Synopses & Reviews
The theme of this book is the invasion of land by animal lines which originated in aquatic environments. It brings together physiological and ecological evidence to show both the likely routes taken out of the sea by the aquatic ancestors of terrestrial animals and the changes in structure and function associated with these routes. The author takes an ecophysiological approach, and by using representative examples, provides a novel background against which both the terrestrial adaptations of individual species and the make up and function of terrestrial ecosystems can be considered. Dr Little is the author of the highly acclaimed book The Colonisation of Land, which discusses the phylogeny and physiology of terrestrial and semi-terrestrial animals. The Terrestrial Invasion takes a fresh approach and provides an excellent introduction to the origins of land animals suitable for ecologists, physiologists and evolutionary biologists.
Review
'\"A fine, concise study of a complex question...A rich source and a well-focused book.\" Choice\"...a biological education in itself, a valuable reminder in these reductionist days that biochemistry and behavior, as well as ecology and physiology, are inextricably linked and that no animal is or ever was an island.\" Martin Wells, Quarterly Review of Biology\"...draws together many branches of biology ranging from palaeontology through physiology and behaviour to ecology and is a mine of useful information extending beyond the immediate consideration of the \'terrestrial invasion\'....should appeal to the layman, undergraduate students and expert biologists alike and will be an important source book for undergraduate teaching.\" Peter Greenaway, American Zoologist\"The book is original, on a major subject, and is well and clearly argued.\" L.M. Van Valen, Evolutionary Theory and Review'
Synopsis
The theme of this book is the invasion of land by animal lines which originated in aquatic environments.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 276-294) and index.
Table of Contents
Preface; Part I. Introduction: 1. Perspective; 2. Problems: terrestrial versus aquatic habitats; 3. The evidence; Part II. Routes on to Land: 4. The origins of terrestrial animals in relation to salt and water balance; 5. Muddy and sandy shores: interstitial fauna and the burrowers; 6. Saltmarshes and mangrove swamps as routes on to land; 7. Rocky and shingle shores as routes on to land; 8. The freshwater route to land; Part III. Life on Land: 9. Terrestrial adaptations; 10. Terrestrial ecosystems.