Aspects of Zoogeography

Aspects of Zoogeography PDF Author: P. Müller
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401023271
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 214

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Book Description
Zoogeography aims to explain the structure, function and history of the geo graphical ranges of animals. The absence or presence of a species in a given place has ecological as well as historical causes. It is therefore a mistake to suppose that reconstructing the phylogenetic connections of a taxon will by itself give a definite picture of how its range originated. A purely ecological interpretation of the range could be equally misleading if it did not take into account the population-genetic structure underlying the geographical range. Phylogenetic systematics, population genetics, autecology and synecology have all their own methods, none of which can be substituted for another, without which a range cannot be studied or interpreted. The present book covers only certain aspects of the wide field of zoogeo graphy. These are in the form in which they were crystallised in the course of innumerable discussions with my teachers, my colleagues at home and abroad and my fellow workers, postgraduates and students at Saarbriicken, as well as in the zoogeographical part of may basic lectures on biogeography for the year 1973-1974. The chief emphasis is laid on the genetic and ecological macro structure of the biosphere as an arena for range structures and range dynamics, on urban ecosystems, which have hitherto been grossly neglected, and on the most recent history of ranges (the dispersal centre concept). The marine and fresh-water biocycles, on the other hand, have been dealt only briefly.

Aspects of Zoogeography

Aspects of Zoogeography PDF Author: P. Müller
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401023271
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 214

Get Book Here

Book Description
Zoogeography aims to explain the structure, function and history of the geo graphical ranges of animals. The absence or presence of a species in a given place has ecological as well as historical causes. It is therefore a mistake to suppose that reconstructing the phylogenetic connections of a taxon will by itself give a definite picture of how its range originated. A purely ecological interpretation of the range could be equally misleading if it did not take into account the population-genetic structure underlying the geographical range. Phylogenetic systematics, population genetics, autecology and synecology have all their own methods, none of which can be substituted for another, without which a range cannot be studied or interpreted. The present book covers only certain aspects of the wide field of zoogeo graphy. These are in the form in which they were crystallised in the course of innumerable discussions with my teachers, my colleagues at home and abroad and my fellow workers, postgraduates and students at Saarbriicken, as well as in the zoogeographical part of may basic lectures on biogeography for the year 1973-1974. The chief emphasis is laid on the genetic and ecological macro structure of the biosphere as an arena for range structures and range dynamics, on urban ecosystems, which have hitherto been grossly neglected, and on the most recent history of ranges (the dispersal centre concept). The marine and fresh-water biocycles, on the other hand, have been dealt only briefly.

Living Fossils

Living Fossils PDF Author: N. Eldredge
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461382718
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 445

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Book Description
The case history approach has an impressive record of success in a variety of disciplines. Collections of case histories, casebooks, are now widely used in all sorts of specialties other than in their familiar appli cation to law and medicine. The case method had its formal beginning at Harvard in 1871 when Christopher Lagdell developed it as a means of teaching. It was so successful in teaching law that it was soon adopted in medical education, and the collection of cases provided the raw material for research on various diseases. Subsequently, the case history approach spread to such varied fields as business, psychology, management, and economics, and there are over 100 books in print that use this approach. The idea for a series of Casehooks in Earth Science grew from my experience in organizing and editing a collection of examples of one variety of sedimentary deposits. The prqject began as an effort to bring some order to a large number of descriptions of these deposits that were so varied in presentation and terminology that even specialists found them difficult to compare and analyze. Thus, from the beginning, it was evident that something more than a simple collection of papers was needed. Accordingly, the nearly fifty contributors worked together with George de Vries Klein and me to establish a standard format for presenting the case histories.

Imagining Extinction

Imagining Extinction PDF Author: Ursula K. Heise
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022635816X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 299

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Book Description
We are currently facing the sixth mass extinction of species in the history of life on Earth, biologists claim—the first one caused by humans. Heise argues that understanding these stories and symbols is indispensable for any effective advocacy on behalf of endangered species. More than that, she shows how biodiversity conservation, even and especially in its scientific and legal dimensions, is shaped by cultural assumptions about what is valuable in nature and what is not.

Lesser Flamingos

Lesser Flamingos PDF Author: Lothar Krienitz
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3662581639
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 249

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Book Description
This book provides insights into the fascinating life of the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) and describes how this enigmatic bird has adapted to the extreme conditions of tropical soda lakes and can even withstand the caustic effects of brine. However, humans are increasingly disrupting the natural cycles of these wetlands, and for these pink birds characteristic of these salt lakes, it is becoming more and more difficult to find suitable habitats, food and breeding grounds. Their fate is considered a cautionary example of man’s dealings with nature. Will the Lesser Flamingo survive in a man-made world? Flamingos are considered to be an embodiment of the Phoenix, and the author interweaves his personal experiences with and observations of the flamingos’ unusual habitats with the Phoenix motif in order to stimulate reflection on the circle of life. Written in an accessible style that combines science, biological information and the author’s own travels and fieldwork, the book also includes a wealth of captivating images. As such, it offers a unique resource for biologists and nature-loving Africa and Asia enthusiasts alike.

Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia

Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia PDF Author: Devra G.. Kleiman
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780787665739
Category : Mammals
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Provides information on the evolution and systematics, physical characteristics, distribution, habitat, behavior, feeding ecology and diet, reproductive biology, and conservation status of five orders of mammals, each with species accounts.

He and I and the Elephants

He and I and the Elephants PDF Author: Bernhard Grzimek
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Baule (African people)
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description


Rhinos belong to everybody

Rhinos belong to everybody PDF Author: Bernhard Grzimek
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 207

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Book Description


Life's Splendid Drama

Life's Splendid Drama PDF Author: Peter J. Bowler
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 9780226069210
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 556

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Book Description
As Bowler tracks major scientific debates over the emergence of the vertebrates, the origins of the main types of living animals, and the rise and extinction of groups such as the dinosaurs, his richly detailed accounts bring to light complex interactions among specialists in various fields of biology.

Religion and Conservation

Religion and Conservation PDF Author:
Publisher: Full Circle Publishing Company
ISBN:
Category : Ecology
Languages : en
Pages : 132

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Book Description
Contributed essays; released on the occasion of the National Consultation on Religion and Conservation at New Delhi on 21 April 1999.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds PDF Author: DK
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
ISBN: 1405336161
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 514

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Book Description
The beauty and drama of the bird world brought to breathtaking life in ebook format From hummingbirds weighing less than a coin to monkey-eating eagles this is a unique celebration of birds, photographed and studied in their natural environments around the world. Explore the complete bird story: from their origins to up-to-date information on flight, anatomy, feeding, communication, breeding, habitat, migrations and life cycles. Spectacular features on the most impressive birds, plus a huge catalogue that profiles nearly fifteen hundred different species makes this a must-have for every bird enthusiast. Published with Birdlife International, the world's leading avian authority.