Of the world
2 primary works • 5 total works
Book 15
Exploring the development and behaviour of wild cats, this book covers form and function, evolution and distribution. It also examines each species in detail, providing information on distinctive features such as sight, hearing, hunting techniques and locomotion. Part of the Of the World series.
Book 16
No matter that humans happily play with its direct descendent, the domestic dog; wolves have been hunted nearly till extinction. Go beyond the terrifying myths and find out the truth about these remarkable animals -- why they make formidable adversaries for hunters; the function of their physiques from their sharp, powerful teeth to the tips of their claws; their complex social structure and even the development of our beloved dogs. A marvelous array of color photos shows canines at play and at rest, swimming, foraging, and wandering the range.
While reptiles often receive an ambivalent reaction from the public, turtles and tortoises are surely the exception. People have kept them as pets for centuries and their affection for these creatures with attractively colored shells is reflected in art, literature, and popular culture. Noted naturalist David Alderton presents a comprehensive account of these fascinating creatures, featuring recent chelonian research.
Crocodiles and Alligators of the World provides a broad overview of all 22 species of crocodilians. Among the oldest surviving vertebrates on the planet - they have been around for approximately 200 million years - these reptiles have been depicted in many different roles in the literature and legends of cultures around the world. And while many people fear these strange creatures, crocodilians have captured the imaginations of human beings as few other animals have. An expert in the field, David Alderton describes the lifestyle, zoology, distribution, and conservation of crocodiles in this readable, highly informative volume. Their fascinating evolution, from the age of the dinosaurs to the present, is presented in detail. Despite their popular image as dangerous creatures, or perhaps because of it, many crocodile and alligator species are in danger of extinction. Yet, no crocodilian species has gone extinct in the time since humans became dominant on the planet, a testament to their resilience and adaptability. This comprehensive survey of crocodiles, alligators, and caimans provides a captivating introduction to what is known about crocodilians. The text is complemented by full-
Describes rodents throughout the world, and discusses their evolution, classification, distribution, and breeding and feeding habits.