Mammalogy

Adaptation, Diversity, Ecology

George A Feldhamer author Lee C Drickamer author Stephen H Vessey author Joseph F Merritt author Carey Krajewski author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Johns Hopkins University Press

Published:27th Mar '15

Should be back in stock very soon

Mammalogy cover

A completely revised and updated edition of the leading mammalogy textbook.

There are close to 5,500 species in the class Mammalia, including the blue whale - the largest animal that has ever lived. Reflecting the expertise and perspective of five leading mammalogists, the title significantly updates taxonomy, and includes a chapter on mammalian molecular phylogenetics, and highlights several recently described species.Reflecting the expertise and perspective of five leading mammalogists, the fourth edition of Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, Ecology significantly updates taxonomy, includes a new chapter on mammalian molecular phylogenetics, and highlights several recently described species. There are close to 5,500 species in the class Mammalia, including the blue whale-the largest animal that has ever lived-and the pygmy shrew, which weighs little more than a penny. The functional diversity of mammals has allowed them to play critical roles in every ecosystem, whether marine, freshwater, alpine, tundra, forest, or desert. Many mammal species are critically endangered and present complex conservation and management challenges. This book touches on those challenges, which are often precipitated by overharvesting and habitat loss, as well as emerging threats, such as the impact of wind turbines and white nose syndrome on bats and chronic wasting disease on deer. Among the updates and additions to the fourth edition of Mammalogy are numerous new photos, figures, and cladograms, over 4,200 references, as well as: a completely new chapter on mammalian phylogeny and genomics; current taxonomy - including major changes to orders, suborders, and superfamilies of bats and rodents; an explanation of the recent inclusion of whales with terrestrial even-toed ungulates; updates on mammalian structural, functional adaptations, and fossil history; and, recent advances in our understanding of phylogeny, biogeography, social behavior, and ecology; a discussion of two new orders and thirteen newly recognized extant families It also includes: reflections on the implications of climate change for mammals; thorough examinations of several recently described species, including Durrell's vontsira ( Salanoia durrelli) and the Laotian rock rat ( Laonastes aenigmamus); an explanation of mammalian biomechanics, such as that seen in lunge feeding of baleen whales; Breakout boxes on unique aspects of mammals, including the syntax of bat songs, singing mice, and why there are no green mammals (unless we count algae-covered sloths). Maintaining the accessible, readable style for which Feldhamer and his coauthors are well known, this new edition of Mammalogy is the authoritative textbook on this amazingly diverse class of vertebrates.

Anyone teaching or studying mammalogy will be interested in this excellent textbook. -- Dan R. Kunkle Wildlife Activist This latest edition provides a comprehensive, well-illustrated introduction to the diversity and ecology of extant mammals... A handsome and valuable reference source for those seeking an introductory understanding of mammals. Choice ... the Feldhamer et al. tome is still the best review reference of mammalogy as a field and one that represents the standard for an all-encompassing reference volume. Journal of Mammalian Evolution ... this book provides a wealth of information on major topics in biology using examples specific to mammals. Journal of Mammalogy [Mammalogy] will challenge the student to think critically and seek to understand rather than merely remember the facts. Reference Reviews ... The Feldhamer et al. tome is still the best review reference of mammalogy as a field and one that represents the standard for an all-encompassing reference volume. Journal of Mammal Evolution Further exploration of mammalogy, as a case study in natural history and comparative phylogeny, will be richly enhanced for anyone who studies this new edition of an excellent publication. Feldhamer et al. provide a resource for comparing, contrasting, and appreciating the whole array of orders and species that make up the Class Mammalia. The Quarterly Review of Biology

ISBN: 9781421415888

Dimensions: 279mm x 216mm x 51mm

Weight: 2291g

768 pages

fourth edition