This text focuses on the principles and methods of using growth layers formed in teeth and bones of mammals to make a judgement on essential traits of the animal's life history. In nearly all mammalian species, including man, the age of individuals can be determined from the number of growth layers and, at least in some of them, it is possible to estimate the season of an animal's birth and death, age of sexual maturation, periodicity of reproduction, certain feeding habits and other aspects of the individual's biology. It is also possible, from tooth-enamel analysis, to assess doses of radiation accumulated by animals and human beings during their lifetime.;This book is intended for zoologists, wild-game biologists and zoo archaeologists, but some of the sections could also be of interest for anthropologists, radioecologists and conservation biologists.

This thorough revision of the classic Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals brings this authoritative book right up-to-date. Articles describe every species in detail, based on the very latest taxonomy, and a host of biological, ecological and sociological aspects relating to marine mammals. The latest information on the biology, ecology, anatomy, behavior and interactions with man is provided by a cast of expert authors – all presented in such detail and clarity to support both marine mammal specialists and the serious naturalist. Fully referenced throughout and with a fresh selection of the best color photographs available, the long-awaited second edition remains at the forefront as the go-to reference on marine mammals. - More than 20% NEW MATERIAL includes articles on Climate Change, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Sociobiology, Habitat Use, Feeding Morphology and more - Over 260 articles on the individual species with topics ranging from anatomy and behavior, to conservation, exploitation and the impact of global climate change on marine mammals - New color illustrations show every species and document topical articles FROM THE FIRST EDITION "This book is so good...a bargain, full of riches...packed with fascinating up to date information. I recommend it unreservedly it to individuals, students, and researchers, as well as libraries." --Richard M. Laws, MARINE MAMMALS SCIENCE "...establishes a solid and satisfying foundation for current study and future exploration" --Ronald J. Shusterman, SCIENCE

This book explores the central importance of soil ingestion and earth surface processes in driving the evolution of tooth shape in mammals.

Much of our knowledge about marine mammals is derived from a long-term and dedicated research effort that is evolving rapidly due to the introduction and invention of new methods.This book reflects the inventiveness of marine researchers as they try to find ways around the problems presented to them by these unusual and challenging animals.

AAP Prose Award Finalist 2018/19 For three decades, this book has been acknowledged as the most respected scientific reference specifically devoted to marine mammal medicine and health. Written by approximately 100 contributors who are recognized globally as leaders in their respective fields, the CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, Third Edition continues to serve as the essential guide for all practitioners involved with marine mammals including veterinarians, technicians, biological researchers, students, managers, keepers, curators, and trainers. The 45 chapters provide essential information for the practitioner on pathology, infectious diseases, medical treatment, anesthesia, surgery, husbandry, health assessment, species-specific medicine, medically pertinent anatomy and physiology, and global health concerns such as strandings, oil spills, and entanglements of marine mammals. Covers all aspects of marine mammal veterinary practice Written by internationally acknowledged experts Adds new chapters on Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Ethics, Oil Spill Response, Health Assessments, Whale Entanglement Response, Dive Response, and Biotoxins Richly illustrated in color throughout the new edition including updated anatomical drawings and extensive photographs of ocular lesions Provides guidance to websites that regularly present updated information and images pertinent to current marine mammal medicine such as imaging and stranding network contacts Discusses ethics and animal welfare. The book guides the reader through the veterinary care of cetaceans, pinnipeds, manatees, sea otters, and polar bears. In addition to summaries of current knowledge, chapters provide information on those digital resources and websites which present the latest information as it emerges in the field. The CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, Third Edition gives a call to action for scientists to experiment with new endeavors to engage and inspire current and future generations to care for marine mammals and the marine environment, and work together to find solutions. As the most trusted reference for marine mammal conservation medicine and for marine mammal medical facilities around the world, this book needs to be in your library.

CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, Second Edition is the only handbook specifically devoted to marine mammal medicine and health. With 66 contributors working together to craft 45 scientifically-based chapters, the text has been completely revised and updated to contain all the latest developments in this field. Building upon the solid foundation of the previous edition, the contents of this book are light-years ahead of the topics presented in the first edition. See what's new in the Second Edition: Marine mammals as sentinels of ocean health Emerging and resurging diseases Thorough revision of the Immunology chapter Diagnostic imaging chapters to illustrate new techniques Quick reference for venipuncture sites in many marine mammals Unusual mortality events and mass strandings New topics such as a chapter on careers Wider scope of coverage including species outside of the United States and Canada Filled with captivating illustrations and photographs, the Handbook guides you through the natural history of cetaceans, pinnipeds, manatees, sea otters, and polar bears. Prepared in a convenient, easy-to-use format, it is designed specifically for use in the field. Covering more than 40 topics, this one-of-a-kind reference is packed with data. The comprehensive compilation of information includes medicine, surgery, pathology, physiology, husbandry, feeding and housing, with special attention to strandings and rehabilitation. The CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, Second Edition is still a must for anyone interested in marine mammals.

Vertebrate Skeletal Histology and Paleohistology summarizes decades of research into the biology and biological meaning of hard tissues, in both living and extinct vertebrates. In addition to outlining anatomical diversity, it provides fundamental phylogenetic and evolutionary contexts for interpretation. An international team of leading authorities review the impact of ontogeny, mechanics, and environment in relation to bone and dental tissues. Synthesizing current advances in the biological problems of growth, metabolism, evolution, ecology, and behavior, this comprehensive and authoritative volume is built upon a foundation of concepts and technology generated over the past fifty years.

An authoritative overview of the concepts and applications of biological demography This book provides a comprehensive introduction to biodemography, an exciting interdisciplinary field that unites the natural science of biology with the social science of human demography. Biodemography is an essential resource for demographers, epidemiologists, gerontologists, and health professionals as well as ecologists, population biologists, entomologists, and conservation biologists. This accessible and innovative book is also ideal for the classroom. James Carey and Deborah Roach cover everything from baseline demographic concepts to biodemographic applications, and present models and equations in discrete rather than continuous form to enhance mathematical accessibility. They use a wealth of real-world examples that draw from data sets on both human and nonhuman species and offer an interdisciplinary approach to demography like no other, with topics ranging from kinship theory and family demography to reliability engineering, tort law, and demographic disasters such as the Titanic and the destruction of Napoleon's Grande Armée. Provides the first synthesis of demography and biology Covers baseline demographic models and concepts such as Lexis diagrams, mortality, fecundity, and population theory Features in-depth discussions of biodemographic applications like harvesting theory and mark-recapture Draws from data sets on species ranging from fruit flies and plants to elephants and humans Uses a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to demography, bringing together a diverse range of concepts, models, and applications Includes informative "biodemographic shorts," appendixes on data visualization and management, and more than 150 illustrations of models and equations

This volume in the ICAZ series deals with the technical advances made over the last twenty years in the field of ageing and sexing animal bones. The analysis of ancient DNA holds great possibilities for sexing certain faunal assemblages (though by no means all), which is an urgent issue in the study of hunting and animal husbandry. It can be assumed that our forebears used more subtle taxonomic criteria than we do today, and it is important therefore that we are able to recognise traits that will allow for more accurate classification in terms of calendar age or sex. The eighteen papers in this book examine the state of research for various techniques of age/sex determination and assess potential future development.