Ecological and Environmental Physiology of Birds (Ecological and Environmental Physiology Series)

Birds have colonized almost every terrestrial habitat on the planet - from the poles to the tropics, and from deserts to high mountain tops. Ecological and Environmental Physiology of Birds focuses on our current understanding of the unique physiological characteristics of birds that are of particular interest to ornithologists, but also have a wider biological relevance. An introductory chapter covers the basic avian body plan and their still-enigmatic evolutionary history. The focus then shifts to a consideration of the essential components of that most fundamental of avian attributes: the ability to fly. The emphasis here is on feather evolution and development, flight energetics and aerodynamics, migration, and as a counterpoint, the curious secondary evolution of flightlessness that has occurred in several lineages. This sets the stage for subsequent chapters, which present specific physiological topics within a strongly ecological and environmental framework. These include gas exchange, thermal and osmotic balance, 'classical' life history parameters (male and female reproductive costs, parental care and investment in offspring, and fecundity versus longevity tradeoffs), feeding and digestive physiology, adaptations to challenging environments (high altitude, deserts, marine habitats, cold), and neural specializations (notably those important in foraging, long-distance navigation, and song production). Throughout the book classical studies are integrated with the latest research findings. Numerous important and intriguing questions await further work, and the book concludes with a discussion of methods (emphasizing cutting-edge technology), approaches, and future research directions. "Birds have colonized almost every terrestrial habitat on the planet-from the poles to the tropics, and from deserts to high mountain tops. Ecological and Environmental Physiology of Birds focuses on our current understanding of the unique physiological characteristics of birds that are of particular interest to ornithologists, but also have a wider biological relevance. An introductory chapter covers the basic avian body plan and their still-enigmatic evolutionary history. The focus then shifts to a consideration of the essential components of that most fundamental of avian attributes: the ability to fly. The emphasis here is on feather evolution and development, flight energetics and aerodynamics, migration, and as a counterpoint, the curious secondary evolution of flightlessnes that has occurred in several lineages. This sets the stage for subsequent chapters, which present specific physiological topics within a strongly ecological and environmental framework. Numerous important and intriguing questions await further work, and the book concludes with a discussion of methods (emphasizing cutting-edge technology) approaches, and future research directions." "This accessible text is for both graduate level students and researchers in the fields of avian comparative physiology and physiological ecology, including specialist courses in avian ecology. It will also be of relevance and use to professional ornithologists seeking a concise overview of avian physiological ecology." "Each volume in the Ecological and Environmental Physiology Series (EEPS) focuses on the ecological and environmental physiology of a key taxon to provide a state-of-the-art review, synthesis, and consideration of future topics that are relevant to how organisms have evolved and coped with the environmental features of their habitats." "EEPS comprises short, affordable volumes that will appeal to students, researchers, consultants, and other professionals in the fields of physiology, physiological ecology, and ecology." "Each volume in the Ecological and Environmental Physiology Series (EEPS) focuses on the ecological and environmental physiology of a key taxon to provide a state of the art review, synthesis, and consideration of future topics that are relevant to how organisms have evolved and coped with the environmental features of their habitats." "EEPS comprises short, affordable volumes that will appeal to students, researchers, consultants, and other professionals in the fields of physiology, physiological ecology, and ecology."--BOOK JACKET. Examining Avian Physiology In Detail, This Text Specifically Addresses The Unique Physiological Characteristics Of Birds, Although Experimental Techniques And Future Research Directions Are Also Considered. By J. Eduardo P.w. Bicudo, William A. Buttemer, Mark A. Chappell. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.