By: Roy W. McDiarmid (Editor), Ronald Altig (Editor)

Paperback

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In our own juvenile stage, many of us received our wide-eyed introduction to the wonders of nature by watching the metamorphosis of swimming tadpoles into leaping frogs and toads. The recent alarming declines in amphibian populations worldwide and the suitability of amphibians for use in answering research questions in disciplines as diverse as molecular systematics, animal behavior, and evolutionary biology have focused enormous attention on tadpoles. Despite this popular and scientific interest, relatively little is known about these fascinating creatures.
In this indispensable reference, leading experts on tadpole biology relate what we currently know about tadpoles and what we might learn from them in the future. "Tadpoles" provides detailed summaries of tadpole morphology, development, behavior, ecology, and environmental physiology; explores the evolutionary consequences of the tadpole stage; synthesizes available information on their biodiversity; and presents a standardized terminology and an exhaustive literature review of tadpole biology.

Preface
Acknowledgments
List of Contributors
Introduction: The Tadpole Arena
Research: Materials and Techniques
Body Plan: Development and Morphology
Architecture: Cranial and Axial Musculoskeleton
Anatomy: Viscera and Endocrines
Integration: Nervous and Sensory Systems
Endotrophic Anurans: Development and Evolution
Physiology: Coping with the Environment
Behavior: Interactions and Their Consequences
Ecology: Resource Use, Competition, and Predation
The Anuran Tadpole: Evolution and Maintenance
Diversity: Familial and Generic Characterizations
Glossary
Literature Cited
Subject Index
Taxonomic Index
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

ISBN: 9780226557632
ISBN-10: 0226557634
Audience: Professional
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 460
Published: 13th November 2000
Dimensions (cm): 28.0 x 21.7  x 2.611
Weight (kg): 1.262