Ecophysiology attempts to clarify the role and importance of physiological processes in the ecological relations of species in their natural habitats. Including blood collection and the measurement of plasma components and hormone levels, the basic principles and methods relevant to any ecophysiological study are covered in this text. Examples are collected from a wide range of vertebrates living in deserts, cold climates and oceans. The book is an introduction to ecophysiology for advanced students, as well as researchers in ecology, biodiversity and conservation.

Marsupial Nutrition describes the food resources used by marsupials from small insectivores to large folivores. It discusses the ways in which these animals' digestive systems and metabolism are designed to cope with foods as different as nectar and fungus, tree sap and tough perennial grasses, and insects and eucalypt foliage. Although the subject species are marsupials, the general principles of nutritional ecology and digestive strategies that are introduced at the beginning of the chapters are applicable to all mammals. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students in the areas of vertebrate zoology, nutrition, ecology, and digestive physiology will find Marsupial Nutrition particularly instructive, and wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and nutritionists will also find much of interest.

The long-awaited third edition of this popular textbook, which has been unavailable for several years, is completely revised and updated. It retains the successful format of previous editions, dealing with the nature, actions and roles of hormones among vertebrate animals. Special emphasis is placed on the evolution and origins of hormones and their receptors; the role of hormones in the physiological coordination of vertebrates; and each endocrine process in the context of the organism's physiology, ecology, and evolution. Comparative Vertebrate Endocrinology discusses the intimate physiology of the endocrine system and the pivotal role of hormones in coordinating basic body processes such as nutrition, reproduction, calcium metabolism, and osmoregulation, as well as their contributions to animal coloration, molting, and development. The species included range from lower chordates to mammals, including marsupials.

Principles of Animal Physiology, Second Edition continues to set a new standard for animal physiology textbooks with its focus on animal diversity, its modern approach and clear foundation in molecular and cell biology, its concrete examples throughout, and its fully integrated coverage of the endocrine system. Carefully designed, full-color artwork guides students through complex systems and processes while in-text pedagogical tools help them learn and remember the material. The book includes the most up-to-date research on animal genetics and genomics, methods and models, and offers a diverse range of vertebrate and invertebrate examples, with a student-friendly writing style that is consistently clear and engaging. Christopher Moyes and Patricia Schulte present animal physiology in a current, balanced, and accessible way that emphasizes the integration of physiological systems, an overarching evolutionary theme, and thorough coverage of the cellular and molecular basis of animal physiology. Principles of Animal Physiology comes with a comprehensive supplements package for students and instructors that includes a new Media Manager CD-ROM, a new Print and Computerized Test Bank, and a powerful Companion Website. The InterActive Physiology(R) 10-System Suite CD-ROM and PhysioEx(TM) V7.0 laboratory simulations can be packaged with the text at a discounted price.

This book discusses the controversial issue of whether animals are designed according to the same rules that engineers use in building machines, namely that materials and energy are used economically while attempting to achieve a high level of performance. There is considerable scientific controversy surrounding this question because, although there is much evidence suggesting that animals are indeed well designed, evolutionary biology tells us that animals are not "engineered" but result from evolution by natural selection. In this volume these highly controversial questions are debated by eminent experts on the basis of a wealth of evidence ranging from the molecular biology and biochemistry of enzyme systems through the study of bone and muscle to the design and function of integrated systems of energy supply and the nervous system. The authors have made a special effort to present the chapters in a form that is accessible to a broad readership of biologists interested in basic principles.

Arthropods form the largest and most varied assemblage of organisms on earth. They are important economically as agricultural pests, as vectors of disease and as a source of food. The study of their endocrine systems reflects their economic significance, most work having been carried out on insects, crustaceans and ticks. Knowledge in these areas has increased greatly in the last decade with the advent of improved techniques for the isolation and study of the hormones themselves, revealing fascinating relationships between the endocrine systems of the various arthropod groups. This volume brings together contributions from many of the leading workers in the field, providing in-depth accounts of the current state of knowledge of a wide range of hormone systems. The book presents a unique summary of some of the most significant and exciting advances of the last decade, brought together in a single volume for the first time.

Good nutrition is fundamental to the success and sustainability of the aquaculture industry in terms of economics, fish health, high quality product production and minimizing environmental pollution. This book provides a unique, complete coverage of current information on nutrient requirements, feed formulations and feeding practices of commercially important aquaculture species cultured around the world. Each chapter contains detailed feeding information on specific species and is written by an expert nutritionist on that species. The book is of interest to those working professionally in the industry, graduate level students and researchers.

This book provides an up-to-date review of our understanding of smooth muscle and integrates molecular, cellular and physiological information with tissue and anatomical studies. Well-known researchers have written chapters giving detailed reviews of our current knowledge of the biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy of smooth muscle. In particular, they cover the seven most important areas of smooth muscle function including morphology, electrophysiology, mechanisms of electromechanical and pharmacomechanical coupling, calcium homeostasis, signal transduction, mechanics of contraction, and the contractile proteins.

The first volume in the new Cambridge Handbooks in Behavioral Genetics series, Behavioral Genetics of the Mouse provides baseline information on normal behaviors, essential in both the design of experiments using genetically modified or pharmacologically treated animals and in the interpretation and analyses of the results obtained. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the genetics of naturally occurring variation in mouse behavior, from perception and spontaneous behaviors such as exploration, aggression, social interactions and motor behaviors, to reinforced behaviors such as the different types of learning. Also included are numerous examples of potential experimental problems, which will aid and guide researchers trying to troubleshoot their own studies. A lasting reference, the thorough and comprehensive reviews offer an easy entrance into the extensive literature in this field, and will prove invaluable to students and specialists alike.

This book brings together edited and revised papers presented at the 8th Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs held in Uppsala in June, 2000. It contains more than 100 papers from leading scientists from around the world in this subject area. Among other features it contributes to the development of the the science relating to the effects of nutrition on gut physiology. It also creates a platform for future research, that will increase knowledge of how to optimize the nutrition of the pig and to help prevent diet-related gastrointestinal conditions.

This textbook is intended for use in a course for undergraduate students in biology, neuroscience or psychology who have had an introductory course on the structure and function of the nervous system. Its primary purpose is to provide a working vocabulary and knowledge of the biology of vision and to acquaint students with the major themes in biological vision research. Part I treats the eye as an image-forming organ and provides an overview of the projections from the retina to key visual structures of the brain. Part II examines the functions of the retina and its central projections in greater detail, building on the introductory material of Part I. Part III treats certain special topics in vision that require this detailed knowledge of the structure and properties of the retina and visual projections.

Many aspects of human activity involve energy transfer of some type. Human Energetics in Biological Anthropology examines some of the ways in which measurements of energy intake, expenditure and balance have been used to study human populations by biological anthropologists and human biologists. The book provides an integration of human adaptation and adaptability approaches, placing these issues in an ecological context by considering traditional subsistence economies in the developing world. This is the first volume to present such an integrated approach, and will be useful in the teaching of biological anthropology, human population biology, nutritional anthropology, and third world nutrition at senior undergraduate and graduate student level.

Advances in Insect Physiology, Volume 56, provides readers with the latest interdisciplinary reviews on the topic. It is an essential reference source for invertebrate physiologists, neurobiologists, entomologists, zoologists, and insect chemists, with this new release focusing on the Effects of resource limitation on the strengths of tradeoffs in insect lifecycles, The circadian system in insects: cellular, molecular, and functional organization, Molecular Physiology of the Insect Midgut, The Cryptonephridic system in Lepidoptera, Subsocial insects and the physiology of parental care, Mechanisms regulating phenotypically plastic traits in wing polymorphic insects, and more.

Their natural beauty, exceptional variety and unique biology make birds (Aves) one of the most fascinating groups of animals. They are also of great importance to humans as food and as experimental subjects that have catalyzed significant advances in many areas of biological research. Central to our ability to maintain and develop these resources is a thorough understanding of avian nutrition. This book presents, uniquely, all aspects of our current knowledge, drawn from such diverse disciplines as physiological ecology, poultry production, zoo biology and biomedical science. The physical and biochemical processes of digestion, the metabolic functions of nutrients and the diversity of evolutionary adaptations required to accommodate very different foodstuffs are examined in depth. Emphasis is placed on the quantitative nature of nutrition and the practical consequences for the dietary requirements of captive and wild avian populations throughout their life cycle. This book is key reading for advanced students of animal nutrition and poultry science and for research ornithologists. It will also be valuable for practicing nutritionists working with farmed, pet, zoo or wild birds and represents an essential purchase for libraries of animal science, veterinary medicine and ornithology.

This authoritative volume reviews the subject in a style which is comprehensible to the non-specialist. Contributions by leading authorities review avian meat science from basic meat structure and function, color, texture and flavor, through to practical aspects of production, harvesting and slaughter factors affecting meat quality. The book is the result of the 25th Poultry Science Symposium held at the University of Bristol in September 1997.

With the current interest in the environmental and economic sustainability of dairy farming, grass forage crops have emerged as a potential solution to some of the nutrient management problems now encountered on intensively managed dairy farms. The expansion and reintegration of grass-based systems into the mainstream of dairying systems will require a major paradigm shift involving economic, social and ecological, as well as biological factors. This book examines the role of grass in milk production in sustainable agricultural ecosystems. It provides a current summary of the role of grass in dairy cattle systems, including the breeding, management, storage, feeding and economics of grass for both lactating and dry dairy cows. Written by leading specialists from Australia, Europe, New Zealand, North and South America, this is an essential reference source for researchers, dairy industry professionals and advanced students of forage and dairy cattle nutrition.

Poultry are farmed and are important sources of protein throughout the world. All students of agriculture are likely to be required to study poultry science to at least an introductory level. However, hitherto there has been no suitable textbook serving the needs of students taking a general introductory course in poultry science. This book aims to fill this gap. It explains the science underlying the productive processes of growth, reproduction and incubation. The applications of nutrition and breeding techniques are described. The book covers all the commercially important poultry species, including turkeys, quail, guinea fowls, ducks and geese, but the main emphasis is on the domestic fowl. The overall purpose is to provide the student with an understanding of the characteristics and physiological responses of domesticated poultry, with particular reference to production. The emphasis is on modelling responses rather than on biochemical and hormonal processes. The author stresses basic concepts and models, rather than practical production systems, so that the book should have worldwide applicability. The book represents a key text for degree and advanced diploma courses in agriculture.

The Proceedings of the 14th Symposium on Energy Metabolism of Farm Animals, held in Northern Ireland in September 1997, comprises 85 original contributions by leading scientists from over 20 countries around the world. In keeping with previous Symposia in the series, held under the auspices of the European Association for Animal Production, this book contains papers which provide the latest research on the energy metabolism and other aspects of the physiology of a wide variety of farmed animals. Highlights include a comprehensive review of the current state of research on leptins and their potential applications in animal production, and a large section relating to organ and tissue metabolism, with major contributions from the USA, UK, France, Germany and Denmark. An important strength of the book is the diversity of species covered. For example, the sections on modelling and feed evaluation relate to pigs, sows, broiler chickens, laying hens, turkeys, lambs, beef and dairy cattle and fish. There are also substantial contributions on lactation and reproduction, growth, environmental aspects and maintenance. This book is essential reading for research workers in animal science, particularly those concerned with nutrition and feed evaluation.

Here is a uniquely modern approach to the study of physiological diversity that builds on the tradition established by C. Ladd Prosser's Comparative Animal Physiology. Responding to the need for a rigorously up-to-date, comprehensive survey of function and integrative systems in a variety of species, which is also easily accessible to the user, Dr. Prosser has delivered a thoroughly revised Fourth Edition in a convenient two-volume format. This carefully designed framework lets each volume zero-in on distinct aspects of comparative physiology normally studied as a whole unit. From the study of genetically replicating molecules to investigations of adaptive modulation, these two companion volumes offer an all-encompassing view of the field. With their contemporary approach, scholarly editing, flexible format, and detailed contents, Neural and Integrative Animal Physiology and Environmental and Metabolic Animal Physiology will stand together as the authoritative source in the field.

During the last two decades, major advances have been made in mammalian genetics. New methods in molecular and cytogenetics, and in biotechnology have been developed. Many of these have been applied to investigating the genetics of sheep and to improving the production of wool, meat and milk. This book is a comprehensive reference work on sheep genetics. All relevant topics have been included, from fundamental genetic structure to the genetics of various production and other traits, to transgenic sheep and genetic conservation. Chapters have been specially commissioned for the volume and written by internationally recognized experts from Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand. The book will be invaluable to advanced students and research workers in animal genetics, breeding and biotechnology.

Skin colour is perhaps the most decisive and abused physical characteristic of humankind. This book presents a multidisciplinary overview of how and why human populations vary so markedly in their skin colour. The biological aspects of the pigment cell and its production of melanin are reviewed. The functions of melanin in the skin, brain, eye and ear are considered, and the common clinical abnormalities of pigmentation, such as albinism, are described and illustrated. Detailed reflectance data from worldwide surveys of skin colour are also presented. The historical and contemporary background of the phenomenon is explored in relation to the so-called 'colour problem' in society. Finally, the possible evolutionary forces which shape human pigmentation are assessed. This fascinating account will be of interest to graduate students and researchers of biological anthropology, anatomy, physiology and dermatology, as well as medical practitioners.

Strategies for Successful Animal Shelters is the first book to assess the relationship between shelter traits, activities and critical outcome variables, such as live release or save rates. This book provides a data-based evaluation of shelter processes and practices with explicit recommendations for improved shelter activities. Using a survey of licensed animal shelters, case studies, and data on state inspections, complaints, and save rates, this book provides an assessment of the activities, processes, and procedures that are most likely to lead to positive outcomes for a variety of animal shelters. The book also contributes to community debate around animal sheltering and provides best practices, methods and means to assess local shelters to ensure the highest level of animal welfare. It is a valuable resource for animal shelter professionals and rescue groups, as well as students in disciplines such as animal science, animal welfare and shelter medicine.

The cestodes, or tapeworms, are a group of parasitic worms many species of which cause serious, often fatal, diseases in man and domestic animals throughout the world. This book is an updated and expanded version of Professor Smyth's The Physiology of Cestodes (1969). The text has now been entirely rewritten, taking into account advances in investigative techniques such as immunocytochemistry, in vitro culture and scanning electron microscopy, which have immensely increased our understanding of these organisms. The biochemical coverage now includes the spectacular advances in molecular biology that have occured. The book also shows how cestodes are increasingly being recognized as valuable models for investigating fundamental biological phenomena such as membrane transport and asexual/sexual differentiation. Students of medicine, veterinary medicine, parasitology and zoology will find this book invaluable. Its high research content and extensive references also make it an essential reference book for researchers in these fields.

Contains a selection of White Papers, commissioned to better inform the exploration of cattle welfare. These are prepared by notable experts in their field, to help provide factual context around selected topics that impact cattle welfare and production systems. Covers all aspects of cattle use in an accessible style, making this a must have volume for anyone interested in cattle welfare or cattle medicine. Provides an in-depth picture of the distinctive beef and dairy cattle welfare practices and issues, covering topics such as behavior, breeding and genetic manipulation, nutrition and feeding, housing and management, health and disease, and transport and slaughter. Written by acknowledged leaders in animal science, veterinary science, philosophy and animal welfare, presenting a truly multidisciplinary perspective on cattle welfare. Includes a section on understanding and managing animal welfare in both beef and dairy cattle, discussing how cattle perceive the world, animal handling and pain mitigation, and how to assure that the cows have a reasonably good life. The Welfare of Cattle offers an accurate, detailed account of the ethical and welfare concerns related to the human use of cattle. There is currently no significant book dealing with the welfare of cows, animals often seen as archetypal paradigms of 'farm animals'. Covering both beef and dairy cattle, the expert authors provide in-depth information on the husbandry roots of traditional agriculture, the replacement of this system of stewardship by an industrial model, and the resulting welfare challenges associated with industrial agriculture: feedlots, highly industrialized dairies, and slaughterhouses killing huge numbers of animals who have been transported great distances. This important book explores in detail the ways in which people who are providing care for cattle can take their first step, or their next step, toward enhancing the welfare of these animals. An extra chapter (online only) is available in the 'Downloads' tab on the left: Dairy Nutrition, by Michael Gamroth

When a bone of unknown origin is found at a location, forensic implications arise immediately. Is this bone human, and if so, is it evidence of a murder? Human and Non-Human Bone Identification: A Color Atlas presents a comprehensive handbook of photographs and other information essential for law enforcement and forensic anthropologists when examining skeletal remains and determining species and body parts. Presenting over 3000 color photographs, this atlas is a practical comparative guide to the differences among species for nearly all bones in the body. Useful in either the laboratory or the field, it features images of the types of bones that are most commonly discovered, and provides annotations pointing out salient features. The book begins with a section on general osteology and explains the major anatomical differences between humans and other animals. It compares human and non-human bones, categorized by type of bone, and includes most of the major bones in humans and non-humans. The third section discusses non-human skeletal elements, categorized by species, and explores numerous skeletal elements within those species. This book is also available on a fully searchable DVD: Catalog no. 62964 Includes Bones from the Following Species! Moose Elk Deer Bison Cow Antelope Mountain Sheep Domestic Sheep Llama Horse Bear Wolf Coyote Domestic dog Mountain lion Bobcat Raccoon Badger Skunk River Otter Beaver Porcupine Marmot Prairie dog Rabbit Norway rat Squirrel Armadillo Opossum Vampire bat Seal Written by Diane L. France, one of the most respected forensic anthropologists in the world, this supremely organized atlas helps those tasked with bone identification to quickly and efficiently determine the origin of discovered remains and plan the appropriate course of action.