Behavior Of Lizards

Key features: Presents a contemporary snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the evolution and adaptation of behavior Explores how genetics, epigenetics, development, and environment shape behavior Discusses a broad range of behavioral repertoires and responses, including those related to thermoregulatory, foraging, predatory, displaying, social and escape strategies. Examines physiological and sensory mechanisms Covers the effects of various aspects of global change on behavior, with chapters that focus on the impacts of climate change on hydroregulatory behavior and behavioral responses to the effects of habitat alteration resulting from human-mediated change and colonization by invasive species. Lizards serve as focal organisms for many of biological questions related to evolution, ecology, physiology, and morphology. They are studied at multiple spatial and temporal scales, from the individual to the community level. This book, authored by expert contributors from around the world, explores behaviors underlying the evolution and adaptation of these organisms. It covers conceptual, empirical, and methodological approaches to the understanding of the role that natural and sexual selection play in molding the behavioral traits of lizards. This thorough, illustrated reference should stimulate discussion of the conceptual and methodological approaches for studying the behavioral traits of these fascinating and highly diverse vertebrates.

Introduction: The evolutionary study of social behavior and the role of lizards as model organisms / Stanley F. Fox, J. Kelly McCoy and Troy A. Baird -- Variation among individuals. Introduction / Peter Marler. Intra- and intersexual variation in social behavior : effects of ontogeny, phenotype, resources, and season / Troy A. Baird, Dusti K. Timanus and Chris L. Sloan. Evolution and maintenance of social status-signaling badges : experimental manipulations in lizards / Martin J. Whiting, Kenneth A. Nagy and Philip W. Bateman. Ecological and social contexts for the evolution of alternative mating strategies / Kelly R. Zamudio and Barry Sinervo. Social behavior and antipredatory defense in lizards / William E. Cooper, Jr. -- Variation among populations. Introduction / Gordon H. Orians.

Revealing the secrets of reptilian social relationships through original quantitative research, field studies, laboratory experiments, and careful analysis of the literature, The Secret Social Lives of Reptiles elevates these fascinating animals to key players in the science of behavioral ecology.

Reptiles demonstrate remarkable diversity across the landscape. From inland habitats of deserts and grasslands to coastal plains and oceans, the unique adaptations and life histories of reptiles have been shaped by a suite of abiotic and biotic factors. It is the interface between the organism and its environment that present biologists with the opportunity to explore how reptiles behaviourally and physiologically respond to their environments and to determine what factors govern their ecology. This book captures the interests of all readers with a text that is foundational for the novice herpetologist, while informative for beginning students and seasoned research scientists. This book offers its readers a glimpse into the passions of scientists who find reptiles fascinating creatures of study. You will see how reptiles serve as organismal models that continue to advance our knowledge and understanding of complex biological processes and systems. Dr William I Lutterschmidt (Professor of Physiological Ecology) has invited top researchers from around the world to share their personal research interests and illustrate how environment influences the ecology, physiology, and behaviour of reptiles. This book will introduce a diversity of research fields and reptilian species, from how web-footed geckos move in desert sands to how sea snakes cope physiologically with high salinity. Topics include invasive species, urban ecology, mathematical simulation, sexual selection, hybridisation and gene flow, chemical ecology, neurobiology, spatial ecology, conservation biology, biodiversity, immunology, and molecular biology.

Leading researchers present current methodological approaches and future directions for a less anthropocentric study of animal cognition.

This outstanding clinical reference provides valuable insights into solving clinical dilemmas, formulating diagnoses, developing therapeutic plans, and verifying drug dosages for both reptiles and amphibians. The information is outlined in an easy-to-use format for quick access that is essential for emergency and clinical situations. Discusses veterinary medicine and surgery for both reptiles and amphibians Features complete biology of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians Provides step-by-step guidelines for performing special techniques and procedures such as anesthesia, clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, euthanasia and necropsy, fracture management, soft tissue surgery, and therapeutics Covers specific diseases and conditions such as anorexia, aural abscesses, and digit abnormalities in a separate alphabetically organized section 53 expert authors contribute crucial information to the study of reptiles and offer their unique perspectives on particular areas of study The expansive appendix includes a reptile and amphibian formulary A new full-color format features a wealth of vivid images and features that highlight important concepts and bring key procedures to life 29 new chapters covering diverse topics such as stress in captive reptiles, emergency and critical care, ultrasound, endoscopy, and working with venomous species Many new expert contributors that share valuable knowledge and insights from their experiences in practicing reptile medicine and surgery Unique coverage of cutting-edge imaging techniques, including CT and MRI

Originally published in 2006, this book was the first critical review of the effects of lizard foraging modes in 30 years.