Vertebrate Biology

1 The Vertebrate Story:: An Overview

Introduction

Vertebrate Features

Role of Vertebrates

2 Systematics and Vertebrate Evolution

Introduction

Binomial Nomenclature

Classification

Methods of Classification

Evolution

3 Vertebrate Zoogeography

Introduction

Distribution

Marine

Freshwater

Terrestrial

4 Early Chordates and Jawless Fishes

Introduction

Calcichordates

Conodonts

Early Cambrian Fish-Like Fossils

Evolution

Morphology of Jawless Fishes

Reproduction

Growth and Development

5 Gnathostome Fishes

Introduction

Evolution

Morphology

Reproduction

Growth and Development

6 Amphibians

Introduction

Evolution

Morphology

Reproduction

Growth and Development

7 Evolution of Reptiles

Introduction

Evolution

Ancestral Reptiles

Ancient and Living Reptiles

Ancestral Birds

Modern Birds

Origin of Flight

8 Reptiles:: Morphology, Reproduction and Development

Introduction

Turtles, Tuataras, Lizards, and Snakes (Testudomorpha and Lepidosauromorpha)

Morphology

Reproduction

Growth and Development

Crocodilians and Birds (Archosauromorpha)

Morphology

Reproduction

Growth and Development

9 Mammals

Introduction

Evolution

Morphology

Reproduction

Grwoth and Development

10 Population Dynamics

Introduction

Population Density

Reproductive (Biotic) Potential

Environmental Resistance

Cycles

Irruptions

11 Movements

Intoduction

Home Range

Dispersal/Invasion

Migration

Homing

Emigraton

12 Intraspecific Behavior and Ecology

Introduction

Social Interactions

Sensory Reception and Communication

Feeding Behavior

Torpor (Dormancy)

13 Interspecific Interactions

Introduction

Competition

Symbiosis

Predation

Human Interactions

14 Techniques for Ecological and Behavioral Studies

Introduction

Capture Techniques

Identification Techniques

Mapping Techniques

Censusing Techniques

Aging Techniques

15 Extinction and Extirpation

Introduction

Natural Extinction

Human Impacts on Extirpation and Extinction

16 Conservation and Management

Introduction

Regulatory Legislation Affecting Vertebrates in the United States

Endangered Species in the United States

Sanctuaries and Refuges

Value of Museum Collections

Wildlife Conservation in a Modern World

Appendices

Glossary

Bibliography

Credits

Index