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  • Textbook
  • © 1999

The Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles

An Introduction

  • A description of the evolution and diversity of amphibians and reptiles and their adaptation to different environments Contains a wealth of drawings by the author

  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (12 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-vii
  2. Introduction

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 1-9
  3. Evolution

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 11-27
  4. Convergence and Extinction

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 29-40
  5. Locomotory Diversity on the Ground

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 41-60
  6. Arboreal, Aerial and Aquatic Locomotion

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 61-83
  7. Diversity of Anti-predator Devices

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 85-107
  8. Nutritional Diversity

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 109-129
  9. Reproductive Diversity and Life Histories

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 131-156
  10. Thermal Diversity and Temperature Regulation

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 177-196
  11. Water Balance and Excretion

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 197-212
  12. Relationships with Mankind

    • John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
    Pages 213-226
  13. Back Matter

    Pages 227-254

About this book

An introduction to the evolution and adaptation of amphibians and reptiles, bridging the gulf between the plethora of 'popular' books and the more advanced texts directed towards the needs of specialist research workers, thus making it accessible to advanced students worldwide. Basic principles are explained in non-technical terms, and the adaptive responses to natural selection which have engendered the diversity of forms that exist in the fossil record and are found in the world today are covered. The book also includes the extinct forms such as dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. In the concluding chapter, relationships with mankind and the preservation of diversity are discussed.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Department of Biology, University College London, London, UK

    John L. Cloudsley-Thompson

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: The Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles

  • Book Subtitle: An Introduction

  • Authors: John L. Cloudsley-Thompson

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60005-0

  • Publisher: Springer Berlin, Heidelberg

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

  • Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1999

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-642-64218-0Published: 22 September 2011

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-642-60005-0Published: 06 December 2012

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: VII, 254

  • Topics: Zoology, Ecology

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access