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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.
A gorgeously illustrated guide to the incredible diversity of
snakes around the world Snakes are found on every continent except
Antarctica and have evolved to occupy a vast range of habitats,
from mountains to oceans and deserts to rain forests. Snakes of the
World explores their extraordinary diversity, with an in-depth
introduction covering anatomy, behavior, habitats, reproduction,
conservation, and other essential topics. This expert guide also
includes profiles of some of the approximately 4,000 species of
snakes, featuring examples from every family and subfamily. Each
family profile highlights the remarkable appearance,
characteristics, and lifestyle of notable snake species. Covering
how snakes use venom or constriction to subdue their prey, how a
snake's appearance can aid camouflage or boast of its killing
capacity, and how habitat destruction is jeopardizing the future of
many species, Snakes of the World is an invaluable guide to these
fascinating reptiles. Features more than 200 stunning color
photographs Presents species profiles with a commentary,
distribution map, and table of information Includes examples from
every snake family and subfamily
A lavishly illustrated overview of the world’s lizards Lizards
are one of nature’s great success stories: survivors from the
time of the dinosaurs, they have taken advantage of almost every
habitat on earth, from tropical rainforest to Arctic tundra and
even our homes. From chameleons and skinks to geckos and iguanas,
there are close to 7,000 species of lizards around the world. This
expert guide explores their extraordinary diversity and
adaptations. Lizards of the World features an in-depth introduction
covering the evolution, anatomy, and lifestyle of lizards, followed
by profiles of species from every family, accompanied by stunning
color photographs. This invaluable guide highlights the enormous
range of habitats, appearance, and activity among lizards. Many
thrive in extreme conditions, and have adapted to keep cool, warm,
or hydrated. Some can protect themselves by changing color to blend
in with their surroundings, while others have fringed toes enabling
them to run across sand, or can parachute out of a predator’s
reach. Covering diet and reproduction as well as defense strategies
and conservation, Lizards of the World showcases the unique natural
history and beauty of these remarkable creatures. More than 200
detailed photographic images 80+ lizard families and subfamilies
Exploration of lizard biology, behavior, habits, and distribution
Broad coverage and in-depth treatment by a world-renowned
herpetologist
For millennia, humans have regarded snakes with an exceptional
combination of fascination and revulsion. Some people recoil in
fear at the very suggestion of these creatures, while others
happily keep them as pets. Snakes can convey both beauty and menace
in a single tongue flick and so these creatures have held a special
place in our cultures. Yet, for as many meanings that we attribute
to snakes--from fertility and birth to sin and death--the real-life
species represent an even wider array of wonders. The Book of
Snakes presents 600 species of snakes from around the world,
covering nearly one in six of all snake species. It will bring
greater understanding of a group of reptiles that have existed for
more than 160 million years, and that now inhabit every continent
except Antarctica, as well as two of the great oceans. This volume
pairs spectacular photos with easy-to-digest text. It is the first
book on these creatures that combines a broad, worldwide sample
with full-color, life-size accounts. Entries include close-ups of
the snake's head and a section of the snake at actual size. The
detailed images allow readers to examine the intricate scale
patterns and rainbow of colors as well as special features like a
cobra's hood or a rattlesnake's rattle. The text is written for
laypeople and includes a glossary of frequently used terms.
Herpetologists and herpetoculturists alike will delight in this
collection, and even those with a more cautious stance on snakes
will find themselves drawn in by the wild diversity of the suborder
Serpentes.
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