0
Your cart

Your cart is empty

Browse All Departments
Price
  • R100 - R250 (2)
  • R250 - R500 (27)
  • R500+ (1,056)
  • -
Status
Format
Author / Contributor
Publisher

Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Zoology & animal sciences > Animal ecology

Bears of the World - Ecology, Conservation and Management (Hardcover): Vincenzo Penteriani, Mario Melletti Bears of the World - Ecology, Conservation and Management (Hardcover)
Vincenzo Penteriani, Mario Melletti
R5,245 R4,016 Discovery Miles 40 160 Save R1,229 (23%) Ships in 12 - 17 working days

Bears have fascinated people since ancient times. The relationship between bears and humans dates back thousands of years, during which time we have also competed with bears for shelter and food. In modern times, bears have come under pressure through encroachment on their habitats, climate change, and illegal trade in their body parts, including the Asian bear bile market. The IUCN lists six bears as vulnerable or endangered, and even the least concern species, such as the brown bear, are at risk of extirpation in certain countries. The poaching and international trade of these most threatened populations are prohibited, but still ongoing. Covering all bears species worldwide, this beautifully illustrated volume brings together the contributions of 200 international bear experts on the ecology, conservation status, and management of the Ursidae family. It reveals the fascinating long history of interactions between humans and bears and the threats affecting these charismatic species.

Mathematical Biology II - Spatial Models and Biomedical Applications (Paperback, 3rd ed. 2003. Softcover reprint of the... Mathematical Biology II - Spatial Models and Biomedical Applications (Paperback, 3rd ed. 2003. Softcover reprint of the original 3rd ed. 2003)
James D. Murray
R3,189 Discovery Miles 31 890 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This richly illustrated third edition provides a thorough training in practical mathematical biology and shows how exciting mathematical challenges can arise from a genuinely interdisciplinary involvement with the biosciences. It has been extensively updated and extended to cover much of the growth of mathematical biology. From the reviews: ""This book, a classical text in mathematical biology, cleverly combines mathematical tools with subject area sciences."--SHORT BOOK REVIEWS

Development and Neurobiology of Drosophila (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1980): O. Siddiqi, P. Babu,... Development and Neurobiology of Drosophila (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1980)
O. Siddiqi, P. Babu, Linda M. Hall, Jeffrey C. Hall
R4,678 Discovery Miles 46 780 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

There is no multicellular animal whose genetics is so well understood as Drosophila melanogaster. An increasing number of biologists have, therefore, turned to the fruitfly in pursuit of such diverse areas as the molecular biology of eukaryotic cells, development and neurobiology. Indeed there are signs that Dro- sophila may soon become the most central organism in biqlogy for genetic analysis of complex problems. The papers in this collection were presented at a conference on Development and Behavior of Drosophila held at the Tata Insti- tute of Fundamental Research from 19th to 22nd December, 1979. The volume reflects the commonly shared belief of the participants that Drosophila has as much to contribute to biology in the future as it has in the past. We hope it will be of interest not merely to Dro- sophilists but to all biologists. We thank Chetan Premani, Anil Gupta, K.S. Krishnan, Veronica Rodrigues, Hemant Chikermane and K.Vijay Raghavan for help with recording and transcription of the proceedings and Vrinda Nabar and K.V. Hareesh for editorial assistance. We thank Samuel Richman, Thomas Schmidt-Glenewinkel and T.R. Venkatesh for their valuable assistance in proofreading the manuscripts, and we also thank Patricia Rank for her excellent effort in the preparation of the final manuscripts. The conference was supported by a grant from Sir Dorabji Tata Trust.

Martens and Fishers (Martes) in Human-Altered Environments - An International Perspective (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the... Martens and Fishers (Martes) in Human-Altered Environments - An International Perspective (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2004)
Daniel J Harrison, Angela K Fuller, Gilbert Proulx
R4,576 Discovery Miles 45 760 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Martens and Fishers (Martes) in Human-Altered Environments: An International Perspective examines the conditions where humans and martens are compatible and incompatible, and promotes land use practices that allow Martes to be representatively distributed and viable. All Martes have been documented to use forested habitats and 6 species (excluding the stone marten) are generally considered to require complex mid- to late-successional forests throughout much of their geographic ranges. All species in the genus require complex horizontal and vertical structure to provide escape cover protection from predators, habitat for their prey, access to food resources, and protection from the elements. Martens and the fisher have high metabolic rates, have large spatial requirements, have high surface area to volume ratios for animals that often inhabit high latitudes, and often require among the largest home range areas per unit body weight of any group of mammals. Resulting from these unique life history characteristics, this genus is particularly sensitive to human influences on their habitats, including habitat loss, stand-scale simplification of forest structure via some forms of logging, and landscape-scale effects of habitat fragmentation. Given their strong associations with structural complexity in forests, martens and the fisher are often considered as useful barometers of forest health and have been used as ecological indicators, flagship, and umbrella species in different parts of the world. Thus, efforts to successfully conserve and manage martens and fishers are associated with the ecological fates of other forest dependent species and can greatly influence ecosystem integrity within forests that are increasingly shared among wildlife and humans. We have made great strides in our fundamental understanding of how animals with these unique life history traits perceive and utilize habitats, respond to habitat change, and how their populations function and perform under different forms of human management and mismanagement. This knowledge enhances our basic understanding of all species of Martes and will help us to achieve the goal of conserving viable populations and representative distributions of the world's Martes, their habitats, and associated ecological communities in our new millennium.

Education for Animal Welfare (Paperback, 2011 ed.): Edward N. Eadie Education for Animal Welfare (Paperback, 2011 ed.)
Edward N. Eadie
R4,515 Discovery Miles 45 150 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This book deals with the role of education in improving animal welfare and reducing animal suffering inflicted by humans. It embraces situations in which humans have direct control over animals or interfere directly with them, but it considers also indirect animal suffering resulting from human activities. Education is regarded in the broad sense of creating awareness and facilitating change. First, consideration is given to a number of specific themes in which education can make an important contribution towards reducing animal suffering, and subsequently an examination is made of a number of interrelated contexts in which education can address the various themes. The considered educational themes are: * animal suffering and sentience that have both scientific and moral aspects * human discrimination against animals known as speciesism and the need for attitudinal change by humans * role and existing limitations of legislation in providing protection to animals * matter of enforcement of animal protection legislation * achievement of reform to improve animal protection by legislative and other means * training of professionals, carers, and users involved with animals to provide better protection* the scope for science to contribute to improved animal protection * animal protection as a regional and international issue

Monograph of the Gonostomatidae and Kahliellidae (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) (Paperback, 2011 ed.): Helmut Berger Monograph of the Gonostomatidae and Kahliellidae (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) (Paperback, 2011 ed.)
Helmut Berger
R8,855 Discovery Miles 88 550 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The present monograph is the fourth of six volumes which review the Hypotricha, a major group of the spirotrichs. The book is about the Gonostomatidae, the Kahliellidae, and some taxa of unknown position in the hypotrichs. Gonostomum was previously misclassified in the Oxytrichidae because its type species Gonostomum affine has basically an 18-cirri pattern, which is dominant in the oxytrichids. A new hypothesis, considering also molecular data, postulates that this 18-cirri pattern evolved in the last common ancestor of the hypotrichs and therefore it appears throughout the Hypotricha tree. The simple dorsal kinety pattern, composed of only three bipolar dorsal kineties, and gene sequence analyses strongly suggest that Gonostomum branches off rather early in the phylogenetic tree. Thus, the Gonostomatidae, previously synonymised with the oxytrichids, are reactivated to include the name-bearing type genus and other genera (e.g., Paragonostomum, Wallackia, Cladotricha) which have the characteristic gonostomatid oral apparatus. The Kahliellidae are a rather vague group mainly defined via the preservation of parts of the parental infraciliature. The kahliellids preliminary comprise, besides the name-bearing type genus Kahliella, genera such as Parakahliella and its African pendant Afrokahliella or the monotypic Engelmanniella. In total 68 species distributed in 21 genera and subgenera are revised. As in the previous volumes almost all morphological, morphogenetic, molecular, faunistic, and ecological data, scattered in almost 700 papers, are compiled so that the four volumes (Oxytrichidae, Urostyloidea, Amphisiellidae and Trachelostylidae, Gonostomatidae and Kahliellida) provide a detailed insight into the biology of almost 500 species of hypotrichs. The series is an up-to-date overview about this highly interesting taxon of spirotrichous ciliates mainly addressed to taxonomists, cell biologists, ecologists, molecular biologists, and practitioners.

Paleontology and Geology of Laetoli: Human Evolution in Context - Volume 1: Geology, Geochronology, Paleoecology and... Paleontology and Geology of Laetoli: Human Evolution in Context - Volume 1: Geology, Geochronology, Paleoecology and Paleoenvironment (Paperback, 2011 ed.)
Terry Harrison
R3,629 Discovery Miles 36 290 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This volume 1 and its companion volume 2 present the results of new investigations into the geology, paleontology and paleoecology of the early hominin site of Laetoli in northern Tanzania. The site is one of the most important paleontological and paleoanthropological sites in Africa, worldrenowned for the discovery of fossils of the early hominin Australopithecus afarensis, as well as remarkable trails of its footprints. The first volume provides new evidence on the geology, geochronology, ecology, ecomorphology and taphonomy of the site. The second volume describes newly discovered fossil hominins from Laetoli, belonging to Australopithecus afarensis and Paranthropus aethiopicus, and presents detailed information on the systematics and paleobiology of the diverse associated fauna. Together, these contributions provide one of the most comprehensive accounts of a fossil hominin site, and they offer important new insights into the early stages of human evolution and its context.

Late Cretaceous/Paleogene West Antarctica Terrestrial Biota and its Intercontinental Affinities (Paperback, 2013 ed.): Marcelo... Late Cretaceous/Paleogene West Antarctica Terrestrial Biota and its Intercontinental Affinities (Paperback, 2013 ed.)
Marcelo Reguero, Francisco Goin, Carolina Acosta Hospitaleche, Tania Dutra, Sergio Marenssi
R1,929 Discovery Miles 19 290 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

One of the most intriguing paleobiogeographical phenomena involving the origins and gradual sundering of Gondwana concerns the close similarities and, in most cases, inferred sister-group relationships of a number of terrestrial and freshwater vertebrate taxa, e.g., dinosaurs, flying birds, mammals, etc., recovered from uppermost Cretaceous/ Paleogene deposits of West Antarctica, South America, and NewZealand/Australia. For some twenty five extensive and productive investigations in the field of vertebrate paleontology has been carried out in latest Cretaceous and Paleogene deposits in the James Ross Basin, northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula (AP), West Antarctica, on the exposed sequences on James Ross, Vega, Seymour (=Marambio) and Snow Hill islands respectively. The available geological, geophysical and marine faunistic evidence indicates that the peninsular (AP) part of West Antarctica and the western part of the tip of South America (Magallanic Region, southern Chile) were positioned very close in the latest Cretaceous and early Paleogene favoring the "Overlapping" model of South America-Antarctic Peninsula paleogeographic reconstruction. Late Cretaceous deposits from Vega, James Ross, Seymour and Snow Hill islands have produced a discrete number of dinosaur taxa and a number of advanced birds together with four mosasaur and three plesiosaur taxa, and a few shark and teleostean taxa.

Meat Animals - Growth and Productivity (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1976): D. Lister Meat Animals - Growth and Productivity (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1976)
D. Lister
R1,699 Discovery Miles 16 990 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Dramatic shortfalls in crop production in various regions of the world have led some people to question the relatively inefficient use of cereal grains for feeding meat animals instead of their direct use for human food. There is no doubt, however, that meat offers a nutritionally valuable, attractive and widely accepted food, the world demand for which increases daily. Thus it is not enough simply to condemn the consumption of meat as an irresponsible extravagance; rather it is preferable to examine how the demand for meat can be met most efficiently and effectively, which requires a fundamental enquiry into how meat is 'grown'. The importance of fat, for instance, both to the growing animal and to the consumer, needs to be established in view of the 'expense' involved in its deposition by the animal and the extent to which it is discarded at many points in the chain from the slaughterhouse to the consumer. We were aware that there existed a wealth of information on the physiology of growth which, because of its having been collected as part of investigations in many other disciplines and the inevitable communication gap, had not been incorporated into the science of animal production. Similarly there were principles and teChniques of animal husbandry which, if known in other disciplines, might enable more pertinent questions to be asked. The biochemical and physiological pathways by which animals utilise feed to produce body protein, fat and other components are intriguing problems which are receiving considerable attention.

Egg Parasitoids in Agroecosystems with Emphasis on Trichogramma (Paperback, 2010 ed.): Fernando L. Consoli, Jose R. P. Parra,... Egg Parasitoids in Agroecosystems with Emphasis on Trichogramma (Paperback, 2010 ed.)
Fernando L. Consoli, Jose R. P. Parra, Roberto A. Zucchi
R5,927 Discovery Miles 59 270 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Egg Parasitoids in Agroecosystems with emphasis on Trichogramma was conceived to help in the promotion of biological control through egg parasitoids by providing both basic and applied information. The book has a series of chapters dedicated to the understanding of egg parasitoid taxonomy, development, nutrition and reproduction, host recognition and utilization, and their distribution and host associations. There are also several chapters focusing on the mass production and commercialization of egg parasitoids for biological control, addressing important issues such as parasitoid quality control, the risk assessment of egg parasitoids to non-target species, the use of egg parasitoids in integrated pest management programs and the impact of GMO on these natural enemies. Chapters provide an in depth analysis of the literature available, are richly illustrated, and propose future trends.

Mosquito Vectors of Japanese Encephalitis Virus from Northern India - Role of BPD hop cage method (Paperback, 2013 ed.): Bina... Mosquito Vectors of Japanese Encephalitis Virus from Northern India - Role of BPD hop cage method (Paperback, 2013 ed.)
Bina Pani Das
R2,050 Discovery Miles 20 500 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a mosquito borne disease, is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in 14 Asian countries due to its epidemic potential, high case fatality rate and increased possibility of lifelong disability in patients who recover from this dreadful disease. In spite of seriousness of the disease, still only few books are available for ready reference. Hence, this book will be useful for students, entomologists, paramedical staff and vector control managers in public health. The objective of the book is to disseminate the knowledge gained by the author from ecological studies on JE vectors undertaken in 2 endemic and 2 non endemic areas of Northern India over a period of last 15 years (1998-2012) of research in the field of ecology of mosquito vectors of JE virus initially at National Institute of Communicable Diseases (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India), Delhi and later at Jamia Millia Islamia, a Central University, Delhi, to anyone who wishes to curtail death of children due to this dreaded disease. Of the thousand suspected JE deaths in India annually, more than 75% is contributed by Northern India wherein disease transmission failed to be explained based on entomological evidence due to inadequate mosquito surveillance tool used in determining JE vector density. In order to overcome the above problem, Dr Bina Pani Das, the author of this book, developed "BPD hop cage method", a simple, cost effective, and operationally feasible surveillance tool specially designed to capture predominantly day resting adult Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes, the principal JE vector species in the country from land and aquatic vegetation.

Alpine Biodiversity in Europe (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003): Laszlo Nagy, Georg Grabherr,... Alpine Biodiversity in Europe (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003)
Laszlo Nagy, Georg Grabherr, Christian Koerner, Desmond B.A. Thompson
R6,710 Discovery Miles 67 100 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, spawned a multitude of pro grammes aimed at assessing, managing and conserving the earth's biological diversity. One important issue addressed at the conference was the mountain environment. A specific feature of high mountains is the so-called alpine zone, i. e. the treeless regions at the uppermost reaches. Though covering only a very small proportion of the land surface, the alpine zone contains a rela tively large number of plants, animals, fungi and microbes which are specifi cally adapted to cold environments. This zone contributes fundamentally to the planet's biodiversity and provides many resources for mountain dwelling as well as lowland people. However, rapid and largely man-made changes are affecting mountain ecosystems, such as soil erosion, losses of habitat and genetic diversity, and climate change, all of which have to be addressed. As stated in the European Community Biodiversity Strategy, "the global scale of biodiversity reduction or losses and the interdependence of different species and ecosystems across national borders demands concerted international action". Managing biodiversity in a rational and sustainable way needs basic knowledge on its qualitative and quantitative aspects at local, regional and global scales. This is particularly true for mountains, which are distributed throughout the world and are indeed hot spots of biodiversity in absolute terms as well as relative to the surrounding lowlands.

Searching Behaviour - The behavioural ecology of finding resources (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1990):... Searching Behaviour - The behavioural ecology of finding resources (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1990)
W.J. Bell
R5,892 Discovery Miles 58 920 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This is a book about proximate mechanisms. Although some theoreti cal structure is used to introduce the subject, the intent is to offer a comprehensive view of the mechanistic side of searching (or foraging) so as to balance the current emphasis of books on mathematical and functional models. It seems to me that the pendulum needs to swing back to studies of how animals behave, and that maybe in so doing models will become valuable again in driving experimentation. I have probably included too many examples in this book, and some are even presented in great detail. Hopefully, they provide a complete picture of the kind of animals used, the experimental setup, the kinds of data yielded, and how the data were analysed. I have done this in response to frustrating experiences of reading chapters in behavioural ecobgy books that provide insufficient information with which to evaluate an author's conclusion."

Insects and Society (Paperback): Timothy D. Schowalter Insects and Society (Paperback)
Timothy D. Schowalter
R1,789 Discovery Miles 17 890 Ships in 9 - 15 working days

Recommended in CHOICE, February 2021 Insects are all around us, outweighing humanity by 17 times. Many are nuisances; they compete with us for food and carry some of our most devastating diseases. Many common pests have been transported worldwide by humans. Yet, some recent reports suggest dramatic declines in some important groups, such as pollinators and detritivores. Should we care? Yes, we should. Without insect pollinators we'd lose 35% of our global food production; without detritivores, we would be buried in un-decayed refuse. Insects are also critical sources for nutritional, medical and industrial products. A world without insects would seem a very different and unpleasant place. So why do insects inspire such fear and loathing? This concise, full-color text challenges many entrenched perceptions about insect effects on our lives. Beginning with a summary of insect biology and ecology that affect their interactions with other organisms, it goes on to describe the various positive and negative ways in which insects and humans interact. The final chapters describe factors that affect insect abundance and approaches to managing insects that balance their impacts. The first textbook to cater directly to those studying Insect and Society or Insect Ecology modules, this book will also be fascinating reading for anyone interested in learning how insects affect human affairs and in applying more sustainable approaches to "managing" insects. This includes K-12 teachers, undergraduate students, amateur entomologists, conservation practitioners, environmentalists, as well as natural resource managers, land use planners and environmental policy makers.

Fish Swimming (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1993): J. J. Videler Fish Swimming (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1993)
J. J. Videler
R4,569 Discovery Miles 45 690 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Among the fishes, a remarkably wide range of biological adaptations to diverse habitats has evolved. As well as living in the conventional habitats of lakes, ponds, rivers, rock pools and the open sea, fish have solved the problems of life in deserts, in the deep sea, in the cold antarctic, and in warm waters of high alkalinity or of low oxygen. Along with these adaptations, we find the most impressive specializations of morphology, physiology and behaviour. For example we can marvel at the high-speed swimming of the marlins, sailfish and warm-blooded tunas, air-breathing in catfish and lung fish, parental care in the mouth-brooding cichlids and viviparity in many sharks and toothcarps. Moreover, fish are of considerable importance to the survival of the human species in the form of nutritious, delicious and diverse food. Rational exploitation and management of our global stocks of fishes must rely upon a detailed and precise insight of their biology. The Chapman & Hall Fish and Fisheries Series aims to present timely volumes reviewing important aspects of fish biology. Most volumes will be of interest to research workers in biology, zoology, ecology and physiology but an additional aim is for the books to be accessible to a wide spectrum of non-specialist readers ranging from undergraduates and postgraduates to those with an intrerest in industrial and commercial aspects of fish and fisheries."

Mathematical Biology - I. An Introduction (Paperback, 3rd ed. 2002. Softcover reprint of the original 3rd ed. 2002): James D.... Mathematical Biology - I. An Introduction (Paperback, 3rd ed. 2002. Softcover reprint of the original 3rd ed. 2002)
James D. Murray
R2,332 Discovery Miles 23 320 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Mathematical Biology is a richly illustrated textbook in an exciting and fast growing field. Providing an in-depth look at the practical use of math modeling, it features exercises throughout that are drawn from a variety of bioscientific disciplines - population biology, developmental biology, physiology, epidemiology, and evolution, among others. It maintains a consistent level throughout so that graduate students can use it to gain a foothold into this dynamic research area.

The Behaviour of Pinnipeds (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1991): D. Renouf The Behaviour of Pinnipeds (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1991)
D. Renouf
R8,755 Discovery Miles 87 550 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

We teach our students of behavioural science that one first defines a research problem, and then the most appropriate animal is selected to investigate hypotheses. The reverse order of events is improper: a particular class of animals should not be studied for its own sake. In the case of the Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, fur seals and walruses) the organism and the problem are essentially the same. The research questions presented in this volume in one way or another relate to survival in two worlds, the ocean for foraging, and the terrain at its edge or frozen above it for breeding. The evolution of Pinniped behaviour and the mechanisms which underlie it are a consequence of having to cope with two seemingly incompatible sets of environmental constraints. The physiological adaptations for concomitant functioning in two media with very different physical characteristics have produced correlated behav ioural modifications. The energetic demands of reproduction and foraging are idiosyncratic because each activity occurs on opposite sides of the air/water interface. As a result, the mating system must reconcile aquatic design for such functions as locomotion and thermoregulation, with the terrestrial requirements for successful pupping. Similarly, the ecology of this dual habitat prescribes the rules governing the behaviour of the neonate and its interactions with its mother."

Butterfly Biology Systems - Connections and Interactions in Life History and Behaviour (Hardcover): Roger L.H. Dennis Butterfly Biology Systems - Connections and Interactions in Life History and Behaviour (Hardcover)
Roger L.H. Dennis
R5,073 Discovery Miles 50 730 Ships in 9 - 15 working days

In Butterfly Biology Systems Roger Dennis explores key topics and contentious issues in butterfly biology, specifically those in life history and behaviour. Uniquely, using a systems approach, the book focuses on the degree of integration and feedback between components and elements affecting each issue, as well as the links between different issues. The book comprises four sections. The first two sections introduce the reader to principles and approaches for investigating complex relationships, and provide a platform of knowledge on butterfly biology. The final two sections deal in turn with life history and behaviour, covering key issues affecting different stages of development from eggs to adults. The book is extensively illustrated with original diagrams and models, all of which have detailed legends, produced to enhance a broader understanding, and to provide templates for future research. It includes a detailed bibliography and glossary providing an essential gateway to the extensive literature on butterfly biology. Butterfly Biology Systems is essential reading for graduate students and researchers in insect ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation. It will also be of great value to anyone interested in butterflies. Introduces a systems approach to butterfly biology Includes succinct reviews of the key interrelationships in butterfly life history and behaviour Illustrates more than 100 models to advance research into butterfly biology systems

Primate Responses to Environmental Change (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1991): H.O. Box Primate Responses to Environmental Change (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1991)
H.O. Box
R1,651 Discovery Miles 16 510 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This book concerns the various ways that primates respond to environmental change. By studying these patterns of responsiveness we not only gain useful knowledge about the structural, physiological and behavioural propensities of different species, but also acquire important information relating to issues of contemporary concern, such as conservation and the management of animals in the wild as well as in various forms of captivity. For example, there is growing concern among biologists and conser vationists about the influence of habitat destruction, such as logging, on the fitness and survival of wild primates. There is also increased awareness of the need to improve the care of primates in zoos and laboratories, including the enrichment of captive environments. Further, because an increasing number of primate species are becom ing endangered, knowledge of their responsiveness to new environ ments is an essential requirement for effective breeding programmes in captivity, and for the translocation and rehabilitation of species in the wild. In theory, studies of many closely related species are required in order to consider relevant evolutionary processes, as well as to develop functional hypotheses about the adaptive significance of various biological propensities and their interrelationships in the short and longer terms."

Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Insect-Plant Relationships (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st... Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Insect-Plant Relationships (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992)
Steph B. J. Menken, J.H. Visser, Paul Harrewijn
R1,648 Discovery Miles 16 480 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The papers in this book are organized as follows: insect-plant communities, host-plant selection, genetics and evolution, host-plant resistance and application of transgenic plants, and multitrophic interactions. Besides seven invited papers and a paper with concluding remarks, this volume also contains the short communications of all 115 oral presentations and posters. Included too, are the summaries of four European Science Foundation workshops held over the past two years, where European scientists discussed the state-of-the-art and the future of major topics in insect-plant interactions in order to develop better integrated research programs. The field of insect-plant interactions nowadays includes almost all of biology, as well as parts of chemistry and physics. It takes a central position in biology because insects are the most abundant animal group, half of them are herbivores and they dominate all terrestrial ecosystems. Knowledge of insect-plant interactions is thus fundamental to an understanding of the evolution of life on Earth. Two major topics of worldwide concern give this field an extra dimension. First, large amounts of food crops are still lost due to insect pests. With the increasing concern for environmental pollution and the subsequent plans to drastically reduce pesticides, integrated pest management and development of resistant crops become a major focus in agriculture. The importance of the study of insect-plant relationships is thus continuously augmented. Clearly, successful pest control demands sufficient fundamental knowledge of pest-host interactions. Second, such work can contribute towards stopping or even counterbalancing the threatening biodiversity crisis thanks to an understanding of how the interaction of insects and plants has influenced and still influences the diversification and speciation (evolution) of both groups. These problems should, of course, be approached at a multitrophic level.

Insect Learning - Ecology and Evolutinary Perspectives (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1993): Daniel R.... Insect Learning - Ecology and Evolutinary Perspectives (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1993)
Daniel R. Papaj, Alcinda C. Lewis
R5,904 Discovery Miles 59 040 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Insect Learning is a comprehensive review of a new field. Until recently, insects were viewed as rigidly programmed automatons; now, however, it is recognized that they can learn and that their behavior is plastic. This fundamental change in viewpoint is causing a re-examination of all aspects of the relationship between insects and their environment. This change in perspective is occurring at a time of heightened interest in brain function in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Insects potentially play a major role in this expanding area. Because of their experimental tractability and genetic diversity, they provide unique opportunities for testing hypotheses on the ecology and evolution of learning. As organisms of economic importance, they are perennial objects of research by both basic and applied scientists. Insect Learning covers both social and non-social insects from multiple perspectives. The book covers mechanisms; syntheses of work on physiology, behavior, and ecology; and micro- and macroevolution. The concluding section discusses future directions for research, including applications to pest management.

Early Life History of Fish - An energetics approach (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992): E. Kamler Early Life History of Fish - An energetics approach (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992)
E. Kamler
R5,864 Discovery Miles 58 640 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Among the fishes, a remarkably wide range of biological adaptations to diverse habitats has evolved. As well as living in the conventional habitats of lakes, ponds, rivers, rock pools and the open sea, fish have solved the problems of life in deserts, in the deep sea, in the cold Antarctic, and in warm waters of high alkalinity or of low oxygen. Along with these adaptations, we find the most impressive specializations of morphology, physiology and behaviour. For example we can marvel at the high-speed swimming of the marlins, sailfish and warm-blooded tunas, air breathing in catfish and lungfish, parental care in the mouth-brooding cichlids and viviparity in many sharks and toothcarps. Moreover, fish are ofconsiderable importance to the survival ofthe human species in the form of nutritious and delicious food of numerous kinds. Rational exploitation and management of our global stocks of fishes must rely upon a detailed and precise insight of their biology. The Chapman and Hall Fish and Fisheries Series aims to present timely volumes reviewing important aspects of fish biology. Most volumes will be of interest to research workers in biology, zoology, ecology and physiology, but an additional aim is for the books to be accessible to a wide spectrum ofnon specialist readers ranging from undergraduates and postgraduates to those with an interest in industrial and commercial aspects of fish and fisheries."

Animal Life at Low Temperature (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992): John Davenport Animal Life at Low Temperature (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992)
John Davenport
R4,563 Discovery Miles 45 630 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

To humans, cold has a distinctly positive quality. 'Frostbite', 'a nip in the air', 'biting cold', all express the concept of cold as an entity which attacks the body, numbing and damaging it in the process. Probably the richness of descriptive English in this area stems from the early experiences of a group of essentially tropical apes, making their living on a cold and windswept island group half way between the Equator and the Arctic. During a scientific education we soon learn that there is no such thing as cold, only an absence of heat. Cold does not invade us; heat simply deserts. Later still we come to appreciate that temperature is a reflection of kinetic energy, and that the quantity of kinetic energy in a system is determined by the speed of molecular movement. Despite this realization, it is difficult to abandon the sensible prejudices of palaeolithic Homo sapiens shivering in his huts and caves. For example; appreciating that a polar bear is probably as comfortable when swimming from ice floe to ice floe as we are when swimming in the summer Mediterranean is not easy; understanding the thermal sensa tions of a 'cold-blooded' earthworm virtually impossible. We must always be wary of an anthropocentric attitude when considering the effects of cold on other species."

Pond Aquaculture Water Quality Management (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1998): Claude E. Boyd, C.S.... Pond Aquaculture Water Quality Management (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1998)
Claude E. Boyd, C.S. Tucker
R10,137 Discovery Miles 101 370 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The efficient and profitable production of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms in aquaculture depends on a suitable environment in which they can reproduce and grow. Because those organisms live in water, the major environ mental concern within the culture system is water quality. Water supplies for aquaculture systems may naturally be oflow quality or polluted by human activity, but in most instances, the primary reason for water quality impairment is the culture activity itself. Manures, fertilizers, and feeds applied to ponds to enhance production only can be partially converted to animal biomass. Thus, at moderate and high production levels, the inputs of nutrients and organic matter to culture units may exceed the assimilative capacity of the ecosystems. The result is deteriorating water quality which stresses the culture species, and stress leads to poor growth, greater incidence of disease, increased mortality, and low produc tion. Effluents from aquaculture systems can cause pollution of receiving waters, and pollution entering ponds in source water or chemicals added to ponds for management purposes can contaminate aquacultural products. Thus, water quality in aquaculture extends into the arenas of environmental protection and food quality and safety. A considerable body of literature on water quality management in aquaculture has been accumulated over the past 50 years. The first attempt to compile this information was a small book entitled Water Quality in Warmwater Fish Ponds (Boyd I 979a)."

Eel Biology (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003): K. Aida, K. Tsukamoto, K. Yamauchi Eel Biology (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003)
K. Aida, K. Tsukamoto, K. Yamauchi
R3,086 Discovery Miles 30 860 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

As a food resource in both Eastern and Western countries, the eel is an important fish. Over the years, remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the mysterious life cycle of eels that has fascinated scientists since the age of Aristotle. The spawning area of the Japanese eel was discovered and the migratory route of its larvae was elucidated. With the development of techniques for artificial induction of gonadal maturation, it became possible to obtain hatched larvae. Larval rearing to the leptocephalus stage, one of the most difficult tasks involved in eel culture, finally was achieved. By presenting these important breakthroughs, Eel Biology will be of great help in the development of effective management strategies for maintaining stable eel populations. With contributions by leading experts, this book is a valuable source for researchers as well as industry technicians in the fields of aquatic biology, aquaculture, and fisheries.

Free Delivery
Pinterest Twitter Facebook Google+
You may like...
Social Progress and the Authoritarian…
Donald G Reid Hardcover R4,568 Discovery Miles 45 680
Hollywood Goes to War - Films and…
Colin Shindler Hardcover R4,103 Discovery Miles 41 030
Drugs - America's Holy War
Arthur Benavie Hardcover R4,561 Discovery Miles 45 610
Going Grey - The Mediation of Politics…
Scott Davidson Paperback R1,709 Discovery Miles 17 090
Innovations, Reinvented Politics and…
Agnes Alexandre-Collier, Alexandra Goujon, … Paperback R1,345 Discovery Miles 13 450
Impending Challenges to Penal Moderation…
Kirstin Drenkhahn, Fabien Jobard, … Hardcover R4,578 Discovery Miles 45 780
Four Theories of the Press - 60 Years…
Maira T Vaca-Baqueiro Hardcover R2,001 Discovery Miles 20 010
The German Peasant War of 1525
Janos Bak Paperback R1,000 Discovery Miles 10 000
Re-thinking Contemporary Political…
Sadiya Akram Hardcover R4,557 Discovery Miles 45 570
Radical Democracy and Collective…
Alexandros Kioupkiolis, Giorgos Katsambekis Hardcover R4,726 Discovery Miles 47 260

 

Partners