and space still cannot be clearly defined, and the book''s chapters show clearly that different archaeological expectations on this matter seem to be linked to the ecological properties and internal subdivisions of the Neotropical region. Thus, the book leads the reader to consider the different ways humans impacted on aquatic mammal populations in both, the prehistoric and historic past. For that reason, we believe that the archeological data can contribute to deepen the knowledge about the natural history of the Neotropical aquatic mammals, eventually even helping to evaluate the ecological status of aquatic mammals in different areas of this region.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides research on the threats and conservation of endangered species. Chapter One reviews the causes of extinction, the possibilities of persistence in colonised sites, as well as the proposed method of conservation of populations of selected rare plant species such as Dianthus superbus L., Gentiana pneumonanthe L., Gladiolus imbricatus L., Iris sibirica L. as well as Trollius europaeus L. Chapter Two provides an example of the use of multivariate analyses of morphological characters and DNA analyses for assessing the taxonomic ranking of rare plant taxa. Chapter Three offers a synthetic, state-of-the-art analysis of the existing knowledge around magnolias, including their biogeographic origin, the distribution and number of magnolia species, their current and potential uses in medicine and biochemistry, the ecology of seeds and of successful pre-germinate treatments, the regeneration and restructuring of populations, and a revision of the genetic diversity of magnolia species. Chapter Four examines a case study of Cycas hainanensis, an endangered cycad species.

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Book SynopsisThe Neotropics contains the greatest abundance and diversity of primate species of any bio-region in the world. They make up an impressive and varied assemblage of species, from the small pigmy marmoset weighing one hundred grams, to the woolly spider monkey tipping the scale at 10-14 kg. Some in the group, such as the bearded capuchin, show signs of high intelligence evidenced by their use of primitive tools to open nuts and fruit, and many of these species are flagships whose very presence is crucial for the dispersal of seeds and maintenance of primary forests. Unfortunately, a large percentage of Neotropical primate species are threatened or endangered due to various anthropogenic activities including deforestation, illegal hunting, illegal wildlife trade, mining, and road construction. Moreover, there is a general paucity of data of this group because their habitats can be difficult to access and the sheer expansiveness of the Neotropical area. In this book, the authors present new research findings from sixty of the worlds leading Neotropical primate scientists in order to bridge this information gap. Specifically, the authors provide up-to-date biological, molecular, conservation, and phylogenic information on many of these poorly understood, yet amazing creatures. It is the authors intention that this new information will be used as a resource by the novice and professional alike in order to improve societys understanding of Neotropical primates and to help protect them long into the future.

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Book SynopsisThis volume includes seven chapters, each of which detail recent advancements in animal science and zoology. Chapter One reviews the available literature on the behavioural aspects of the pest Bemisia tabaci. Chapter Two describes the similarities between canine and human lymphoma. Chapter Three discusses the diversity, threats, and behaviour of freshwater fish with particular reference to Indonesia. Chapter Four studies endocrine and enzymatic functions on complex behaviour of freshwater fishes. Chapter Five deals with the behaviour of fish reproduction and examines the effects of exposure to endocrine disruptors on fish behaviour. Chapter Six focuses on lower urinary tract disease in guinea pigs. Finally, Chapter Seven includes a study of helminth fauna found in 26 specimens of Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillate.

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Book SynopsisRocky Mountain Animal Tracks will help you identify tracks of all shapes and sizes, from the Grizzly Bear to the Deer Mouse. This book is perfect for children, teachers, parents, backwoods explorers and naturalists: * Excellent illustrations of the animals * Detailed drawings of fore and hind prints * Stride patterns * Easy track identification * Animal behavior.

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Book SynopsisWashington and Oregon abound with many species of animals and this book will help you identify their tracks. Concise descriptions of the animals and their tracks are combined with detailed drawings of the front and back prints, stride patterns and other important identifying aspects. A perfect guide for teachers, parents, hikers and urban adventurers.

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Book SynopsisConcise descriptions of the animals and their tracks are combined with detailed drawings of the front and back prints, stride patterns and other important identifying aspects. A perfect guide for teachers, parents, hikers and urban explorers.

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