Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians

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About Firefly Encyclopedia Of Reptiles And Amphibians

Product Description The latest findings, brought vividly to life. This highly acclaimed encyclopedia combines authoritative, easy-to-read essays with exciting photographs showing reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats. Illustrations explain anatomy and biological features, and maps show world distribution of species. Commissioned articles by scientists, zoologists and researchers provide the latest findings and interpretations of data. Each species listing has a "factfile" of essential data: scientific order and population; distribution (with a color-coded map) and habitat; size and color; reproduction and life cycle; longevity and conservation status. All status descriptions have been updated in this revised edition, which also includes: Descriptions of all new families of amphibians and reptiles Updated range maps for all families Revised family relationship diagrams in light of current taxonomic understanding New species and genus totals for all groups. Authoritative, comprehensive and beautiful, this landmark volume is strongly recommended for anyone with a keen interest in amphibians and reptiles. Review [Review of earlier edition:] A superbly attractive, authoritative, and highly informative sourcebook on amphibians and reptiles... Discussions throughout are supported by superb color photographs and vividly rendered artwork. Technical terminology is minimal and the text can be easily comprehended by anyone with a high school education. (Edmund Keiser Jr. American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35) [Review of earlier edition:] Extremely useful both in terms of its relative completeness and its up-to-date facts... this volume should be in the library of any nature lover.. (Neil B. Ford and David F. Ford Quarterly Review of Biology) [Review of earlier edition:] Topical arrangement and captivating photos assure that a quick look-up will take longer than expected ... this book is plenty fine. (T.R. Faust Choice) [Review of earlier edition:] These beautifully illustrated encyclopedias not only detail individual species, but also provide a wealth of information about how these creatures interact with one another and people. ( Science News 2002-11-23) [Review of earlier edition:] Illustrations are generous and of excellent quality... extremely detailed presentation. (Gillian Richardson Canadian Materials) [Review of earlier edition:] A helpful feature in this book is the use of excellent sidebars ... photographs (all in color) are simply excellent ... highly recommended. (Johnson Thane Library News for Zoos and Aquariums) [Review of earlier edition:] Dramatically photographed and with a surprisingly informative text. ( Globe and Mail 2002-11-23) [Review of earlier edition:] Visually stunning ... over 300 flawless color photographs ... highly recommended. ( E.Streams, Vol. 6, No. 4) [Review of earlier edition:] A great classroom reference ... will wind up on a teacher's wish list because it is attractive and scientific. (Rachel Forman Science Teacher) [Review of earlier edition:] A striking abundance of information at a glance ... strongly recommended for high-school, public and academic libraries. ( Booklist 2003-04-15) About the Author Chris Mattison is a zoologist and the author of 15 books on reptiles and amphibians. He lives in England. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Preface Amphibians and reptiles form two separate classes of animals, but they are traditionally studied together, a situation that arose partly because the distinctions were not well understood in the early days of zoology. In practice, it is still convenient to study them together because they often live in the same places and searching for them often involves the same techniques. The study of reptiles and amphibians is known as herpetology, from the Greek word herpeto, meaning "to creep." In the early days, herpetology had a smaller following than other biological disciplines such as orn