Systematic Biology


Book Description




Comparative Vertebrate Morphology


Book Description

Comparative Vertebrate Morphology provides a comprehensive discussion of vertebrate morphology. The structure-function concept at the level of organs and organ systems is fundamental to an understanding of comparative evolutionary morphology. It is upon these three interrelated aspects-structure, function, and evolution- that that contents of this volume have been organized and presented. The book opens with a discussion of general concepts on vertebrate evolution. This is followed by separate chapters on vertebrate phylogeny, skeletal components, the cranial and postcranial skeleton, muscula ...




Ecological Morphology


Book Description

Ecological morphology examines the relation between an animal's anatomy and physiology—its form and function—and how the animal has evolved in and can inhabit a particular environment. Within the past few years, research in this relatively new area has exploded. Ecological Morphology is a synthesis of major concepts and a demonstration of the ways in which this integrative approach can yield rich and surprising results. Through this interdisciplinary study, scientists have been able to understand, for instance, how bat wing design affects habitat use and bat diet; how the size of a predator affects its ability to capture and eat certain prey; and how certain mosquitoes have evolved physiologically and morphologically to tolerate salt-water habitats. Ecological Morphology also covers the history of the field, the role of the comparative method in studying adaptation, and the use of data from modern organisms for understanding the ecology of fossil communities. This book provides an overview of the achievements and potential of ecological morphology for all biologists and students interested in the way animal design, ecology, and evolution interact.




Comparative Biology of the Normal Lung


Book Description

Comparative Biology of the Normal Lung, Second Edition, offers a rigorous and comprehensive reference for all those involved in pulmonary research. This fully updated work is divided into sections on anatomy and morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and immunological response. It continues to provide a unique comparative perspective on the mammalian lung. This edition includes several new chapters and expanded content, including aging and development of the normal lung, mechanical properties of the lung, genetic polymorphisms, the comparative effect of stress of pulmonary immune function, oxygen signaling in the mammalian lung and much more. By addressing scientific advances and critical issues in lung research, this 2nd edition is a timely and valuable work on comparative data for the interpretation of studies of animal models as compared to the human lung. - Edited and authored by experts in the field to provide an excellent and timely review of cross-species comparisons that will help you interpret and compare data from animal studies to human findings - Incorporates lung anatomy and physiology, cell specific interactions and immunological responses to provide you with a single and unique multidisciplinary source on the comparative biology of the normal lung - Includes new and expanded content on neonatal and aged lungs, developmental processes, cell signaling, antioxidants, airway cells, safety pharmacology and much more - Section IV on Physical and Immunological Defenses has been significantly updated with 9 new chapters and an increased focus on the pulmonary immunological system




Comparative Anatomy and Histology


Book Description

1. Introduction -- 2. Phenotyping -- 3. Necropsy and histology -- 4. Mammary Gland -- 5. Skeletal System -- 6. Nose, sinus, pharynx and larynx -- 7. Oral cavity and teeth -- 8. Salivary glands -- 9. Respiratory -- 10. Cardiovascular -- 11. Upper GI -- 12. Lower GI -- 13. Liver and gallbladder -- 14. Pancreas -- 15. Endocrine System -- 16. Urinary System -- 17. Female Reproductive System -- 18. Male Reproductive System -- 19. Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues -- 20. Nervous System -- 21. Special senses, eye -- 22. Special senses, ear -- 23. Skin and adnexa -- Index.




Primate Comparative Anatomy


Book Description

Ideal for college and graduate courses, Gebo's book will appeal to researchers in the fields of mammalogy, primatology, anthropology, and paleontology.Included in this book are discussions of: Phylogeny; Adaptation; Body size; The wet- and dry-nosed primates; Bone biology; Musculoskeletal mechanics; Strepsirhine and haplorhine heads; Primate teeth and diets; Necks, backs, and tails; The pelvis and reproduction; Locomotion; Forelimbs and hindlimbs; Hands and feet; Grasping toes




Comparative Anatomy and Histology


Book Description

The second edition of Comparative Anatomy and Histology is aimed at the new rodent investigator as well as medical and veterinary pathologists who need to expand their knowledge base into comparative anatomy and histology. It guides the reader through normal mouse and rat anatomy and histology using direct comparison to the human. The side by side comparison of mouse, rat, and human tissues highlight the unique biology of the rodents, which has great impact on the validation of rodent models of human disease. - Offers the only comprehensive source for comparing mouse, rat, and human anatomy and histology through over 1500 full-color images, in one reference work - Enables human and veterinary pathologists to examine tissue samples with greater accuracy and confidence - Teaches biomedical researchers to examine the histologic changes in their model rodents - Experts from both human and veterinary fields take readers through each organ system in a side-by-side comparative approach to anatomy and histology - human Netter anatomy images along with Netter-style rodent images




Assumptions Inhibiting Progress in Comparative Biology


Book Description

This book is a thought-provoking assessment of assumptions inhibiting progress in comparative biology. The volume is inspired by a list generated years earlier by Donn Rosen, one of the most influential, innovative and productive comparative biologists of the latter 20th century. His list has assumed almost legendary status among comparative evolutionary biologists. Surprisingly many of the obstructing assumptions implicated by Rosen remain relevant today. Any comparative biologist hoping to avoid such assumptions in their own research will benefit from this introspective volume.




The Comparative Embryology of Sponges


Book Description

One of the major questions in the evolution of animals is the transition from unicellular to multicellular organization, which resulted in the emergence of Metazoa through a hypothetical Urmetazoa. The Comparative Embryology of Sponges contains abundant original and literary data on comparative embryology and morphology of the Porifera (Sponges), a group of 'lower Metazoa'. On the basis of this material, original typization of the development of Sponges is given and the problems concerning origin and evolution of Porifera and their ontogenesis are discussed. A morphogenetic interpretation of the body plan development during embryogenesis, metamorphosis and asexual reproduction in Sponges is proposed. Special attention is given to the analysis of characteristic features of the ontogenesis in Porifera. The book pursues three primary goals: 1) generalization of all existing information on individual development of sponges, its classification and a statement according to taxonomical structure of Porifera; 2) revealing of heterogeneity of morphogenesis and peculiarities of ontogeneses in various clades of Porifera, and also their correlations with the organization, both adult sponges, and their larvae; 3) revealing homology of morphogeneses in both Porifera and Eumetazoa, testifying to the general evolutionary roots of multicellular animals, and peculiar features of sponges' morphogeneses and ontogenesis. This book will be of interest to embryologists, zoologists, morphologists and researchers in evolutionary biology.




Comparative Dental Morphology


Book Description

Teeth and their surrounding structures are exceptional sources for addressing significant questions in numerous disciplines. In this publication, an international, multidisciplinary team of researchers addresses important issues on current aspects of dental morphology research from evolutionary, anatomical, clinical and archaeological perspectives. In combining leading-edge methods of data acquisition and analyses, such as molecular analyses and highly advanced non-destructive imaging technologies, the book demonstrates how information about various aspects of dental morphology can be used to explore the evolution of vertebrate life histories, a subject most relevant to our own species. The chapters provide profound discussions on dental evolution, dental morphology, dental tissues, dental growth and development, as well as on clinical aspects of dental morphology. As a special feature, the publication provides new information about the role of teeth as tools in reconstructing the nature and behaviour of past populations. This book will serve as an important reference for researchers of dental sciences, anatomy, evolutionary biology, paleoanthropology, paleontology, archaeology, prehistoric anthropology, comparative anatomy, genetics, embryology, and forensic medicine.