Scientists' views on what makes an experiment successful have developed dramatically throughout history. Different criteria for proper experimentation were privileged at different times, entirely new criteria for securing experimental results emerged, and the meaning of commitment to experimentation altered. In About Method, Schickore captures this complex trajectory of change from 1660 to the twentieth century through the history of snake venom research. As experiments with poisonous snakes and venom were both challenging and controversial, the experimenters produced very detailed accounts of their investigations, which go back three hundred years-making venom research uniquely suited for such a long-term study. By analyzing key episodes in the transformation of venom research, Schickore is able to draw out the factors that have shaped methods discourse in science. About Method shows that methodological advancement throughout history has not been simply a steady progression toward better, more sophisticated and improved methodologies of experimentation. Rather, it was a progression in awareness of the obstacles and limitations that scientists face in developing strategies to probe the myriad unknown complexities of nature. The first long-term history of this development and of snake venom research, About Method offers a major contribution to integrated history and philosophy of science.

Key features: Presents a contemporary snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the evolution and adaptation of behavior Explores how genetics, epigenetics, development, and environment shape behavior Discusses a broad range of behavioral repertoires and responses, including those related to thermoregulatory, foraging, predatory, displaying, social and escape strategies. Examines physiological and sensory mechanisms Covers the effects of various aspects of global change on behavior, with chapters that focus on the impacts of climate change on hydroregulatory behavior and behavioral responses to the effects of habitat alteration resulting from human-mediated change and colonization by invasive species. Lizards serve as focal organisms for many of biological questions related to evolution, ecology, physiology, and morphology. They are studied at multiple spatial and temporal scales, from the individual to the community level. This book, authored by expert contributors from around the world, explores behaviors underlying the evolution and adaptation of these organisms. It covers conceptual, empirical, and methodological approaches to the understanding of the role that natural and sexual selection play in molding the behavioral traits of lizards. This thorough, illustrated reference should stimulate discussion of the conceptual and methodological approaches for studying the behavioral traits of these fascinating and highly diverse vertebrates.

This book has three primary themes: identification, natural history, and conservation. This is the first guide yet produced to the amphibians and reptiles of New York State, a large and heavily populated state that hosts a surprisingly diverse and interesting community of amphibians and reptiles. The book presents the results of the New York State Amphibian and Reptile Atlas for the first time (a compilation of ~60,000 distributional records collected 1990-1999); thus, the volume is a repository for detailed distributional data on the 69 species native to the state. The book presents in-depth species accounts based on the six authors' decades of collective experience as teachers, researchers and conservationists. Supporting chapters focus on the biology of amphibians and reptiles, New York's environment, finding and studying these creatures, and the rich folklore of New York State as it pertains to amphibians and reptiles, particularly rattlesnakes. A heavy emphasis on conservation biology of amphibians and reptiles sets the book apart from any comparable volume yet produced in the United States. To this end, chapters on threats, legal protections, habitat conservation guidelines, and conservation case studies are presented. An expanded color insert presents striking photographs contributed by over 30 photographers. The book is intended for use by natural history buffs generally interested in the vertebrate animals of New York and adjoining regions (Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Quebec and Ontario), students in the many herpetology, vertebrate biology, and natural history courses offered at colleges and field stations in the northeast, public and college libraries, and natural resource professionals interested in learning more about approaches to conserving reptiles and amphibians.

Lizards of the World is ultimate book on these fascinating creatures, featuring the all the different types of lizard worldwide. As survivors from the time of the dinosaurs, lizards are scaly, cold-blooded, living fossils - relics from a prehistoric world that remain alive and well in ours. Lizards exert a morbid fascination, in many mythologies they are dark creatures, symbolizing death and misfortune. From chameleons and skinks to geckos and iguanas, Lizards of the World brings these creatures firmly into the light, to reveal their extraordinary diversity Found in almost every type of terrain globally, there are almost 6,500 species of lizard, including lizards with frills, horns or wings, those that drop their tails, and others that squirt blood from their eyes. Here, the lizard family and subfamily profiles, organized phylogenetically, are illustrated with stunning photography. Each profile includes a population distribution map, a table of essential information and a fascinating commentary revealing notable characteristics, fresh scientific understanding and the diversity of species. Written by world-renowned herpetologist Mark O'Shea, Lizards of the World is a magnificent showcase of the natural history and beauty of these remarkable reptiles.

The aim of this study was to investigate the development and diffferentiation of the adrenal glands in the grass snake during early stages of ontogenesis. After light microscopy and ultrastructural investigation, six developmental phases were distinguished in the grass snake adrenal glands. Similar developmental phases were described in pig embryos but they slightly differ from those presented above. In reptile and mammal embryos a similar direction of changes is observed in primaordia of both tissues forming adrenal glands.

South Africa has an inordinate wealth of plants and animals. It is a country of superlatives with an entire floral kingdom occurring within its borders. With a land surface area of only 2 per cent of the global landmass, it contains 10 per cent of the world's plants and between 6 and 7 per cent of the world's mammals, birds and reptiles. Not only does South Africa boast the greatest number of species of land tortoises of any place on Earth, it ranks fifth in the world with regard to overall number of reptile species. Such an array of reptiles, which at last count numbered 363 species, with more being described annually, shows an incredible range of adaptations enabling these remarkable creatures to live in extremes of climate from the high mountains to desert, from coast to coast and some even adapting to an urban environment. Despite this, the daily lives of most reptile species remain a closed book. Many species are cryptic, preferring not to be seen, while others display amongst the brightest colours in the animal kingdom. They range from very small species weighing less than a gram to the giant Nile crocodile, which may achieve a mass of 1 000 kg, and include some of the most poisonous species on the planet. It is indeed a treasure house. Remarkable Reptiles offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of snakes, lizards, chameleons, tortoises, terrapins and crocodiles and hopes to provide a greater insight into the behaviour of these often maligned animals. Many reptiles, especially snakes, receive unjust treatment because of attacks on humans, while anthropogenic causes, which are far more lethal, tend to be less emphasised. Hopefully this book will contribute to, and instil respect and interest in the remarkable diversity of reptiles with which South Africa has been blessed.

Sea turtles have existed for millions of years, making them fascinating subjects of study. In the last 20 years, the science of sea turtle biology has expanded at an exponential rate, leading to major advances in many areas. This book synthesizes the results of these advances and focuses on how these endangered marine reptiles operate in, adapt to, and are dependent upon particular features of their marine environment. New technology in data gathering, such as DNA analyses, remote sensing, and physiological monitoring techniques, has led to a much greater understanding of the biology of the sea turtle at all stages of their life history.
Areas of advancement discussed in The Biology of Sea Turtles include:
o Population genetics and phylogeny
o Sensory biology
o Migration and orientation hatchling behavior
o Age and growth
o Reproduction and endocrinology sex determination
o Diving physiology
o Osmoregulation
The book also addresses the endangered status of sea turtles and deals with threats to their survival posed by man-made changes to ocean and coastal zones. The first book of its kind, The Biology of Sea Turtles fills a substantial void in the literature, and will be of great value and interest to marine biologists, environmentalists, and conservationists.

Arabia and the Middle East have an unusually rich herpetofauna, and this is exemplified by the region's snakes. There are almost 190 species, and this new field guide offers a way to identify them. Written by expert Damien Egan and illustrated with his brilliant digital imagery, the book consists of 87 plates, each containing two or three species, with the snakes illustrated along with comparison species and diagnostic features in detail, such as head and keel scales. A concise species text accompanies each plate, highlighting ID, ecology, habitat and prey, along with notes on venom. Introductory text covers the snakes of the region more widely, with a discussion on how and where to find them and how to study them safely. Ambitious in scope, this book will be of great interest to all herpetophiles living in or visiting this broad and diverse region.

Sasol Eerste Veldgids tot die Paddas van Suider-Afrika is ’n interessante gids tot die paddas van die streek. Volkleurfoto’s, verspreidingskaarte en verstaanbare teks sal nuwelinge en aspirantnatuurkenners help om die algemeenste paddaspesies in Suider-Afrika uit te ken, te ontdek waar hulle voorkom en te leer van hul unieke gedrag en buitengewone eienskappe.

A fascinating look at the diamond-backed terrapin-an important, iconic, and imperiled American reptile. The diamond-backed terrapin is not only a uniquely evolved and beautiful turtle, it also has a long history as a vital American food source. Once so numerous that people reportedly grew tired of eating them, diamond-backed terrapins are greatly reduced in numbers today and have become an icon of salt marsh conservation. Considerably diminished in some areas and struggling to survive, this distinctive brackish water turtle is the focus of intense conservation efforts. In Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-backed Terrapin, leading terrapin researcher Willem M. Roosenburg and experienced science editor Victor S. Kennedy have brought together a group of expert scientists to summarize our current understanding of terrapin biology, physiology, behavior, and conservation efforts. Over the course of 19 comprehensive chapters, contributors * review the latest information on this charismatic species * provide a detailed summary of the terrapin's natural history * explain the threats to terrapin population stability throughout their range * examine ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the reptile's survival * present convincing arguments for the value of the diamond-backed terrapin as an estuarine indicator organism * use the terrapin as a model for studying the consequences of exploitation and environmental degradation on long-lived species This exceptional book provides pivotal information for estuarine and turtle biologists, terrapin enthusiasts, natural historians, educators, conservationists, resource managers, and students. Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-backed Terrapin is the definitive volume on this important American reptile. Contributors: Benjamin K. Atkinson, Harold W. Avery, Patrick J. Baker, Ralph E.J. Boerner, Russell L. Burke, Joseph A. Butler, Randolph M. Chambers, Paul E. Converse, Brian A. Crawford, Rusty D. Day, Dana J. Ehret, J. Whitfield Gibbons, Kathryn M. Greene, Leigh Anne Harden, Andrew S. Harrison, Kristen M. Hart, George L. Heinrich, Dawn K. Holliday, Victor S. Kennedy, Shawn R. Kuchta, Lori A. Lester, Jeffrey E. Lovich, John C. Maerz, David Owens, Allen R. Place, Taylor Roberge, Willem M. Roosenburg, Richard A. Seigel, Amanda Southwood Williard, Edward A. Standora, Anton D. Tucker, Diane C. Tulipani, Timothy J. Walsh, Thane Wibbels, Will Williams, Roger C. Wood

815 species of amphibian have been described on the African continent – 788 frogs, 23 caecilians and four salamanders. Field Guide to the Frogs & other Amphibians of Africa is the first guide ever to cover all these species.

The book features a brief introduction with tips for handling and identifying amphibians. A useful illustrated guide to each family group serves as a first step towards species ID. Species accounts describe physical features, distribution, habitat, biology, advertisement calls and conservation status, and are supported by colour photographs and up-to-date distribution maps.

Field Guide to the Frogs & Other Amphibians of Africa will prove invaluable to nature lovers, tour guides, students and scientists.

RSPB Spotlight: Snakes is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist. Snakes are superbly secretive reptiles, celebrated by many for their highly tuned senses and their complex and mysterious seasonal behaviours. Though some people may be fearful of them, these important reptiles play a crucial role in many habitats. And an encounter with any one of our native snake species is an experience worth cherishing. In Spotlight Snakes, Jules Howard takes readers on a journey through the ecology and lifestyle of Britain's three native snake species: the Barred Grass Snake, the Smooth Snake and our only venomous snake species, the Adder. As well as uncovering their unique hunting styles and courtship rituals, he delves into the myths and legends at the heart of humankind's widespread and sometimes troublesome fascination with these animals. He also charts the conservation challenges our native snakes face in the modern age and explores the solutions conservationists are employing to help these extraordinary predators remain a vital part of British ecosystems for generations to come. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photographs and informative expert text.

Since the first volume of The Biology of Sea Turtles was published in 1997, the field has grown and matured in ways few of the authors would have predicted-particularly in the areas of physiology, behavior, genetics, and health. Volume III presents timely coverage of emerging areas as well as the integration of approaches and information that did not exist even a decade ago. The book assembles the foremost experts in each topic to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive book on sea turtles available today. New areas covered include in vivo imaging of structure, spatial distributions of marine turtles at sea, epibiosis, imprinting, parasitology, and climatic effects. Life history is explored in three chapters covering age determination, predator-prey interactions, and mortality from bycatch. The Biology of Sea Turtles, Volume III will inspire scientists and students to explore and expand their understanding of these intriguing animals. The book provides clear baseline summaries, thoughtful syntheses, and effective presentation of the most fundamental topics spanning form and function, health, distributions, behavior, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Its scope and depth make it the definitive go-to reference in the field.

Q: How do geckos walk across ceilings? A: Millions of hair-like setae on each foot.

Q: Where do geckos come from? A: Throughout the world. Usually where it's warm.

Q: How many species of geckos are there? A: Close to 1,500 and counting

Q: What do they eat? A: Insects mostly.

Discover the biology, natural history, and diversity of geckos--the acrobatic little lizards made famous by a car insurance ad campaign. Lizard biologist and gecko expert Aaron Bauer answers deceptively simple questions with surprising and little-known facts. Readers can explore color photographs that reveal the natural wonder and beauty of the gecko form and are further informed by images of how geckos live in their natural habitats. Although written for nonexperts, "Geckos" also provides a carefully selected bibliography and a new list of all known species that will be of interest to herpetologists. Anyone who owns a gecko, has seen them in the wild, or has wondered about them will appreciate this gem of a book.

Snakes of the World: A Catalogue of Living and Extinct Species, published in 2014, was the first catalogue of its kind and covered all living and fossil snakes described between 1758 and 2012. This new volume will be a supplement to this important herpetological reference and will include new published data on snakes named and recognized since 2012. Key Features Supplements and updates Wallach et al. - Snakes of the World - the only work to cover all living snakes in the world. Includes updates for fossil snakes named since the publication of Wallach et al. Summarizes the systematic snake literature published since the appearance of Wallach et al. Genera and species are listed alphabetically for ease of reference. Related Titles Wallach, V., K. L. Williams, and J. Boundy. Snakes of the World: A Catalogue of Living and Extinct Species (ISBN 978-1-138-03400-6) Aldridge, R. D. and D. M. Sever, eds. Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes (ISBN 978-1-57808-701-3) Caldwell, M. W. The Origin of Snakes: Morphology and the Fossil Record (ISBN 978-1-4822-5134-0)

Drawing on the latest scientific research, the authors introduce the book with a discussion of reptile identification, diversity, biology, distribution patterns, and where to find and observe them, as well as unraveling the facts and fallacies of snakebites.

Written in a lively and accessible way, the subsequent chapters offer insight into: -Identification to group level, with an inclusive list of related species-A detailed description of appearance, together with colorful images-Biology and behavior of each group-Conservation status of species-Reproduction details-DistributionInformative panels provide key information at a glance, with a distribution map and clear icons giving typical habitat and period of activity.

A wealth of full-color photographs throughout brings the subject matter vividly to life.

This book will appeal to all wildlife enthusiasts, both professional and amateur, and will prove to be a valuable guide in the field.

This book presents perspectives on the past and present state of the understanding of snake origins. It reviews and critiques data and ideas from paleontology and neontology (herpetology), as well as ideas from morphological and molecular phylogenetics. The author reviews the anatomy and morphology of extant snakes. Methods are also critiqued, including those empirical and theoretical methods employed to hypothesize ancestral ecologies for snakes. The modern debate on squamate phylogeny and snake ingroup phylogeny using molecules and morphology is examined critically to provide insights on origins and evolution. Key Features Important major evolutionary transformation in vertebrate evolution Continuing historical debate in vertebrate paleontology Of wide interest to a core audience of paleontologists, herpetologists, and morphologists Author acknowledged as prominent contributor to debate over snake origins Based on remarkable well preserved fossil specimens

The third of a planned group of volumes dealing with reptilian nervous systems, Sensorimotor Integration focuses chiefly on visual and sensorimotor aspects of reptilian neurobiology. Chapters examine data for numerous species, drawing together the most current work and thinking on each topic and emphasizing results from recent studies. "This volume would be a valuable addition to any comparative anatomist's bookshelf, and one that should be of great interest to comparative neurobiologists and neuroanatomists alike."--Katherine V. Fite, Quarterly Review of Biology

The literature on snakes is voluminous but overwhelmingly centered in the natural sciences, with little published about them in the fields of popular culture or the history of medicine. Focusing primarily on American culture and history from the 1800s, this study draws on a wide range of sources--including newspaper archives, medical journals, and archives from the Smithsonian Institute--to examine the complex relationship between snakes and humans.

’n Onontbeerlike gids vir die uitkenning van al die gevaarlike slange en algemene onskadelike slange in Suider-Afrika, sowel as belangrike en praktiese kitsinligting oor noodhulp ingeval van ’n slangbyt.

Eenvoudige ikone, verspreidingskaarte, bondige teks en talle volkleurfoto's help om slange wat algemeen in die streek voorkom maklik uit te ken. Simptome en behandeling van slangbyte word beskryf, wat die leser lewensbelangrike noodhulpinligting gee.

Slange en Slangbyt in Suider-Afrika is helder, prakties, maklik om te gebruik en van onskatbare waarde vir almal wat van die buitelewe hou.

This groundbreaking new guide is an authoritative field reference for these two groups of animals. The taxonomy and systematics of European reptiles and amphibians have changed a lot in recent years, yet there is no modern, up-to-date field guide available that comprehensively covers all the species. The last illustrated field guide to European reptiles and amphibians was first published 38 years ago, and remains oudated despite occasional reprints and new editions. This major new field guide addresses this deficiency. A total of 219 species are covered in detail, with a focus on identification and geographical variation; species texts also cover distribution, habitat and behaviour. Superb colour illustrations by talented artist Ilian Velikov depict every species and all major variations, and colour photographs are also included for most species. It includes: - Over 370 colour artworks and 200 colour photographs - 155 accurate and up-to-date distribution maps - Easy-to-use keys and tables to help with swift species identification

Anyone can look at a snake and see a creature unique unto itself, a reptile with a set of zoological and biological traits that are entirely its own. Just looking at this distinct animal raises many scientific questions. With regard to evolution, how did such an animal come to be? How does a snake move, and how do its sense organs differ from that of other reptiles? How does it eat, and how does it reproduce? Essentially, how does a snake "work"? In How Snakes Work: The Structure, Function and Behavior of the World's Snakes, leading zoologist Harvey B. Lillywhite has written the definitive scientific guide to the functional biology of snakes. Written for both herpetologists and a more general audience with an interest in the field, How Snakes Work features nearly two hundred color images of various species of snakes, used to provide visual examples of biological features explained in the text. Chapter topics include the evolutionary history of the snake, feeding, locomotion, the structure and function of skin, circulation and respiration, sense organs, sound production, and reproduction. Containing all the latest research and advances in our biological knowledge of the snake, How Snakes Work is an indispensable asset to professional zoologists and enthusiasts alike.

This book accompanies Infectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles, Second Edition to cover noninfectious diseases of reptiles, meeting the need for a similar, authoritative single-source reference. The volume features color photos of normal anatomy and histology, as well as gross, light, and electron microscopic imagery of diseases. Subjects range from neoplasia, nutrition, and metabolic disease, and deposition disorders to developmental anomalies, trauma, and physical diseases, and the unique contribution of paleopathology and diseases of bone. Each chapter is supported by numerous figures, many of which are unique and cannot be found in the published literature. Readers will note that some of the chapters are based on organ system, a trend that will continue into the next edition to encompass all of the basic organ systems. This book holds the most information ever accrued into one publication on noninfectious diseases and pathology of this class of animals, providing information on every aspect of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis. With up-to-the-minute data, a never-before-seen collection of images, and a stellar panel of contributors, Noninfectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles is the definitive resource for veterinarians, biologists, and researchers involved in the study of reptile diseases.