Reproductive Biology Of South American Vertebrates

South America is one of the few areas of the world that includes vast areas of as yet undisturbed natural habitats. These areas are home to as many as half the world's species of plants and animals. Many of the animals inhabit ing these areas are of direct and immediate economic importance, while others are of unknown potential value. With economic development of these areas, there is a coincident disruption of natural habitats that have a direct impact on the reproductive capabilities of the affected species. Re production is central to the survival of all species and, regardless of the environmental stresses imposed on them, scientific attention must be fo cused on reproductive biology as a way to deal with these pressures. It is vitally important to gather as much research data as possible on the repro ductive biology of the species on this continent in order to provide gov ernmental agencies and scientists with the most accurate information on which to base decisions regarding development. This volume is intended to draw attention to these pressing matters by gathering a wide representation of scientists actively engaged in reproduction research relating to South American vertebrates. It is intended that this volume will serve as a re source for individuals and organizations interested in reproductive biology and species survival. An additional benefit is that economically important species, as well as potentially important ones such as sharks, will be dis cussed.

South America is one of the few areas of the world that includes vast areas of as yet undisturbed natural habitats. These areas are home to as many as half the world's species of plants and animals. Many of the animals inhabit ing these areas are of direct and immediate economic importance, while others are of unknown potential value. With economic development of these areas, there is a coincident disruption of natural habitats that have a direct impact on the reproductive capabilities of the affected species. Re production is central to the survival of all species and, regardless of the environmental stresses imposed on them, scientific attention must be fo cused on reproductive biology as a way to deal with these pressures. It is vitally important to gather as much research data as possible on the repro ductive biology of the species on this continent in order to provide gov ernmental agencies and scientists with the most accurate information on which to base decisions regarding development. This volume is intended to draw attention to these pressing matters by gathering a wide representation of scientists actively engaged in reproduction research relating to South American vertebrates. It is intended that this volume will serve as a re source for individuals and organizations interested in reproductive biology and species survival. An additional benefit is that economically important species, as well as potentially important ones such as sharks, will be dis cussed.

Internal fertilization is universal in chondrichthyan fishes and, as such, requires a suite of biological activities, including behavioral, morphological and physiological mechanisms, to ensure successful copulation and fertilization. This volume correlates available data and ideas concerning the development, reproductive morphology, function, and

This series of volumes represents a comprehensive and integrated treatment of reproduction in vertebrates from fishes of all sorts through mammals. It is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in each group of vertebrates as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and our understanding of reproductive events. Whereas each chapter and each volume is intended to stand alone as a review of that topic or vertebrate group, respectively, the volumes are prepared so as to provide a thorough topical treatment across the vertebrates. Terminology has been standardized across the volumes to reduce confusion where multiple names exist in the literature, and a comprehensive glossary of these terms and their alternative names is provided. A complete, essential and up to date reference for research scientists working on vertebrate hormones and reproduction - and on animlals as models in human reproductive research Covers the endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behaviour and anatomy of vertebrate reproduction Structured coverage of the major themes for all five vertebrate groups allows a consistent treatment for all Special chapters elaborate on features specific to individual vertebrate groups and to comparative aspects, similarities and differences between them

This volume contains original contributions from an international group of authors with the highest reputations in their respective areas of phylogenetic and reproductive studies on salamanders and newts. A full panoply of topics is covered, from morphology of gametes and reproductive systems to considerations of behavior and life history, all placed in a phylogenetic context. The chapters not only synthesize past literature but also present new observations and indicate directions for future research. This is an essential text for anyone interested in the biology of urodele amphibians.

Biology, Medicine and Surgery of South American Wild Animals examines the medicine and treatment of animals specific to South America. It discusses topics dealing with diseases and biology topics. In addition, the animals studied are broken down into family and genus, using both English and Spanish names. The book is liberally illustrated and contains references for further reading as well as the contributions of regional experts on the animals covered.

Comparative Vertebrate Reproduction is the only comprehensive textbook covering major topics in the reproductive biology of vertebrates, from sexuality and gametogenesis to reproductive ecology and life history tactics. The work draws heavily on recent reviews and papers while placing topics in a historical context and conceptual framework. In addition, the author provides detailed comparative surveys of each of the major topics discussed. Comparative Vertebrate Reproduction has been written as a textbook for upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level students in biology, zoology, physiology, animal science, and veterinary medicine. The work also serves as an excellent reference for researchers in medical and veterinary schools working in reproductive medicine.

Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara is a remarkable compendium of chapters written by the world's leading experts from over four continents. The book begins with a chapter recounting historical discoveries in reproductive biology and a review of phylogenetics and up-to-date hypotheses concerning evolutionary relationships among lizards. Following these chapters are detailed reviews with additional new data concerning chemical communication, sexual selection, reproductive cues, female reproductive anatomy, female reproductive cycles, oogenesis, parthenogenesis, male reproductive anatomy, male reproductive cycles, spermatogenesis, reproductive investment, viviparity and placentation, multiple paternity, and parental care. The book culminates in two chapters on tuatara reproduction giving unique insight into evolutionary patterns in reproductive biology in squamates and tuatara. This is an essential resource for anyone studying reproduction in reptiles and/or vertebrates and offers a fascinating read for those interested in reproductive biology.