Continental Northeast Asian Amphibians: Origins, Behavioral Ecology, and Conservation is the only comprehensive compilation of knowledge on the amphibious species of the Korean Peninsula. Along with accounts for each species, the book introduces the biogeographic history, behavioral patterns, ecological requirements, and threats in the region. Written by a leading expert on Asian amphibians, this book delves into the details of origin and life history and distinguishes which variables have been instrumental to the distribution of populations and amphibian biodiversity in this region. Sections provide detailed accounts for field identification and range of the species' behavior during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. Finally, the book provides in-depth accounts on the threats and trends for each species, considering the current conservation pressure in the region. Each point is explained in relation with the very contrasted landscapes of the region that include two rather different species assemblages, one on the alluvial plains and the other at higher elevation on mountain ranges. - Provides the biogeographic history of each amphibian species in the region - Discusses the behavioral ecology of each species, along with differences and similarities between species - Addresses ecological requirements and habitat information - Details current threats and conservation efforts that can be made to protect vulnerable amphibians

Sweet, University of California, Santa Barbara; Michael J. Tyler, University of Adelaide, Australia; Zhao Er-Mi, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Peoples Republic of China

Islands have captured the imagination of scientists and the public for centuries—unique and rare environments, their isolation makes them natural laboratories for ecology and evolution. This authoritative, alphabetically arranged reference, featuring more than 200 succinct articles by leading scientists from around the world, provides broad coverage of all the island sciences. But what exactly is an island? The volume editors define it here as any discrete habitat isolated from other habitats by inhospitable surroundings. The Encyclopedia of Islands examines many such insular settings—oceanic and continental islands as well as places such as caves, mountaintops, and whale falls at the bottom of the ocean. This essential, one-stop resource, extensively illustrated with color photographs, clear maps, and graphics will introduce island science to a wide audience and spur further research on some of the planet's most fascinating habitats.

This book grew from a series of lectures on vertebrate natural history. The topics have been developed over a period of nearly 30 years, and today scarcely resemble the original subject matter. The progress is primarily technical. Some concepts provide a synthetic framework for viewing much modern research, but many of these concepts either date from Darwin or have developed from obser vations of later students. Animal science courses follow a sequential pattern in which there are three discrete levels of undergraduate instruction. Initially, students study subject mat ter contained in such courses as biology and general zoology. These courses intro duce students to animal phylogeny, basic plans of morphology and certain phys iological aspects; incidental to these subjects the student acquires a broad zoological vocabulary. At the other end of the academic spectrum are courses that emphasize synthe sis and theory: evolution, zoogeography, behavior and ecology are important courses whose role is to explore the relationships of various aspects of the physical and biological world. In these courses theory and analysis prevail. They are not, however, essentially "subject matter" courses with distinct bodies of knowledge.

This book appears at a time when molecular cytogenetics is positioned to make a significant impact upon evolutionary studies, enabling problems of chromosomal structure and change to be critically assessed. It is an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of the cytogenetics of a major class of animals, including all three amphibian orders, with chapters authored by international leaders in the field.Amphibian Cytogenetics and Evolution will be of interest to classical and molecular cytogeneticists, systematicists, evolutionary biologists, herpetologists, and anyone using amphibians in genetic research. - Offers the only current and comprehensive survey of amphibian cytogenetics - Gives authoritative and in-depth coverage of topics of present interest - Reviews general cytogenetic topics - Presents new insights into evolutionary changes in chromosome structure and amphibian phylogeny and relationships including: Phylogenetic analysis of chromosome data, Current techniques of cytogenetic analysis, Examination of all three amphibian orders

The most trusted and best-selling textbook on the diverse forms and fascinating lives of vertebrate animals. Covering crucial topics from morphology and behavior to ecology and zoogeography, Donald Linzey's popular textbook, Vertebrate Biology, has long been recognized as the most comprehensive and readable resource on vertebrates for students and educators. Thoroughly updated with the latest research, this new edition discusses taxa and topics such as • systematics and evolution • zoogeography, ecology, morphology, and reproduction • early chordates • fish, amphibians, reptiles (inclusive of birds), and mammals • population dynamics • movement and migration • behavior • study methods • extinction processes • conservation and management For the first time, 32 pages of color images bring these fascinating organisms to life. In addition, 5 entirely new chapters have been added to the book, which cover • restoration of endangered species • regulatory legislation affecting vertebrates • wildlife conservation in a modern world • climate change • contemporary wildlife management Complete with review questions, updated references, appendixes, and a glossary of well over 300 terms, Vertebrate Biology is the ideal text for courses in zoology, vertebrate biology, vertebrate natural history, and general biology. Donald W. Linzey carefully builds theme upon theme, concept upon concept, as he walks students through a plethora of topics. Arranged logically to follow the most widely adopted course structure, this text will leave students with a full understanding of the unique structure, function, and living patterns of all vertebrates.

This groundbreaking new guide is an authoritative field reference for these two groups of animals. The taxonomy and systematics of European reptiles and amphibians have changed a lot in recent years, yet there is no modern, up-to-date field guide available that comprehensively covers all the species. The last illustrated field guide to European reptiles and amphibians was first published 38 years ago, and remains outdated despite occasional reprints and new editions. This major new field guide addresses this deficiency. A total of 219 species are covered in detail, with a focus on identification and geographical variation; species texts also cover distribution, habitat and behaviour. Superb colour illustrations by talented artist Ilian Velikov depict every species and all major variations, and colour photographs are also included for most species. The book includes over 370 colour artworks and 200 colour photographs, 155 accurate and up-to-date distribution maps, and easy-to-use keys and tables to help with swift species identification.

Non-marine Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic formations are widespread in mainland SE Asia. Although the first reports on fossils from some of these formations were published as early as the 1890s, it is only since 1980 that floras and faunas from the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous of SE Asia have received the attention they deserve. Fieldwork in various parts of Thailand and Laos has revealed a succession of fossil assemblages that now allows a reconstruction of the evolution of continental ecosystems in that part of the world during the Late Palaeozoic and the Mesozoic. The first papers in this book present the geological background of these floral and faunal successions, as well as historical aspects of their discovery. Descriptions of new taxa and review papers deal with plants, sharks, bony fishes, turtles, crocodilians, dinosaurs and mammal-like reptiles. Papers about the Mesozoic palaeobiogeography, environments and climates of Asia conclude the volume.

Jacopo Maria Pepe examines the rapid development of non-energy transport infrastructure in the broader Eurasian space. By doing so, the author considers the ongoing structural transformation of the Eurasian continent against the backdrop of deepening commercial interconnectivity in Eurasia into broader areas of trade, supported by the rapid development of rail connectivity. He frames this process in a long-wave historical analysis and considers in detail the geopolitical, geo-economic, and theoretical implications of deepening physical connectivity for the relationships among China, Russia, Central Asia, and the European Union.