Ecophysiology of Small Desert Mammals

Ecophysiology of Small Desert Mammals

Author: Allan A. Degen

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 308

ISBN-13: 3642603513

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Since small mammals have a large surface to mass ratio, one would expect them to quickly dehydrate and perish at high environmental temperatures. Nonetheless, a large number of small mammal species inhabit deserts. This fascinating phenomenon is investigated by Prof. A. Allan Degen in his book. The majority of small desert mammals are rodents, but shrews of several grams and small foxes of 1 kg are also present. Their survival is due mainly to behavioural adaptations and habitat selection, however, physiological adaptations also contribute to the success. Interestingly, many small mammals that live in different deserts of the world show similarities in their adaptive traits although they have different taxonomic affinities.


Book Synopsis Ecophysiology of Small Desert Mammals by : Allan A. Degen

Download or read book Ecophysiology of Small Desert Mammals written by Allan A. Degen and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since small mammals have a large surface to mass ratio, one would expect them to quickly dehydrate and perish at high environmental temperatures. Nonetheless, a large number of small mammal species inhabit deserts. This fascinating phenomenon is investigated by Prof. A. Allan Degen in his book. The majority of small desert mammals are rodents, but shrews of several grams and small foxes of 1 kg are also present. Their survival is due mainly to behavioural adaptations and habitat selection, however, physiological adaptations also contribute to the success. Interestingly, many small mammals that live in different deserts of the world show similarities in their adaptive traits although they have different taxonomic affinities.


Ecophysiology of the Camelidae and Desert Ruminants

Ecophysiology of the Camelidae and Desert Ruminants

Author: Richard T. Wilson

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 129

ISBN-13: 3642744834

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I have spent less time in the arid zone in the last few years than I did during the 1960's, 1970's and early 1980's. This results from a progression through age and a career structure which gradually shifted the emphasis of my work from being essentially field-oriented to essentially office-hound. When, therefore, I was asked by John Cloudsley-Thompson to undertake the writing of this hook I hesitated for two reasons. One reason was that, although I now had access to good library facilities and kept up with the literature on the arid zones and their fauna, I was not sure that a sedentary and pleasant life in a temperate highland island in tropieal Africa would provide a mental attitude suitable to writing a hook which related to areas where life is usually nomadie and often extremely disagreeable. The other reason was that I was uncertain whether I could devote the time necessary to researehing and writing the hook on top of my professional (which now specifical ly excluded research in the arid zones and on camels) and social (new-found and time-consuming) commitments. In the event I accepted and the fates were kind to me. By some peculiar combination of circumstances I was given the opportunity to spend a considerable part of the first half of 1988 in some of the driest areas of the globe. I had already visited all of the locations used for the construction of Fig. 2.


Book Synopsis Ecophysiology of the Camelidae and Desert Ruminants by : Richard T. Wilson

Download or read book Ecophysiology of the Camelidae and Desert Ruminants written by Richard T. Wilson and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: I have spent less time in the arid zone in the last few years than I did during the 1960's, 1970's and early 1980's. This results from a progression through age and a career structure which gradually shifted the emphasis of my work from being essentially field-oriented to essentially office-hound. When, therefore, I was asked by John Cloudsley-Thompson to undertake the writing of this hook I hesitated for two reasons. One reason was that, although I now had access to good library facilities and kept up with the literature on the arid zones and their fauna, I was not sure that a sedentary and pleasant life in a temperate highland island in tropieal Africa would provide a mental attitude suitable to writing a hook which related to areas where life is usually nomadie and often extremely disagreeable. The other reason was that I was uncertain whether I could devote the time necessary to researehing and writing the hook on top of my professional (which now specifical ly excluded research in the arid zones and on camels) and social (new-found and time-consuming) commitments. In the event I accepted and the fates were kind to me. By some peculiar combination of circumstances I was given the opportunity to spend a considerable part of the first half of 1988 in some of the driest areas of the globe. I had already visited all of the locations used for the construction of Fig. 2.


Handbook of Mathematical Models in Computer Vision

Handbook of Mathematical Models in Computer Vision

Author: Nikos Paragios

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2008-11-01

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780387508061

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Abstract Biological vision is a rather fascinating domain of research. Scientists of various origins like biology, medicine, neurophysiology, engineering, math ematics, etc. aim to understand the processes leading to visual perception process and at reproducing such systems. Understanding the environment is most of the time done through visual perception which appears to be one of the most fundamental sensory abilities in humans and therefore a significant amount of research effort has been dedicated towards modelling and repro ducing human visual abilities. Mathematical methods play a central role in this endeavour. Introduction David Marr's theory v^as a pioneering step tov^ards understanding visual percep tion. In his view human vision was based on a complete surface reconstruction of the environment that was then used to address visual subtasks. This approach was proven to be insufficient by neuro-biologists and complementary ideas from statistical pattern recognition and artificial intelligence were introduced to bet ter address the visual perception problem. In this framework visual perception is represented by a set of actions and rules connecting these actions. The emerg ing concept of active vision consists of a selective visual perception paradigm that is basically equivalent to recovering from the environment the minimal piece information required to address a particular task of interest.


Book Synopsis Handbook of Mathematical Models in Computer Vision by : Nikos Paragios

Download or read book Handbook of Mathematical Models in Computer Vision written by Nikos Paragios and published by Springer. This book was released on 2008-11-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract Biological vision is a rather fascinating domain of research. Scientists of various origins like biology, medicine, neurophysiology, engineering, math ematics, etc. aim to understand the processes leading to visual perception process and at reproducing such systems. Understanding the environment is most of the time done through visual perception which appears to be one of the most fundamental sensory abilities in humans and therefore a significant amount of research effort has been dedicated towards modelling and repro ducing human visual abilities. Mathematical methods play a central role in this endeavour. Introduction David Marr's theory v^as a pioneering step tov^ards understanding visual percep tion. In his view human vision was based on a complete surface reconstruction of the environment that was then used to address visual subtasks. This approach was proven to be insufficient by neuro-biologists and complementary ideas from statistical pattern recognition and artificial intelligence were introduced to bet ter address the visual perception problem. In this framework visual perception is represented by a set of actions and rules connecting these actions. The emerg ing concept of active vision consists of a selective visual perception paradigm that is basically equivalent to recovering from the environment the minimal piece information required to address a particular task of interest.


Ecology of Small Mammals of Desert & Montane Ecosystems

Ecology of Small Mammals of Desert & Montane Ecosystems

Author: I. Prakash

Publisher: Scientific Publishers

Published: 2005-06-01

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 9387741583

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Small mammals (Rodents and Insectivores) constitute 31.18% of total mammal species found in India. In spite of their abundance, this largest group among mammals has received little attention of ecologists. From the geomorphological standpoint Rajasthan offers multiple possibilities. The Aravallis diagonally bisect the state into western arid and eastern semi-arid and mesic zones. The southern and southeastern parts of state have various rock systems. Present book is an endeavour to cover small mammals of the whole state. The book is first of its kind in India, which takes into account habitat preference, food and feeding behaviour, home range, activity pattern, reproductive behaviour, biochemical communication and physiology of small mammals of desert and hilly terrain. It also includes zoogeography of small mammals found in Rajasthan and changes in faunistic composition being brought by canal and tube well irrigation. It is expected that book will be quite useful for students, researchers, and teachers of Ecology and Zoology.


Book Synopsis Ecology of Small Mammals of Desert & Montane Ecosystems by : I. Prakash

Download or read book Ecology of Small Mammals of Desert & Montane Ecosystems written by I. Prakash and published by Scientific Publishers. This book was released on 2005-06-01 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Small mammals (Rodents and Insectivores) constitute 31.18% of total mammal species found in India. In spite of their abundance, this largest group among mammals has received little attention of ecologists. From the geomorphological standpoint Rajasthan offers multiple possibilities. The Aravallis diagonally bisect the state into western arid and eastern semi-arid and mesic zones. The southern and southeastern parts of state have various rock systems. Present book is an endeavour to cover small mammals of the whole state. The book is first of its kind in India, which takes into account habitat preference, food and feeding behaviour, home range, activity pattern, reproductive behaviour, biochemical communication and physiology of small mammals of desert and hilly terrain. It also includes zoogeography of small mammals found in Rajasthan and changes in faunistic composition being brought by canal and tube well irrigation. It is expected that book will be quite useful for students, researchers, and teachers of Ecology and Zoology.


Behavioural Adaptations of Desert Animals

Behavioural Adaptations of Desert Animals

Author: Giovanni Costa

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 3642793568

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After a brief survey of biotopic and vegetational features and an account of the main groups of desert animals, the most unusual patterns of the behaviour of the xerophilous fauna are examined. The importance of the thermohygric regulation and self-protective and locomotor mechanisms to the survival of arid-adapted animals is emphasized and various adaptations in the alimentary, reproductive and social spheres are analyzed. The clear and fluent treatment will awaken the interest of the reading public, from the amateur naturalists to research scientists.


Book Synopsis Behavioural Adaptations of Desert Animals by : Giovanni Costa

Download or read book Behavioural Adaptations of Desert Animals written by Giovanni Costa and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After a brief survey of biotopic and vegetational features and an account of the main groups of desert animals, the most unusual patterns of the behaviour of the xerophilous fauna are examined. The importance of the thermohygric regulation and self-protective and locomotor mechanisms to the survival of arid-adapted animals is emphasized and various adaptations in the alimentary, reproductive and social spheres are analyzed. The clear and fluent treatment will awaken the interest of the reading public, from the amateur naturalists to research scientists.


Physiological Ecology of the Smallest Desert Mammal, Notiosorex Crawfordi

Physiological Ecology of the Smallest Desert Mammal, Notiosorex Crawfordi

Author: Stan Lee Lindstedt

Publisher:

Published: 1977

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Physiological Ecology of the Smallest Desert Mammal, Notiosorex Crawfordi by : Stan Lee Lindstedt

Download or read book Physiological Ecology of the Smallest Desert Mammal, Notiosorex Crawfordi written by Stan Lee Lindstedt and published by . This book was released on 1977 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Physiological Ecology of North American Desert Plants

Physiological Ecology of North American Desert Plants

Author: Stanley D. Smith

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13: 3642592120

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Following a description of the physical and biological characterization of the four North American deserts together with the primary adaptations of plants to environmental stress, the authors go on to present case studies of key species. They provide an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the major patterns of adaptation in desert plants, with one chapter devoted to several important exotic plants that have invaded these deserts. The whole is rounded off with a synthesis of the resource requirements of desert plants and how they may respond to global climate change.


Book Synopsis Physiological Ecology of North American Desert Plants by : Stanley D. Smith

Download or read book Physiological Ecology of North American Desert Plants written by Stanley D. Smith and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Following a description of the physical and biological characterization of the four North American deserts together with the primary adaptations of plants to environmental stress, the authors go on to present case studies of key species. They provide an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the major patterns of adaptation in desert plants, with one chapter devoted to several important exotic plants that have invaded these deserts. The whole is rounded off with a synthesis of the resource requirements of desert plants and how they may respond to global climate change.


Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Author: Gerald E. Wickens

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 3662037009

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This book deals with arid and semi-arid environments and their classification, and the physiological restraints and adaptations of plants to the environment. Further, it discusses economic botany and the needs and methods of conserving economic plants. A broad view is taken regarding the definition of economic plants, taking into account their value to the environment as well as to man and to livestock. The individual deserts and associated semi-arid regions are described in separate chapters, providing background information on the regional environments in terms of climate and major plant formations. The economic plants within these formations, their usages, geographical distribution together with their morphological and physiological adaptations are treated in detail.


Book Synopsis Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands by : Gerald E. Wickens

Download or read book Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands written by Gerald E. Wickens and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-04-17 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book deals with arid and semi-arid environments and their classification, and the physiological restraints and adaptations of plants to the environment. Further, it discusses economic botany and the needs and methods of conserving economic plants. A broad view is taken regarding the definition of economic plants, taking into account their value to the environment as well as to man and to livestock. The individual deserts and associated semi-arid regions are described in separate chapters, providing background information on the regional environments in terms of climate and major plant formations. The economic plants within these formations, their usages, geographical distribution together with their morphological and physiological adaptations are treated in detail.


Ecophysiology of Amphibians Inhabiting Xeric Environments

Ecophysiology of Amphibians Inhabiting Xeric Environments

Author: Michael Warburg

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 3642603572

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A description of the structural and functional adaptations of the key organs such as skin, kidneys, bladder, lungs and ovaries, with special emphasis placed on physiological adaptations: water, electrolyte, nitrogen, and thermal balance and their endocrine control. One whole chapter devoted to ecological aspects covers such exciting topics as development and metamorphosis, larval competition for food resources, and reproductive strategies.


Book Synopsis Ecophysiology of Amphibians Inhabiting Xeric Environments by : Michael Warburg

Download or read book Ecophysiology of Amphibians Inhabiting Xeric Environments written by Michael Warburg and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A description of the structural and functional adaptations of the key organs such as skin, kidneys, bladder, lungs and ovaries, with special emphasis placed on physiological adaptations: water, electrolyte, nitrogen, and thermal balance and their endocrine control. One whole chapter devoted to ecological aspects covers such exciting topics as development and metamorphosis, larval competition for food resources, and reproductive strategies.


Physiological Ecology

Physiological Ecology

Author: William H. Karasov

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2007-08-05

Total Pages: 758

ISBN-13: 0691074534

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Unlocking the puzzle of how animals behave and how they interact with their environments is impossible without understanding the physiological processes that determine their use of food resources. But long overdue is a user-friendly introduction to the subject that systematically bridges the gap between physiology and ecology. Ecologists--for whom such knowledge can help clarify the consequences of global climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and pollution--often find themselves wading through an unwieldy, technically top-heavy literature. Here, William Karasov and Carlos Martínez del Rio present the first accessible and authoritative one-volume overview of the physiological and biochemical principles that shape how animals procure energy and nutrients and free themselves of toxins--and how this relates to broader ecological phenomena. After introducing primary concepts, the authors review the chemical ecology of food, and then discuss how animals digest and process food. Their broad view includes symbioses and extends even to ecosystem phenomena such as ecological stochiometry and toxicant biomagnification. They introduce key methods and illustrate principles with wide-ranging vertebrate and invertebrate examples. Uniquely, they also link the physiological mechanisms of resource use with ecological phenomena such as how and why animals choose what they eat and how they participate in the exchange of energy and materials in their biological communities. Thoroughly up-to-date and pointing the way to future research, Physiological Ecology is an essential new source for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students-and an ideal synthesis for professionals. The most accessible introduction to the physiological and biochemical principles that shape how animals use resources Unique in linking the physiological mechanisms of resource use with ecological phenomena An essential resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students An ideal overview for researchers


Book Synopsis Physiological Ecology by : William H. Karasov

Download or read book Physiological Ecology written by William H. Karasov and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2007-08-05 with total page 758 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unlocking the puzzle of how animals behave and how they interact with their environments is impossible without understanding the physiological processes that determine their use of food resources. But long overdue is a user-friendly introduction to the subject that systematically bridges the gap between physiology and ecology. Ecologists--for whom such knowledge can help clarify the consequences of global climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and pollution--often find themselves wading through an unwieldy, technically top-heavy literature. Here, William Karasov and Carlos Martínez del Rio present the first accessible and authoritative one-volume overview of the physiological and biochemical principles that shape how animals procure energy and nutrients and free themselves of toxins--and how this relates to broader ecological phenomena. After introducing primary concepts, the authors review the chemical ecology of food, and then discuss how animals digest and process food. Their broad view includes symbioses and extends even to ecosystem phenomena such as ecological stochiometry and toxicant biomagnification. They introduce key methods and illustrate principles with wide-ranging vertebrate and invertebrate examples. Uniquely, they also link the physiological mechanisms of resource use with ecological phenomena such as how and why animals choose what they eat and how they participate in the exchange of energy and materials in their biological communities. Thoroughly up-to-date and pointing the way to future research, Physiological Ecology is an essential new source for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students-and an ideal synthesis for professionals. The most accessible introduction to the physiological and biochemical principles that shape how animals use resources Unique in linking the physiological mechanisms of resource use with ecological phenomena An essential resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students An ideal overview for researchers