The Living Elephants is the authoritative resource for information on both Asian and African elephants. From the ancient origins of the proboscideans to the present-day crisis of the living elephants, this volume synthesizes the behavior, ecology and conservation of elephants, while covering also the history of human interactions with elephants, all within the theoretical framework of evolutionary biology. The book begins with a survey of the 60-million year evolutionary history of the proboscideans emphasizing the role of climate and vegetation change in giving rise to a bewildering...

This book is a comprehensive reference work on the biology, management and health of crocodiles, alligators and gharials. It is applicable to both farmed and captive animals.

The introductory chapter describes crocodilian anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and behavior. One chapter is devoted to important aspects of crocodile farming, namely nutrition, incubation of eggs, rearing, breeding, slaughter and welfare. Subsequent chapters cover transmissible, nontransmissible and organ diseases, and diseases of eggs and hatchlings.

The use of stable isotopes in nutritional studies is now widespread, and the technique is becoming increasingly popular. Practical applications are numerous and include: calcium and iron absorption studies, studies looking at the impacts of diet, physical activity, aging, and medical therapy and supplementation on nutrient metabolism, the measurement of energy cost of pregnancy, studies on the causes of growth faltering in infants, and investigations into childhood and adult obesity.

This book is designed as a laboratory handbook of methods used to perform stable isotope studies...

Phenotypic plasticity is the range and process of variation in body plan and physiology. This book pulls together recent theoretical advances in phenotypic plasticity, as influenced by evolution and development. The editors and the chapter authors are among the leaders of this exciting and active subfield. The volume begins with a primer on the basic principles of the subject, and companion chapters on phenotypic plasticity in plants and animals. Of interest to a wide range of researchers on evolution, development, and their interface.