Vertebrate Biology Systematics, Taxonomy, Natural History, and Conservation

About this book

The most trusted and best-selling textbook on the diverse forms and fascinating lives of vertebrate animals.

Covering crucial topics from morphology and behaviour 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
- behaviour
- study methods
- extinction processes
- conservation and management

For the first time, 32 pages of colour images bring these fascinating organisms to life. In addition, 5 entirely new chapters have been added to Vertebrate Biology, 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.

Contents

Preface

1. The Vertebrate Story: An Overview
2. Systematics and Vertebrate Evolution
3. Early Chordates and Jawless Fishes
4. Gnathostome Fishes
5. Amphibians
6. Evolution of Reptiles
7. Morphology, Reproduction, and Development of Turtles, Tuataras, Lizards, and Snakes (Testudines and Lepidosauria)
8. Morphology, Reproduction, and Development of Crocodilians and Birds (Archosaurs)
9. Mammals
10. Vertebrate Zoogeography
11. Population Dynamics
12. Movements
13. Intraspecific Behavior and Ecology
14. Interspecific Interactions
15. Techniques for Ecological and Behavioral Studies
16. Extinction and Extirpation: Natural and Human-Caused
17. Restoration of Endangered Species
18. Regulatory Legislation Affecting Vertebrates
19. Wildlife in a Modern World: Threats and Conservation
20. Climate Change
21. Wildlife Management in a Modern World

Appendixes
Glossary
Bibliography
Credits
Taxonomic Index
Subject Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Donald W. Linzey is a professor of biology at Wytheville Community College and a research associate with the Bermuda Zoological Society. Among his numerous books are Mammals of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A Natural History Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Mammals of Virginia, Snakes of Virginia, and Snakes of Alabama.