Mammals of Colorado, Second Edition


Book Description

Co-published with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Thoroughly revised and updated, Mammals of Colorado, Second Edition is a comprehensive reference on the nine orders and 128 species of Colorado's recent native fauna, detailing each species' description, habitat, distribution, population ecology, diet and foraging, predators and parasites, behavior, reproduction and development, and population status. An introductory chapter on Colorado's environments, a discussion of the development of the fauna over geologic time, and a brief history of human knowledge of Coloradan mammals provide ecological and evolutionary context. The most recent records of the state's diverse species, rich illustrations (including detailed maps, skull drawings, and photographs), and an extensive bibliography make this book a must-have reference. Amateur and professional naturalists, students, vertebrate biologists, and ecologists as well as those involved in conservation and wildlife management in Colorado will find value in this comprehensive volume.







Pendejo Cave


Book Description

This account of the archaeology of a cave in southern New Mexico makes a dramatic contribution to the ongoing debate over how long human beings have lived in the Americas. The findings presented here show that human settlement may go back as far as 75,000 years before the present, whereas the long-accepted Clovis dates showed humans only about 12,000 years ago. MacNeish and his colleagues subjected the cave, its environs, and its contents to rigorous interdisciplinary investigation. The first section of this volume comprises their reports on the changing environment of the area. The second section concentrates on the excavation of the cave's layers, presenting the results of radiocarbon dating and describing the evidence of human occupation, including friction skin prints and human hair. The third section discusses the cultural implications of the materials recovered and suggests how the ancient peoples may have exploited the changing environment and developed different ways of life throughout the Americas before the time of Clovis man. No serious discussion of early inhabitants in the New World can disregard the findings presented in this monumental work of scholarship.







The Mammals of Colorado


Book Description




Life Underground


Book Description

Many mammals like to dig in the dirt, but few call it home. Those that do, such as mole-rats, zokors, and tuco-tucos, have developed novel adaptations to their subterranean life, including bones and muscles modified for efficient digging and ways to "see" underground without using their eyes. These unusual traits, adopted independently by unrelated groups around the world, also make subterranean rodents fascinating subjects for biologists. Life Underground provides the first comprehensive review of the biology of subterranean rodents. Arranged by topic rather than by taxon to facilitate cross-species comparisons, chapters cover such subjects as morphology, physiology, social behavior, genetic variation, and evolutionary diversification. Two main questions run throughout the book. First, to what extent has subterranean life shaped the biology of these animals, leading to similar adaptations among otherwise dissimilar species? Second, how have the distinct evolutionary histories of these groups led to different solutions to the challenges posed by life underground?







Geographic Variation in the Pocket Gopher, Cratogeomys castanops, in Coahuila, México


Book Description

In 'Geographic Variation in the Pocket Gopher, Cratogeomys castanops, in Coahuila, México', esteemed researchers Robert J. Russell and Rollin H. Baker present an intricate exploration of the ecological, geographical, and genetic diversity within the species. The anthology meticulously examines variations across different environmental landscapes, offering a comprehensive understanding of adaptation and evolutionary processes. This collection stands out for its rigorous empirical research and scholarly analyses, shedding light on the complex interplay between organisms and their habitats. Featuring detailed case studies, the work brilliantly highlights the significant influences of geographic isolation on speciation. Both Russell and Baker bring a wealth of expertise and years of fieldwork to this anthology. Their collective contributions not only align with but also advance contemporary discussions in evolutionary biology, ecology, and environmental studies. By meticulously documenting their findings from Coahuila, México, they provide invaluable insights into the mechanisms of nature's adaptability. Their work is a profound addition to the ongoing scholarly conversation about biodiversity and conservation, reflecting a deep understanding of the nuances of natural selection and geographic variation within a species. This book is highly recommended for scholars, students, and professionals interested in evolutionary biology, conservation strategies, and ecological studies. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the intricate details of species adaptation and geographic diversity, facilitated by Russell and Bakers authoritative research. Readers will undoubtedly appreciate the depth of inquiry and the broad spectrum of perspectives presented, making it an essential resource for anyone keen on advancing their understanding of natural sciences.




Geographic Variation in the Pocket Gopher, Thomomys bottae, in Colorado


Book Description

Pocket gophers, commonly referred to as gophers, are burrowing rodents of the Geomyidae family. This work aims to study the geographic distribution of 'Thomomys bottae,' a species of gophers, in Colorado to find means to recognize the different subspecies and to describe individual and geographic variation.