Vertebrate Biology

Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Fishes and Fishlike Vertebrates General Characters Special Characters Classification of Fishes and Fishlike Vertebrates References Recommended Chapter Three: Amphibians General Characters Special Characters Classification of Amphibians References Recommended Chapter Four: Reptiles General Characters Special Characters Classification of Reptiles References Recommended Chapter Five: Birds General Characters Special Characters Classification of Birds References Recommended Chapter Six: Mammals General Characters Special Characters Classification of Mammals References Recommended Chapter Seven: Systematics The Binomial System Geographic Variation Isolation The Rate of Evolution Modern Systematics References Recommended Chapter Eight: Distribution General Features Faunal Regions Life Zones Biomes Biotic Provinces, Areas, Communities, and Ecosystems Habitat and Niche References Recommended Chapter Nine: Territory and Home Range The Territorial Concept Home Range Methods of Marking Vertebrates References Recommended Chapter Ten: Population Movements Migration Irruptions, Invasions, and Dispersal References Recommended Chapter Eleven: Dormancy Definition Hibernacula Physiological Factors Associated with Dormancy References Recommended Chapter Twelve: Reproduction Hormonal Control Sexual Maturity Hermaphroditism and Parthenogenesis Periodicity Environmental Factors Sex Recognition, Courtship, and Pair Formation References Recommended Chapter Thirteen: Growth and Development Prehatching or Prenatal Period: Oviparous and Ovoviviparous Species Hatching and Birth Posthatching or Postnatal Period Age Criteria References Recommended Chapter Fourteen: Population Dynamics Reproductive Capacity Reproduction and Mortality Density and Age Composition Food Climate Carrying Capacity Competition Cycles References Recommended Index