|
Showing 1 - 4 of
4 matches in All Departments
There are more than 1,300 species of bats - or almost a quarter of
the world's mammal species. But before you shrink in fear from
these furry "creatures of the night," consider the bat's
fundamental role in our ecosystem. A single brown bat can eat
several thousand insects in a night. Bats also pollinate and
disperse the seeds for many of the plants we love, from bananas to
mangoes and figs. Bats: A World of Science and Mystery presents
these fascinating nocturnal creatures in a new light. Lush,
full-color photographs portray bats in flight, feeding, and mating
in views that show them in exceptional detail. The photos also take
the reader into the roosts of bats, from caves and mines to the
tents some bats build out of leaves. A comprehensive guide to what
scientists know about the world of bats, the book begins with a
look at bats' origins and evolution. The book goes on to address a
host of questions related to flight, diet, habitat, reproduction,
and social structure: Why do some bats live alone and others in
large colonies? When do bats reproduce and care for their young?
How has the ability to fly - unique among mammals - influenced
bats' mating behavior? A chapter on biosonar, or echolocation,
takes readers through the system of high-pitched calls bats emit to
navigate and catch prey. More than half of the world's bat species
are either in decline or already considered endangered, and the
book concludes with suggestions for what we can do to protect these
species for future generations to benefit from and enjoy. From the
tiny "bumblebee bat" - the world's smallest mammal - to the Giant
Golden-Crowned Flying Fox, whose wingspan exceeds five feet, A
Battery of Bats presents a panoramic view of one of the world's
most fascinating yet least-understood species.
Advances in morphological and molecular methods continue to uncover
new information on the origin and evolution of bats. Presenting
some of the most remarkable discoveries and research involving
living and fossil bats, this book explores their evolutionary
history from a range of perspectives. Phylogenetic studies based on
both molecular and morphological data have established a framework
of evolutionary relationships that provides a context for
understanding many aspects of bat biology and diversification. In
addition to detailed studies of the relationships and
diversification of bats, the topics covered include the mechanisms
and evolution of powered flight, evolution and enhancement of
echolocation, feeding ecology, population genetic structure,
ontogeny and growth of facial form, functional morphology and
evolution of body size. The book also examines the fossil history
of bats from their beginnings over 50 million years ago to their
diversification into one of the most globally wide-spread orders of
mammals living today.
Advances in morphological and molecular methods continue to uncover
new information on the origin and evolution of bats. Presenting
some of the most remarkable discoveries and research involving
living and fossil bats, this book explores their evolutionary
history from a range of perspectives. Phylogenetic studies based on
both molecular and morphological data have established a framework
of evolutionary relationships that provides a context for
understanding many aspects of bat biology and diversification. In
addition to detailed studies of the relationships and
diversification of bats, the topics covered include the mechanisms
and evolution of powered flight, evolution and enhancement of
echolocation, feeding ecology, population genetic structure,
ontogeny and growth of facial form, functional morphology and
evolution of body size. The book also examines the fossil history
of bats from their beginnings over 50 million years ago to their
diversification into one of the most globally wide-spread orders of
mammals living today.
Mammals are among the most familiar - and the most diverse -
life-forms. Divided into six comprehensive volumes featuring more
than 400 full-color photographs and illustrations, the new
""Exploring the World of Mammals"" set provides more than 100
informative articles describing in detail specific groups of
mammals, such as bears, cats and dogs, and families of carnivores,
herbivores, or omnivores. This engaging set illustrates key
life-science principles while presenting thorough information on
the mammals of the world, covering important topics such as anatomy
and physiology, food chains, interspecies partnerships, and
principles of evolution and survival. Readers will learn about the
life cycle of major mammals, as well as their hunting, feeding, and
breeding habits.It includes a family tree showing how mammals fit
into the animal kingdom and how they are related to each other.
Overview articles in each volume cover the major groups of mammals.
It contains ""Fact File"" sidebars, including distribution maps and
key data. It features ""Fun Facts"" and ""Did You Know?"" boxes
highlighting key topics such as breeding, conservation, and
evolution.
|
|