Overview

After a brief survey of biotopic and vegetational features and an account of the main groups of desert animals, the most unusual patterns of the behaviour of the xerophilous fauna are examined. The importance of the thermohygric regulation and self-protective and locomotor mechanisms to the survival of arid-adapted animals is emphasized and various adaptations in the alimentary, reproductive and social spheres are analyzed. The clear and fluent treatment will awaken the interest of the reading public, from the amateur naturalists to research scientists.

Full Product Details

Author:   Giovanni Costa
Publisher:   Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG
Imprint:   Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
Edition:   Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1995
Dimensions:   Width: 15.50cm , Height: 1.10cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.335kg
ISBN:  

9783642793585

ISBN 10:   3642793584
Pages:   198
Publication Date:   19 January 2012
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

1 Introduction.- 2 Biotope and Vegetation Features.- 2.1 Definition of Desert.- 2.2 Factors of Aridity.- 2.3 Classifications of Deserts.- 2.4 Biotope Features.- 2.5 Characteristics of Desert Vegetation.- 3 Desert Zoocoenosis.- 3.1 General Characteristics.- 3.2 Main Animal Groups.- 4 Thermohygric Regulation.- 4.1 Timing of Activity Rhythms.- 4.2 Modulation of Activity Rhythms.- 4.3 Exploitation of Substratum Resources.- 4.4 Exploitation of Body Resources.- 4.5 Exploitation of Social Resources.- 5 Self-Protective Mechanisms.- 5.1 Primary Self-Protection.- 5.2 Secondary Self-Protection.- 6 Patterns of Movement.- 6.1 Locomotor Patterns.- 6.2 Orientation Mechanisms.- 7 Exploitation of Food Resources.- 7.1 Herbivores.- 7.2 Carnivores.- 7.3 Detritivores.- 8 Reproductive Regulation.- 8.1 Timing of Reproduction.- 8.2 Partner Location.- 8.3 Courtship and Mating.- 8.4 Pair Stabilization; Sexual Groups.- 8.5 Parental Care and Developmental Regulation.- 9 Social Behaviour.- 9.1 Sociality in Desert Environments.- 9.2 Territorial Phenomena.- 9.3 Learning and Culture.- References.

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