Zoology: primates (primatology) Books

Book SynopsisDespite many encouraging developments in the field of animal-free technologies, well-defined animal models are still needed to study fundamental properties of human diseases and to develop new prophylactic and therapeutic treatments against human diseases. Non-human primates (NHP) make up only a small, but important, part of the total number of animals used in biomedical and preclinical research. Due to their close phylogenetic relationship and the shared susceptibility to many human diseases, NHP can provide important research models to study these diseases and, as such, play a critical role in the advancement of various areas in the medical field. Studies in NHP have contributed to our understanding of various diseases and fundamental biological phenomena and they continue to be important in the development of new therapies, treatments, drugs and vaccines. Moreover, NHP models also contribute to our general knowledge of the processes that underlie non-disease and disease conditions. Important areas where NHP can provide important information include (emerging) infectious diseases, organ transplantation, neurological and aging-related disorders. Although not covered in this book due to time constraints, the need for, and benefits of, NHP models has been demonstrated most recently in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The present book is the second of two volumes and covers important disease areas where NHP are used as model species. This volume includes different chapters on NHP models in infectious diseases, aging, neurodegenerative disorders, organ transplantation and cancer.Table of ContentsPreface; Viral Diseases in NHPs; NHP Models for Influenza; Modelling Malaria in Non-Human Primates between 1900 and 2020; Aging Research in Nonhuman Primates; Nonhuman Primate Models of Human Autoimmune Diseases; NHP Models in Neurodegenerative Disorders Research; Nonhuman Primate Models of Parkinsons Disease: Improvement in the Understanding of PD Progress and Development of Novel Therapy; Nonhuman Primate Models for Beta Cell Replacement in Diabetes Research; The Nonhuman Primate as a Unique Model to Understand the Pathogenesis of Human Endometriosis; Nonhuman Primate Models in Organ Transplantation; Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Models in Lung Transplantation; NHP Models of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases Research; NHP Models of Cancers; Index.

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Book Synopsis"The book is beautifully designed, and the contents are well organized and will be interesting to all.... An excellent text for a relevant course or a welcome addition to any home library. I recommend it very highly." — Science Books and Films. The Primate Family Tree is a beautiful and comprehensive resource on the subject of our animal relatives: apes, monkeys and lemurs. Readers will learn an abundance of facts, review recent research and conservation efforts and discover the remarkable characteristics shared by all primates, including humans. The book is structured according to the four main branches of the primate family tree and contains expert information on the natural history, characteristics and behaviour of over 250 species, along with maps showing the ranges of each species. Some of the topics covered are: The definition of a primate; Darwin’s big idea, anthropological theories, DNA; The structure of the primate family tree; Distribution of species, including lorises and lemurs; Diet, habitat, life cycles, social structure, communication; Primate emotions; Primates as 'gardeners of the forest'; Issues involving conservation, bush meat, civil war, habitat loss; Primate tourism: does it help or hurt? With its authoritative text, colour photographs taken in the field, range maps and classification diagrams, The Primate Family Tree is an outstanding reference on a subject of vital importance to all humans.Trade ReviewThe book is beautifully designed, and the contents are well organized and will be interesting to all. . . . An excellent text for a relevant course or a welcome addition to any home library. I recommend it very highly.-- (04/01/2009) This beautiful and data-filled book is a valuable resource that could profitably be on the shelf of anyone--professional, student, or tourist--with an interest in living primates.-- (03/01/2009) Redmond, who studied gorillas with Dian Fossey and now works to protect the great apes, presents a guide to the 270-odd species of primates in this beautifully illustrated guide to our kin.--Nancy Bent"Booklist" (12/15/2008)

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Book SynopsisEmotional Stress in Monkeys

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Book SynopsisBonobos have captured the public imagination in recent years, due not least to their famously active sex lives. Less well known is the fact that these great apes don't kill their own kind, and that they share nearly 99% of our DNA. Their approach to building peaceful coalitions and sharing resources has much to teach us, particularly at a time when our violent ways have pushed them to the brink of extinction. Animated by a desire to understand bonobos and learn how to save them, acclaimed author Deni Ellis Bechard traveled into the Congo. Of Bonobos and Men is the account of this journey. Along the way, we see how partnerships between Congolese and Westerners, with few resources but a common purpose and respect for indigenous knowledge, have resulted in the protection of vast swaths of the rainforest. And we discover how small solutions--found through openness, humility, and the principle that "poverty does not equal ignorance"--are often most effective in tackling our biggest challenges. Combining elements of travelogue, journalism, and natural history, this incomparably rich book takes the reader not only deep into the Congo, but also into our past and future, revealing new ways to save the environment and ourselves.Trade Review"Intelligent, engaged, astonishingly perceptive."--Dinaw Mengestu "A seed of hope in our time's garden of despair."--Dale Peterson "This adventure reveals not a heart of darkness but a rich world of light, shade, and imperiled life, a connection between the human and the great circle of being."--James Engell

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Book SynopsisPrimates use four major modes of communication (i.e., visual, olfactory, tactile and vocal), and the ways they communicate depend on restrictions imposed by their habits and habitats. This book discusses past, current and potential future research in the wild and captivity, addressing some of the key questions in primate bioacoustics, identifying gaps in our knowledge, and also describing basic methods and equipment used in the study of primate bioacoustics. Also investigated are the changes of circadian rhythm of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in non-human primates under stress and during ageing. This book presents data collected from gibbons in a sanctuary, a rehabilitation centre and also the wild highlighting the development of social skills and cognitive abilities. In addition, one of the dominant research areas in behavioural primatology pertains to assessments of the cognitive capacities of various non-human primate species. This book outlines studies that compare different methodologies and how those methodologies might contribute to differential learning and cognitive performance. Other chapters in this book examine the cognitive differences between humans and apes, review a powerful experimental methodology to determine the most likely acquisition modes responsible for primate "cultural" patterns, estimate home range use, activity patterns, and diet in woolly monkeys, and discuss the researchers role in preventing disease transmission between humans and apes.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the classification, evolution and behaviour of primates. Topics discussed in this compilation include the analysis of the attachments, relative weights, and innervation of the lower limb muscles of various apes and modern humans; Alzheimer pathology in non-human primates and its pathophysiological implications; the evolutionary transformations and adaptations related to the different locomotor modes developed by hylobatids, orang-utans, gorillas, chimpanzees and modern humans; neurobiological correlates of behavioural and cognitive performance in non-human primates; and assessing the cognitive capacities of various non-human primate species.

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Book SynopsisWithin the Colobinae, the genera Rhinopithecus (snub-nosed monkeys), Pygathrix (douc langurs) and Nasalis (proboscis monkeys and simakobus) are informally grouped as the odd-nosed monkeys. While these genera comprise an eclectic mix featuring remarkable natural histories, this ecologically diverse group previously received little attention from the scientific community. In the last decade, however, a plethora of new and exciting research has occurred on these understudied colobines. In this book, we present a summary and synthesis of this new knowledge, looking to compare across taxa and scientific disciplines and generate in-depth discussion of what odd-nosed monkeys can tell us about the unity and diversity of the primates as a whole. This review follows the central themes of primatology and covers topics as diverse as taxonomy and phylogeny, functional morphology, spatial and dietary ecology, activity patterns, social organisation, life histories and ends with an overview of the conservation status of these enthralling and endangered primates.

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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 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 SynopsisA ground-breaking look at gender and sex from the world's leading primatologist and New York Times bestselling author of Are We Smart Enough To Know How Smart Animals Are? 'Brilliant and fascinating... brings a scientific, compassionate and balanced approach to some of the hottest controversies about sex and gender' Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens, Homo Deus and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century How different are the sexes? Is gender uniquely human? Where does gender identity originate? Drawing on decades of observing our closest living relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos, world-renowned primatologist Frans de Waal explores what we know of biological sex differences and of the role of culture and socialization. From maternal and paternal behaviour to sexual orientation, gender identity, and the limitations of the gender binary, de Waal analyses our shared evolutionary history with the apes, considering what is similar and what sets us apart. Male and female networking groups, sexual signals, the existence of gender non-conforming individuals, and maternal bonds are observed in primate societies, but humans stand apart in the development of nuclear families, the prevalence of sexual violence, and joint parental care. With expert insight and engaging storytelling, de Waal not only sets right gendered biases in the scientific community, but delivers a fresh and thought-provoking understanding of the behavioural norms and the many remarkable potentials of the human species. 'A breath of fresh air...Fascinating, nuanced and very timely' Rutger Bregman, author of Humankind and Utopia for RealistsTrade ReviewA brilliant and fascinating book that brings a scientific, compassionate and balanced approach to some of the hottest controversies about sex and gender -- Yuval Noah HarariEvery new book by Frans de Waal is a cause for excitement, and this one is no different. A breath of fresh air in the cramped debate about the differences between men and women. Fascinating, nuanced and very timely. -- Rutger Bregman, author of HumankindSuperb... These pages are packed with great stories, fascinating data, and thought-provoking ideas. They are sure to spark the important conversations we all-male and female, queer and straight, trans and nonbinary-need to have to create a more just and equitable human society -- Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an OctopusIf you don't know your bonobo from your gibbon, Different has many surprises in store for you, surprises that will leave you humble about complex primate evolution has been, and how much we have yet to learn about how it shapes our lives * New York Times *This enlightened book looks at the emergent arguments in gender studies. Moving with fluidity and grace between animal and human models, Frans de Waal demonstrates how many common social prejudices that we deem "natural" are in fact anything but. His crisp writing, his skillful deployment of anecdote, and his deep knowledge of animal science inform this nuanced and profound consideration not only of difference, but also of sameness -- Andrew Solomon, author of Far From the Tree and The Noonday DemonFrans de Waal's DIFFERENT brings a refreshingly calm biological perspective to the current debate around human gender differences. -- Desmond Morris, author of The Naked ApeWith great clarity, insight, and wit, [de Waal] examines human sex differences, never once letting us forget that, at the end of the day, we are just another kind of primate. This is a superb, intensely stimulating read -- Robert M. Sapolsky, author of Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst[De Waal uses] a gift for story-telling, a sincere respect for culture, along with intimate knowledge of longtime bonobo and chimpanzee associates, to deftly negotiate this treacherous terrain. Wise and humane -- Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, author of The Woman that Never EvolvedCourageous... Quietly progressive... Offer[s] fascinating insights -- Kathleen Stock * The Times *Frans de Waal's magnum opus... [He] remove[s] the blinkers, and [his] readers will never see the world the same way again * TLS *A testament to de Waal's profound and sensitive understanding of our nearest evolutionary relatives -- Angela Saini * Lancet Journal *Very interesting: de Waal's often highly personal encounters with chimps and bonobos are fascinating... he is equally good on the blind spots of science and psychology * Tablet *

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Book SynopsisIllustrated with 200 outstanding photographs, Dangerous Animals presents an in-depth look at the natural world’s most deadly creatures, from poisonous spiders and sea snakes to aggressive lions and man-eating sharks. The selection spans a broad spectrum of wildlife, from large carnivores such as the grizzly bear and great white shark to smaller but equally deadly predators such as the black widow spider and puff adder. Each world habitat is covered, with examples carefully drawn from every region of the planet – from the majestic lion of the African plains and the polar bear of the arctic wastes, to the Komodo dragon of South-east Asia, whose saliva carries poisonous bacteria that can kill a person in hours. Featuring around 100 species, each photographic entry is supported with a fascinating caption, explaining how the animal manages to be so deadly. Beautifully presented, this accessible book is a wonderful introduction to some of the planet’s fiercest – or just most poisonous – creatures.Table of ContentsContents include Introduction AFRICA Fat-Tailed Scorpion African Elephant Cheetah Chimpanzee Hippopotamus Lion Locust Nile Crocodile Puff Adder ASIA Asiatic Black Bear Bengal Tiger King Cobra Komodo Dragon Leopard Reticulated Python Mongoose AUSTRALASIA Green Tree Python Frilled Lizard Quoll Leopard Seal Saltwater Crocodile Tasmanian Devil Wolf Spider NORTH AMERICA Alligator Gila Monster Grizzly Bear Mexican Red-Kneed Spider Polar Bear Puma Western Diamond Rattlesnake Wolverine SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA Green Anaconda Jaguar Maned Wolf Piranha Strawberry Poison-Arrow Frog EUROPE Badger Black Rat Grey Wolf Lammergeier Pike Siberian Tiger Wild Boar THE WORLD’S OCEANS Blue-Ringed Octopus Great White Shark Orca Portuguese Man-of-War Puffer Fish Sea Snake Stingray

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Book SynopsisColombia is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world: although it takes up slightly less than one percent of the Earth's surface, it is home to approximately ten percent of the world's plants and animals, including a diversity of primate species that is only superseded by Brazil and Peru in number. This vibrantly illustrated field guide is the result of field work conducted on Colombian primates both in and out of the country. The volume illustrates and describes twenty-eight primate species comprising forty-three taxa, of which fifteen taxa are only found in Colombia. The field guide also includes comprehensive chapters on primate classification, fossil history, and conservation, and each is augmented by numerous drawings, photographs, and maps. Primates of Colombia will be an invaluable resource for primatologists and naturalists alike.

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Book SynopsisThe scientific consensus is that our ability to understand human speech has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years. After all, there are whole portions of the brain devoted to human speech. We learn to understand speech before we can even walk, and can seamlessly absorb enormous amounts of information simply by hearing it. Surely we evolved this capability over thousands of generations. Or did we? Portions of the human brain are also devoted to reading. Children learn to read at a very young age and can seamlessly absorb information even more quickly through reading than through hearing. We know that we didn't evolve to read because reading is only a few thousand years old. In Harnessed, cognitive scientist Mark Changizi demonstrates that human speech has been very specifically "designed" to harness the sounds of nature, sounds we've evolved over millions of years to readily understand. Long before humans evolved, mammals have learned to interpret the sounds of nature to understand both threats and opportunities. Our speech--regardless of language--is very clearly based on the sounds of nature. Even more fascinating, Changizi shows that music itself is based on natural sounds. Music--seemingly one of the most human of inventions--is literally built on sounds and patterns of sound that have existed since the beginning of time. From Library Journal: "Many scientists believe that the human brain's capacity for language is innate, that the brain is actually "hard-wired" for this higher-level functionality. But theoretical neurobiologist Changizi (director of human cognition, 2AI Labs; The Vision Revolution) brilliantly challenges this view, claiming that language (and music) are neither innate nor instinctual to the brain but evolved culturally to take advantage of what the most ancient aspect of our brain does best: process the sounds of nature ...it will certainly intrigue evolutionary biologists, linguists, and cultural anthropologists and is strongly recommended for libraries that have Changizi's previous book." From Forbes: "In his latest book, Harnessed, neuroscientist Mark Changizi manages to accomplish the extraordinary: he says something compellingly new about evolution...Instead of tackling evolution from the usual position and become mired in the usual arguments, he focuses on one aspect of the larger story so central to who we are, it may very well overshadow all others except the origin of life itself: communication. "Trade Review"...this remarkable book...promises to revolutionize thinking about what separates us from apes." - Daniel Simons, author of The Invisible Gorilla "...builds a compelling case, and his wry style of storytelling makes for an entertaining read." - Discover Magazine ...brilliantly challenges...view...that the human brain's capacity for language [and music] is innate..." - Cynthia Knight, Library Journal ...makes a persuasive case in this fascinating volume." - New Scientist "...simple but striking premise to show how language and music...harness our brains." - The Scientist ...this book might hold the key to one of humanity's longstanding mysteries..." - Stanislas Dehaene, author of Reading in the Brain

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Book SynopsisSir Stamford Raffles came across an unnamed new species in 1821 when he was documenting natural history in Singapore. This elusive primate, the Raffles' banded langur, was later named after him. This book is a one-stop resource for everything we know about the critically endangered primate that is only found in Singapore and Malaysia, including its distribution, diet, family structure, infant development, threats and conservation. The Raffles' banded langur is a large but slender-bodied monkey with black fur and white bands, while the infants are born with white fur and black bands. Exclusive high-quality photographs of the langurs are featured with family trees illustrating individually-named langurs. Interesting anecdotes about their personalities and behaviours are narrated. Living high up in the tree canopy, they eat a variety of local produce and exotic plants, from the red, juicy rambutans, stinky petai beans, to leafy angsana, perfumed wild cinnamon flowers and large sea almond fruits. This book showcases the diverse habitats of the Raffles' banded langurs, bringing us from the freshwater swamp forest in Singapore to the steep slopes of Gunung Lambak and the primary rainforests of Endau Rompin National Park in Johor, Malaysia. The book also highlights the cross-border conservation efforts and future plans to safeguard the long-term survival of the Raffles' banded langur, and promotes a better understanding and appreciation of our shared natural heritage.

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