A practical how-to guide written for discovering and enjoying reptiles and amphibians in their natural settings. This book will enhance the enjoyment of herp enthusiasts and bolster conservation efforts.

Despite their diversity, amphibians and reptiles share many physiological traits, such as their dependence on external heat sources for body temperature regulation, that are of pivotal importance to their ability to cope with the environment. Considerable variation in physiological capabilities exists in these groups and often can be related to seasonal and geographic differences in environmental parameters. This book provides a comprehensive and integrative view of the interplay between physiology and behavior in amphibians and reptiles, leading to a better understanding of the subject. The book covers topics that have recently been in the spotlight for scientific research on the physiology, behavior, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. It brings together recent information from a range of disciplines that address critical topics for understanding their biology. As these studies are scattered across articles in specialized journals, this book provides a single and expanded source summarizing such advancements. Amphibian and Reptile Adaptations to the Environment: Interplay Between Physiology and Behavior maintains a solid scientific basis for the biological topics covered. However, it presents the material in a clear and direct manner so that it is accessible even to non-biologists interested in the basic biology, behavior, and ecology of these animals as well as how these elements are connected to their conservation.

This book deals with reproduction of Amphibians belonging to three extant orders: Caecilians, Salamanders, Frogs and Toads. Separate chapters have been written for males and females; the chapters describe gonad structure and development, gametogenesis, urogenital connections, and reproductive tracts. The authors have provided a synthesis of the literature data and results of their own studies. The text is illustrated with original schemes and photographs and focuses on anatomy, histology, cytology, and molecular mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis and reproductive cycles. The first chapter is devoted to the origin of somatic and germ cells during formation of undifferentiated gonads. The last chapter deals with embryonic and postembryonic development, direct development, neoteny, and modifications of gametogenesis and meiosis in hybrids and polyploids (hybridogenesis and gynogenesis). The book will interest all reproductive biologists and biologists working on amphibians.

The Yucatan Peninsula is today divided among Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Travelers to this region discover both astonishing archaeological sites and a stunning array of wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders. This book written by the world's leading authority on the herpetology of the lowland Maya area is the only comprehensive field guide to all the species of amphibians and reptiles found there. This field guide*allows identification of all native and introduced species of amphibians and reptiles of the region.*features nearly 180 color photographs and 180 drawings.*offers valuable techniques for field identification, and a glossary of herpetological terms.*provides in each species account: description, natural history, similar species, and geographic distribution (complete with maps of each animal's range). *includes suggested readings for those who want to know more about a particular species.*illustrates all tadpoles.*describes the most characteristic vocalizations of the reptiles and amphibians in the volume.*introduces the physical geography, climate, and vegetation of the region, with emphasis on the habitats of amphibians and reptiles."