Description
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 l
Trade 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction and Methods
The Interplay between Ecological and Phylogenetic Causation
Definitions
Size Estimation
Analytical Methods
Chapter 2. What Are Lizards?
Composition
Morphology
Sexually Differing Traits
Geography
Activity
Reproduction
Diet
Populations
The Modal Lizard
Chapter 3. Linkages
Methods Unique to This Chapter
Mass
Morphology
Sexual Size Dimorphism
Color
Diet
Foraging
Time of Day (Diel Activity)
Predator Concealment Tactics
Microhabitat
Reproduction Allocation
Islands
Longevity
Population Density/Biomass
Introductions
Imperiled Lizards
Next Steps
Chapter 4. Ecological Business Models
Crack Hermit
Diurnal Canopy Walker
Giant Herbivore
Glider
Ground-foraging Tree Lizard
Immobility Expert
Litter Cryptozoid
Nocturnal Canopy Walker
Nocturnal Ground Lizard
Refugia-anchored Diurnal Ground Lizard
Sand Shark
Subterranean Forager
Trunk/Wall Lizard
Wide-ranging Chemosensor
Overview of Ecological Business Models
Chapter 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)
Acknowledgments
Appendices
A. Database Fields and Comments on Their Tabulation
B. Methods for Quantifying Lizard Sizes
C. Standards for Qualification of Absolute Population Densities
Literature Cited
Index
