Following the historical precedent of James Peter's Dictionary of Herpetology (1964), this dictionary provides definitions for technical terms and concepts pertaining to the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The earlier work was used as a basis for this dictionary, but antiquated terms have been omitted, unless they are useful in historical contexts or for interpretation of a reasonably large body of literature. There are 11,358 entries in all, with selected entries cross-referenced. The dictionary emphasizes terminology ...
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Following the historical precedent of James Peter's Dictionary of Herpetology (1964), this dictionary provides definitions for technical terms and concepts pertaining to the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The earlier work was used as a basis for this dictionary, but antiquated terms have been omitted, unless they are useful in historical contexts or for interpretation of a reasonably large body of literature. There are 11,358 entries in all, with selected entries cross-referenced. The dictionary emphasizes terminology related to anatomy, physiology, systematics, evolution, and other disciplines relevant to the study of amphibians and reptiles. It does not provide entries on influential professionals in the field, nor does it include full listings of scientific or common species names. However, the names of principal systematic groupings above the level of genus are included, as well as selected vernacular names of species. Because recent molecular studies have found that birds should be considered reptiles, the book includes a small percentage of terms related to avian biology. A section of B&w anatomical illustrations is included. This reference is for students, professionals, breeders, and others interested in herpetology and its many interdisciplinary connections. Lillywhite is professor of zoology at the University of Florida and director of the university's Marine Laboratory at Seahorse Key.
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