Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles

The fourth edition of the textbook Herpetology covers the basic biology of amphibians and reptiles, with updates in nearly every conceptual area. Not only does it serve as a solid foundation for modern herpetology courses, but it is also relevant to courses in ecology, behavior, evolution, systematics, and morphology.

Examples taken from amphibians and reptiles throughout the world make this book a useful herpetology textbook in several countries. Naturalists, amateur herpetologists, herpetoculturists, zoo professionals, and many others will find this book readable and full of relevant natural history and distributional information.

Amphibians and reptiles have assumed a central role in research because of the diversity of ecological, physiological, morphological, behavioral, and evolutionary patterns they exhibit. This fully revised edition brings the latest research to the reader, ranging over topics in evolution, reproduction, behavior and more, allowing students and professionals to keep current with a quickly moving field.

Heavily revised and updated with discussion of squamate (lizard and snake) taxonomy and new content reflected in current literature Includes increased focus on conservation biology in herpetology while retaining solid content on organismal biology of reptiles and amphibians Presents new photos included from authors' extensive library

Part I Evolutionary History

1. Tetrapod Relationships and Evolutionary Systematics

2. Anatomy of Amphibians and Reptiles

3. Evolution of Ancient and Modern Amphibians and Reptiles

Part II Reproduction and Reproductive Modes

4. Reproduction and Life Histories

5. Reproductive Modes

Part III Physiological Ecology

6. Water Balance and Gas Exchange

7. Thermoregulation, Performance, and Energetics

Part IV Behavioral Ecology

8. Spacing, Movements, and Orientation

9. Communication and Social Behavior

10. Foraging Ecology and Diets

11. Defense and Escape

Part V Ecology, Biogeography, and Conservation Biology

12. Ecology

13. Biogeography and Phylogeography

14. Conservation Biology

Part VI Classification and Diversity of Amphibians

15. Caecilians

16. Salamanders

17. Frogs

Part VII Classification and Diversity of Reptiles

18. Turtles

19. Crocodylians

20. Sphenodontidans

21. Squamates (Snakes and Lizards)

Part VIII Data Sources

Bibliography

Glossary

Taxonomic Index

Subject Index