Some Adaptations of Marsh-Nesting Blackbirds. (MPB-14), Volume 14

Some Adaptations of Marsh-Nesting Blackbirds. (MPB-14), Volume 14 PDF Author: Gordon H. Orians
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691209936
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313

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Book Description
The variety of social systems among the New World blackbirds (Family Icteridae) and the structural simplicity of their foraging environment provide excellent opportunities for testing theorics about the adaptive significance of their behavior. Here Gordon Orians presents the results of his many years of research on how blackbirds utilize their marsh environments during the breeding season. These results stem from information he gathered on three species during ten breeding seasons in the Pacific Northwest, on Red-winged blackbirds during two breeding seasons in Costa Rica, and on three species during one breeding season in Argentina. The author uses models derived from Darwin's theory of natural selection to predict the behavior and morphology of individuals as well as the statistical properties of their populations. First he tests models that predict habitat selection, foraging behavior, territoriality, and mate selection. Then he considers some population patterns, especially range of use of environmental resources and overlap among species, that may result from those individual attributes. Professor Orianns concludes with an overview of the structure of bird communities in marshes of the world and the relation of these patterns to overall source availability in these simple but productive habitats.

Some Adaptations of Marsh-Nesting Blackbirds. (MPB-14), Volume 14

Some Adaptations of Marsh-Nesting Blackbirds. (MPB-14), Volume 14 PDF Author: Gordon H. Orians
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691209936
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313

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Book Description
The variety of social systems among the New World blackbirds (Family Icteridae) and the structural simplicity of their foraging environment provide excellent opportunities for testing theorics about the adaptive significance of their behavior. Here Gordon Orians presents the results of his many years of research on how blackbirds utilize their marsh environments during the breeding season. These results stem from information he gathered on three species during ten breeding seasons in the Pacific Northwest, on Red-winged blackbirds during two breeding seasons in Costa Rica, and on three species during one breeding season in Argentina. The author uses models derived from Darwin's theory of natural selection to predict the behavior and morphology of individuals as well as the statistical properties of their populations. First he tests models that predict habitat selection, foraging behavior, territoriality, and mate selection. Then he considers some population patterns, especially range of use of environmental resources and overlap among species, that may result from those individual attributes. Professor Orianns concludes with an overview of the structure of bird communities in marshes of the world and the relation of these patterns to overall source availability in these simple but productive habitats.

The Publishers' Trade List Annual

The Publishers' Trade List Annual PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : American literature
Languages : en
Pages : 1186

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Book Description


Wildlife Ecotoxicology

Wildlife Ecotoxicology PDF Author: John E. Elliott
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387894322
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 476

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Book Description
Many books have now been published in the broad field of environmental toxicology. However, to date, none of have presented the often fascinating stories of the wildlife science, and the steps along the way from discovery of problems caused by environmental pollutants to the regulatory and non-regulatory efforts to address the problems. This book provides case by case examinations of how toxic chemical effects on wildlife have brought about policy and regulatory decisions, and positive changes in environmental conditions. Wild animal stories, whether they are about the disappearance of charismatic top predators, or of grossly deformed embryos or frogs, provide powerful symbols that can and have captured the public's imagination and have resulted in increased awareness by decision makers. It is the intent of this book to present factual and balanced overviews and summaries of the science and the subsequent regulatory processes that followed to effect change (or not). We cover a variety of chemicals and topics beginning with an update of the classic California coastal DDT story of eggshell thinning and avian reproduction to more recent cases, such as the veterinarian pharmaceutical that has brought three species of Asian vultures to the brink of extinction. Researchers, regulators, educators, NGOs and the general public will find valuable insights into the processes and mechanisms involved both in environmental scientific investigation and in efforts to effect positive change.

Porcupines

Porcupines PDF Author: Uldis Roze
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421407590
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 237

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Book Description
Porcupines are prickly and often misunderstood creatures—get the facts. Could a porcupine make a good pet? Do they ever stick themselves or other porcupines with their quills? In this latest addition to the Animal Answer Guide series, we learn about these mysterious animals' "pincushion defense," along with the following facts: • Porcupines survive on a diet of leaves, bark, and fruit • Quills are actually modified hairs • There are 26 species of porcupines (and counting) • Old World and New World porcupines have a common ancestor but evolved independently • New World males will gather to fight ferociously over a single female Porcupines: The Animal Answer Guide presents solid, current science in the field of porcupine biology. Uldis Roze compares and contrasts porcupines in terms of body plan, behavior, ecology, reproduction, and evolutionary relationships. He examines the diversity of porcupines from around the world—from North and South America to Africa and Asia. This guide explores the interactions between humans and porcupines, including hunting, use of quills by aboriginal societies, efforts to poison porcupines, and human and pet injuries (and deaths) caused by porcupines. Roze also highlights the conservation issues that surround some porcupine species, such as the thin-spine porcupine of Brazil, which is so rare that it was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in the 1980s.

Hormonally Active Agents in the Environment

Hormonally Active Agents in the Environment PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309064198
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 453

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Book Description
Some investigators have hypothesized that estrogens and other hormonally active agents found in the environment might be involved in breast cancer increases and sperm count declines in humans as well as deformities and reproductive problems seen in wildlife. This book looks in detail at the science behind the ominous prospect of "estrogen mimics" threatening health and well-being, from the level of ecosystems and populations to individual people and animals. The committee identifies research needs and offers specific recommendations to decision-makers. This authoritative volume: Critically evaluates the literature on hormonally active agents in the environment and identifies known and suspected toxicologic mechanisms and effects of fish, wildlife, and humans. Examines whether and how exposure to hormonally active agents occursâ€"in diet, in pharmaceuticals, from industrial releases into the environmentâ€"and why the debate centers on estrogens. Identifies significant uncertainties, limitations of knowledge, and weaknesses in the scientific literature. The book presents a wealth of information and investigates a wide range of examples across the spectrum of life that might be related to these agents.

Habitat Suitability Index Models and Instream Flow Suitability Curves

Habitat Suitability Index Models and Instream Flow Suitability Curves PDF Author: Richard L. Schroeder
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Habitat partitioning (Ecology)
Languages : en
Pages : 24

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Book Description


The Red-cockaded Woodpecker

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker PDF Author: Richard Conner
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292789726
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 400

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Book Description
Though small among its woodpecker relatives, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker poses a huge dilemma for its human neighbors. Uniquely adapted to live in the old-growth pine forests of the southeastern United States, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker has nearly disappeared as the forests have been cleared for agricultural, commercial, and residential uses over the last two centuries. Today, it waits at a crossroads. Scientific management practices could restore the woodpecker's habitat and population, but the imperative to convert old-growth forests to other uses remains. In this book, three of the leading experts on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker offer a comprehensive overview of all that is currently known about its biology and natural history and about the ecology of the fire-maintained forests it requires for survival. As the most visible endangered species in the Southeast, and the one whose conservation impacts the largest land area, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker holds a compelling interest not only for ornithologists, but also for wildlife managers, foresters, developers, environmentalists, and government officials. For all of these groups, this book will be the essential resource for learning more about the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and ensuring its survival.

Boneland

Boneland PDF Author: Alan Garner
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
ISBN: 000746326X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
A major novel from one of the country’s greatest writers, and the crowning achievement of an astonishing career, ‘Boneland’ is also the long-awaited conclusion to the story of Colin and Susan – a story that began over fifty years ago in ‘The Weirdstone of Brisingamen’...

The Moon of Gomrath

The Moon of Gomrath PDF Author: Alan Garner
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Children's stories
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
On the English moors, two children become involved in an age-old struggle, working with the wizard of the High Magic to destroy or at least control the more and more powerful Old Magic.

Urtica

Urtica PDF Author: Gulsel M. Kavalali
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0203017927
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
Plants from the genera Urtica, often better known as the stinging nettle, can be distinguished by their stinging hairs, and in some species, their serrated leaf edges. Historical records of the various uses of Urtica date back to at least the Bronze Age (3000-2000 BC). Nettles have traditionally been used as a nutritious food source particularly in