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The Comparative Embryology of Sponges
by Alexander V. EreskovskyOne of the major questions in the evolution of animals is the transition from unicellular to multicellular organization, which resulted in the emergence of Metazoa through a hypothetical Urmetazoa. The Comparative Embryology of Sponges contains abundant original and literary data on comparative embryology and morphology of the Porifera (Sponges), a group of 'lower Metazoa'. On the basis of this material, original typization of the development of Sponges is given and the problems concerning origin and evolution of Porifera and their ontogenesis are discussed. A morphogenetic interpretation of the body plan development during embryogenesis, metamorphosis and asexual reproduction in Sponges is proposed. Special attention is given to the analysis of characteristic features of the ontogenesis in Porifera. The book pursues three primary goals: 1) generalization of all existing information on individual development of sponges, its classification and a statement according to taxonomical structure of Porifera; 2) revealing of heterogeneity of morphogenesis and peculiarities of ontogeneses in various clades of Porifera, and also their correlations with the organization, both adult sponges, and their larvae; 3) revealing homology of morphogeneses in both Porifera and Eumetazoa, testifying to the general evolutionary roots of multicellular animals, and peculiar features of sponges' morphogeneses and ontogenesis. This book will be of interest to embryologists, zoologists, morphologists and researchers in evolutionary biology.
Aphid Biodiversity under Environmental Change: Patterns and Processes
by J. P. Michaud Pavel Kindlmann A.F.G. DixonThis book presents completely novel, yet unpublished findings on aphid population dynamics and ecology in the context of recent environmental changes and closely related issues. It can be used as complementary text in any course on population dynamics and ecology of crop pests at undergraduate or graduate levels. The book is intended mainly for graduate students, researchers in crop science, crop protection, agricultural advisors and managers, but it will surely attract attention of many other people interested in insect pests, their biological control and ecology.
Introduction to Marine Genomics
by Kristin Tessmar-Raible J. Mark Cock Frédérique Viard Catherine BoyenMarine biology has always played an important role in biological research, being at the origin of many key advances. To a certain extent, the influence of marine biology on the biological sciences was overshadowed over a period of several years by the remarkable advances that were made using powerful model organisms from terrestrial environments. This situation is now changing again, however, due primarily to spectacular developments in genomic methodologies that have significantly accelerated research in a broad spectrum of marine biology disciplines ranging from biodiversity to developmental biology to biotechnology. The data generated by marine genomics projects have had an impact on questions as diverse as understanding planetary geochemical cycles, the impact of climate change on marine fauna and flora, the functioning of marine ecosystems, the discovery of new organisms and novel biomolecules, and investigation of the evolution of animal developmental complexity. This book represents the first attempt to document how genomic technologies are revolutionising these diverse domains of marine biology. Each chapter of this book looks at how these technologies are being employed in a specific domain of marine research and provides a summary of the major results obtained to date. The book as a whole provides an overview of marine genomics as a discipline and represents an ideal starting point for exploring this rapidly developing domain.
Late Cenozoic Yushe Basin, Shanxi Province, China: Volume I:History, Geology, and Magnetostratigraphy
by Lawrence J Flynn Richard H Tedford Zhan-Xiang QiuThe Late Cenozoic Yushe Basin, Shanxi Province, China embodies the bulk of our knowledge on successions of terrestrial vertebrates in the northern part of East Asia. Everything we know about Asian mammals of the last 6 million years has a historical basis in the documentation of the geology of Yushe. This volume introduces the basin in its geological setting, describes the succession of fossiliferous strata, and shows how it is dated. It develops an unsurpassed level of precision for its age control. Geological maps and stratigraphic sections provide the backbone for individual studies to follow on varied fossil groups. The volume explores the history of exploration of the last century in Yushe Basin and places development of paleontology there into the context of the birth of the modern epoch of science in China.
Marsupial Genetics and Genomics
by Jennifer A. Marshall Graves Paul D. Waters Janine E. DeakinMarsupials belong to the Class Mammalia, sharing some features with other mammals, yet they also possess many unique features. It is their differences from the more traditionally studied mammals, such as mice and humans, that is of greatest value to comparative studies. Sequencing of genomes from two distantly related marsupials, the short grey-tailed opossum from South America and the Australian tammar wallaby, has launched marsupials into the genomics era and accelerated the rate of progress in marsupial research. With the current worldwide concern for the plight of the endangered Tasmanian devil, marsupial genetics and genomics research is even more important than ever if this species is to be saved from extinction. This volume recounts some of the history of research in this field and highlights the most recent advances in the many different areas of marsupial genetics and genomics research.
Biological Materials of Marine Origin
by Hermann EhrlichThis is the second monograph by the author on biological materials of marine origin. The initial book is dedicated to the biological materials of marine invertebrates. This work is a source of modern knowledge on biomineralization, biomimetics and materials science with respect to marine vertebrates. For the first time in scientific literature the author gives the most coherent analysis of the nature, origin and evolution of biocomposites and biopolymers isolated from and observed in the broad variety of marine vertebrate organisms (fish, reptilian, birds and mammals) and within their unique hierarchically organized structural formations. There is a wealth of new and newly synthesized information, including dozens of previously unpublished images of unique marine creatures including extinct, extant and living taxa and their biocomposite-based structures from nano- to micro - and macroscale. This monograph reviews the most relevant advances in the marine biological materials research field, pointing out several approaches being introduced and explored by distinct modern laboratories.
A Critical Companion to Zoosemiotics: People, Paths, Ideas (Biosemiotics #5)
by Dario MartinelliA critical companion of zoosemiotics is the first attempt to systematise the study of animal communication and signification through its most important and/or problematic terms and concepts, and its most representative scholars. It is a companion, in that it attempts to cover the entire range of key terms in the field, and it's critical, in that it aims not only to describe, but also to discuss, problematise and, in some cases, resolve, these terms.
New Zealand Freshwater Fishes
by R. M. McdowallThis book provides a synthesis of taxonomic and ecological information on New Zealand's freshwater fish fauna. New Zealand has been isolated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean since it separated from Gondwana during the Cretaceous period, some 80 million years ago. This prolonged geological isolation, combined with the islands' very vigorous geological history, impacted by oceanic submergence, tectonic activity, mountain building extreme volcanism, and great climatic variability, create a dynamic scenario within which the New Zealand biota, including its freshwater fishes, have evolved over millions of years. These impacts have contributed to a highly dynamic biological history with undoubted though little understood extinction and vigorous colonisation of the islands' fresh water. One of the key elements for understanding the origins and derivations of this fish fauna is that in all groups some or all of the species are diadromous, customarily spending a significant phase of their lives at sea. This has no doubt contributed in an important way the fauna's origins As well, there has been frequent loss of diadromous behaviours leading, to species that have abandoned their sea-migratory behaviours and which now complete their entire lives in fresh water. The distribution patterns reflect these changing habits, with diadromous species being broadly distributed but tending to be lowland in range, whereas the derived, non-diadromous species have narrower ranges, but are often found further inland and at high elevations. This book provides an ecological and historical synthesis of these divergent patterns across New Zealand's geography and history.
Precision Crop Protection - the Challenge and Use of Heterogeneity
by Erich-Christian Oerke Gunter Menz Richard A. Sikora Roland GerhardsPrecision farming is an agricultural management system using global navigation satellite systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and data management systems for optimizing the use of nutrients, water, seed, pesticides and energy in heterogeneous field situations. This book provides extensive information on the state-of-the-art of research on precision crop protection and recent developments in site-specific application technologies for the management of weeds, arthropod pests, pathogens and nematodes. It gives the reader an up-to-date and in-depth review of both basic and applied research developments. The chapters discuss I) biology and epidemiology of pests, II) new sensor technologies, III) applications of multi-scale sensor systems, IV) sensor detection of pests in growing crops, V) spatial and non-spatial data management, VI) impact of pest heterogeneity and VII) precise mechanical and chemical pest control.
Managing Coastal and Inland Waters
by Arif Satria Kenneth RuddleBesides the erroneous assumption that tropical fisheries are 'open access', the cases demonstrate that pre-existing systems (1) are concerned with the community of fishers and ensuring community harmony and continuity; (2) involve flexible, multiple and overlapping rights adapted to changing needs and circumstances; (3) that fisheries are just one component of a community resource assemblage and depend on both the good management of linked upstream ecosystems and risk management to ensure balanced nutritional resources of the community; and (4) pre-existing systems are greatly affected by a constellation of interacting external pressures.
Insect Biotechnology
by Andreas VilcinskasThe book provides a fascinating overview about current and sophisticated developments in applied entomology that are powered by molecular biology and that can be summarized under a novel term: insect biotechnology. By analogy with the application of powerful molecular biological tools in medicine (red biotechnology), plant protection (green biotechnology) and industrial processing (white biotechnology), insect biotechnology (yellow biotechnology) provides novel tools and strategies for human welfare and nutrition. Insect Biotechnology has emerged as a prospering discipline with considerable economic potential, and encompasses the use of insect model organisms and insect-derived molecules in medical research as well as in modern plant protection measures.
Chitin: Formation and Diagenesis (Topics in Geobiology #34)
by Neal S. GuptaThere are several books on properties of chitin and associated biomolecules and their biochemical significance. However, the present volume deals with a wide variety of biogeochemical and organic geochemical aspects of this vital macromolecule written by leading authors and experts in the field. Each chapter is carefully peer reviewed and is an updated account of recent research in isotopic, nanostructural, biochemical, microstructural, geochemical, paleontological and experimental aspects of chitin formation, distribution and preservation in the environment and earth history.
Microbial Plant Pathogens-Detection and Disease Diagnosis:
by P. NarayanasamyMorphological, biological, biochemical and physiological characteristics have been used for the detection, identification and differentiation of fungal pathogens up to species level. Tests based on biological characteristics are less consistent. Immunoassays have been shown to be effective in detecting fungal pathogens present in plants and environmental samples. Development of monoclonal antibody technology has greatly enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of detection, identification and differentiation of fungal species and varieties/strains. Nucleic acid-based techniques involving hybridization with or amplification of unique DNA have provided results rapidly and reliably. Presentation of a large number of protocols is a unique feature of this volume.
Microbial Plant Pathogens-Detection and Disease Diagnosis:
by P. NarayanasamyMicrobial plant pathogens causing qualitative and quantitative losses in all corps are present not only in the infected plants, but also in the environmental comprising of soil, water and air. The vectors present in the environment spread the microbial pathogens to short and/or long distances. Detection of microbial pathogens rapidly and reliably by employing suitable sensitive applicable for different ecosystems. The pathogens have to be identified precisely and differentiated and quantified to plan appropriate short- and long-term strategies to contain the incidence and spread of diseases induced by them. This book aims to present all relevant and latest information on the detection techniques based on the biological, biochemical, immunological and nucleic acid characteristics of microbial pathogens presents in the host plants, as well as in the natural substrates that support the survival and perpetuation of the pathogens.
Butterfly Conservation in South-Eastern Australia: Progress And Prospects
by Tim R. NewA survey of the development and practice of butterfly conservation in south east Australia, tracing evolution of the science through a series of cases from focus on single subspecies through increasing levels of ecological complexity to critical biotopes and communities. The book summarises much previously scattered information, and provides access to much regional information of considerable interest to practitioners elsewhere.
Paleontology and Geology of Laetoli: Human Evolution in Context
by Terry HarrisonThis volume 2 and its companion volume 1 present the results of new investigations into the geology, paleontology and paleoecology of the early hominin site of Laetoli in northern Tanzania. The site is one of the most important paleontological and paleoanthropological sites in Africa, worldrenowned for the discovery of fossils of the early hominin Australopithecus afarensis, as well as remarkable trails of its footprints. The first volume provides new evidence on the geology, geochronology, ecology, ecomorphology and taphonomy of the site. The second volume describes newly discovered fossil hominins from Laetoli, belonging to Australopithecus afarensis and Paranthropus aethiopicus, and presents detailed information on the systematics and paleobiology of the diverse associated fauna. Together, these contributions provide one of the most comprehensive accounts of a fossil hominin site, and they offer important new insights into the early stages of human evolution and its context.
Energy and protein metabolism and nutrition in sustainable animal production
by James W. Oltjen Ermias Kebreab Hélène LapierreAs world population increases, demand for food and particularly animal products is expected to grow substantially. Because of limited area for expansion of animal agriculture and growing consumer concern for the environmental impact of animal production, gains in animal efficiency will have to be part of the solution. This book addresses key issues of how energy and protein are utilized and interact in farm animals from the molecular to the whole animal and even to the herd or group level of organization. It contains state-of-the-art research and reviews on several topics of nutrient utilization and metabolism from top scientists worldwide. Key issues addressed include energy/protein interactions, methodology such as in vitro and in vivo techniques, regulation including pre-natal programming and endocrine regulation, modeling and systems biology (including a tribute to the late Professor R. Lee Baldwin of the University of California, Davis, a leader in the field), products and health of animals, tissue metabolism, and environmental sustainability in agriculture. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, policy makers, producers and industry professionals believing that a better understanding of metabolism and nutrition of farm animals is part of the solution.
Borre and the Penguin
by Saskia Bultman Jeroen Aalbers Stefan TijsBorre is in the living room drawing a picture. When he looks outside, he sees something waddling through the garden. A funny-looking bird in a long, black coat. That's got to be a penguin! "What are you doing here?" Borre asks the bird. "Ah, young man," the penguin says. "Perhaps you could help me. You see, I'm going to a party tonight, but I have a nasty stain on my coat." Borre knows what to do: he'll put the coat in mum's washing machine!
Borre Flies a Kite
by Saskia Bultman Jeroen Aalbers Stefan TijsBorre is about to try out his home-made kite with Fuzz Fuzz. He throws the kite up into the air and Fuzz Fuzz runs along as fast as he can with the string in his mouth. The kite soars higher and higher until it disappears in the clouds. Suddenly, Fuzz Fuzz shoots up into the air with the kite string in his mouth. Borre just manages to grab onto one of his back paws. But now they're both lifted off the ground and go zooming through the air into the clouds!
Indian Mammals: A Field Guide
by Vivek MenonAn invaluable reference and exceptionally usable guide to the mammals of India Covering the rich diversity of mammal species in India, from tigers, elephants, rhinos and whales to primates, rodents and bats, Indian Mammals is a comprehensive, field-ready and illustrated guide. Accompanied by superb full-colour photographs, supplementary illustrations and distribution maps, and based on impeccable scientific research reviewed by experts, Indian Mammals records details of virtually every mammal known to exist in India. The in-depth, up-to-date text by Vivek Menon, one of India's leading naturalists and an authority on Indian wildlife, describes key identification features, biometrics, behaviour, social strategies, habitat and distribution. Encyclopaedic in sweep yet accessible in approach, Indian Mammals includes the majestic and most sought after as well as the extraordinary and elusive mammals. Passionate wildlife watchers will appreciate the range of coverage and tips on identifying mammals, while naturalists will value the exacting detail needed to distinguish similar species in the field. Planned for easy reference, this compact guide is the essential resource for wildlifers of any age, from animal watchers and eco-tourists to active conservationists. ? More than 400 species of both land and water mammals with introductory pages on each order ? Over 1,000 carefully curated photographs ? Nearly 150 distribution maps ? Colour tabs for sections to facilitate ease of use ? The full index doubles up as a life-list ? Field notes reveal uncommon on-site experiences
Dead As A Dodo
by Venita CoelhoMISSION DEAD AS A DODO Mission Brief: Somebody is on an extinction operation, stealing all the last specimens of highly endangered species. This mysterious crook has somehow managed to discover the impossible ? a living specimen of Raphus cucullatus, aka, the dodo. Yes, the same flightless bird that was hunted to oblivion in Mauritius more than 300 years ago! This dodo has become the single most priceless creature on the planet and it must be rescued immediately. Without delay, Animal Intelligence Agency agents are assigned to this urgent mission. NOTE: The Animal Intelligence Agency is a multi-species nongovernmental agency. Specially trained Animal and Human agents work undercover to save animals and save the world. Some of them have a licence to kill. Agent no. 002 Species: Panthera tigris tigris Name: Bagcha Currently the only agent with a licence to kill. He is the most dangerous and experienced operative, with the scars to prove it. Agent no. 015 Species: Semnopithecus entellus Name: Kela This operative was formerly a disgraced agent, stripped of his number. However, after his sterling performance in Mission Tiger by the Tail, his number and privileges have been restored. Agent no. 11.5 Species: Homo sapiens sapiens Name: Rana One of only two people in the world who use JungleSpeak to communicate across species. Extremely good with computers and all things tech. Far from dangerous or lethal. However, his intelligence is a real contribution to a mission. His allergies are a real problem. Indications are that the mission will take the agents to Mauritius, America, and as far off as the Arctic Circle and the North Pole. They must not fail, come what may. This dodo must not die.
Best Ghost Stories
by BPI India Pvt Ltd"BEST GHOST STORIES" is collection of Creepy stories about darkness and supernatural elements! by various Authors.
Tales of Horror & Terror
by BPI India Pvt Ltd"Tales of Horror & Terror" is collection of hair raising tales by various writers that will not let you sleep!
Akbar Birbal Tales
by BPI India Pvt LtdAkbar-Birbal tales are passed on mainly by oral tradition. They focus on how Birbal manages to outsmart the envious courtiers who try to trap and portray him in poor light in front of Emperor Akbar, often in a humorous manner with him shown giving sharp and intelligent responses.