Hans Kruuk
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198565871
- eISBN:
- 9780191728228
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565871.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
Hans Kruuk's previous Wild Otters was the first, and until now the only, book to cover both natural history and scientific research on behaviour and ecology of otters in Europe. The present book is a ...
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Hans Kruuk's previous Wild Otters was the first, and until now the only, book to cover both natural history and scientific research on behaviour and ecology of otters in Europe. The present book is a revision, rewrite, and update, now covering all species of otter in North America as well as Europe and elsewhere. Aimed at naturalists, scientists, and conservationists, in a personal style and with many illustrations, it describes the ecology and behaviour of some of the most charismatic and enigmatic mammals in our environment, as well as the research to understand their particular ecological problems. With over 650 references, there is up-to-date description of the most recent studies, including feeding ecology, foraging behaviour, relationships with prey species, and factors that limit populations, as well as social and breeding behaviour, molecular genetics, energetics, the problems of exposure to cold water, mortality, effects of pollution, and the serious, recent conservation problems. There are enchanting direct observations of the animals, as well as guidance about how and where to watch and study them, and what are the most serious questions facing researchers. From otters in the British and American lakes and rivers, to sea otters in the Pacific ocean, giant otters in the Amazon and other species in Africa and Asia, this book provides an enthusiastic, critical, and thorough approach to their fascinating existence, the science needed to understand it, and the threats to their survival.Less
Hans Kruuk's previous Wild Otters was the first, and until now the only, book to cover both natural history and scientific research on behaviour and ecology of otters in Europe. The present book is a revision, rewrite, and update, now covering all species of otter in North America as well as Europe and elsewhere. Aimed at naturalists, scientists, and conservationists, in a personal style and with many illustrations, it describes the ecology and behaviour of some of the most charismatic and enigmatic mammals in our environment, as well as the research to understand their particular ecological problems. With over 650 references, there is up-to-date description of the most recent studies, including feeding ecology, foraging behaviour, relationships with prey species, and factors that limit populations, as well as social and breeding behaviour, molecular genetics, energetics, the problems of exposure to cold water, mortality, effects of pollution, and the serious, recent conservation problems. There are enchanting direct observations of the animals, as well as guidance about how and where to watch and study them, and what are the most serious questions facing researchers. From otters in the British and American lakes and rivers, to sea otters in the Pacific ocean, giant otters in the Amazon and other species in Africa and Asia, this book provides an enthusiastic, critical, and thorough approach to their fascinating existence, the science needed to understand it, and the threats to their survival.
Bruce Menge
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195319958
- eISBN:
- 9780199869596
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195319958.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
The chapter summarizes the history of recent scientific understanding of food webs, particularly shallow water food webs. The chapter outlines a history of key papers ranging from Elton to the most ...
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The chapter summarizes the history of recent scientific understanding of food webs, particularly shallow water food webs. The chapter outlines a history of key papers ranging from Elton to the most recent synthetic studies of meta-analysis of multiple food webs in many ecosystems. Changes in general organizing principles over time and conflicts with recent understanding are emphasized including an outline of the considerable progress over time and hope for an emerging discipline that takes advantage of emerging multidisciplinary tools and collaborations.Less
The chapter summarizes the history of recent scientific understanding of food webs, particularly shallow water food webs. The chapter outlines a history of key papers ranging from Elton to the most recent synthetic studies of meta-analysis of multiple food webs in many ecosystems. Changes in general organizing principles over time and conflicts with recent understanding are emphasized including an outline of the considerable progress over time and hope for an emerging discipline that takes advantage of emerging multidisciplinary tools and collaborations.
Ted R. Anderson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195304114
- eISBN:
- 9780199790012
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195304114.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Ornithology
This chapter summarizes research on the anatomy and physiology of the House Sparrow based on organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, ...
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This chapter summarizes research on the anatomy and physiology of the House Sparrow based on organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive. The energetics of the species is also discussed, as well as body mass and composition.Less
This chapter summarizes research on the anatomy and physiology of the House Sparrow based on organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive. The energetics of the species is also discussed, as well as body mass and composition.
André M. de Roos and Lennart Persson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691137575
- eISBN:
- 9781400845613
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691137575.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter provides a summary of the topics covered by the present volume. The summary serves the purpose of clearly showing how different chapters fit together in a general framework with respect ...
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This chapter provides a summary of the topics covered by the present volume. The summary serves the purpose of clearly showing how different chapters fit together in a general framework with respect to model approaches as well as results obtained. Reading this summary chapter will show readers the different types of community modules that will be analyzed as well as provide a clear impression of the results and insights that presented in this book. Topics discussed include biomass overcompensation, ontogenetic (a)symmetry in energetics, emergent community effects of biomass overcompensation, ontogenetic niche shifts in consumer life history, ontogenetic niche shifts in predator life history, competition between consumers with and without ontogenetic niche shifts, and ontogenetic (a)symmetry in energetics and population dynamics.Less
This chapter provides a summary of the topics covered by the present volume. The summary serves the purpose of clearly showing how different chapters fit together in a general framework with respect to model approaches as well as results obtained. Reading this summary chapter will show readers the different types of community modules that will be analyzed as well as provide a clear impression of the results and insights that presented in this book. Topics discussed include biomass overcompensation, ontogenetic (a)symmetry in energetics, emergent community effects of biomass overcompensation, ontogenetic niche shifts in consumer life history, ontogenetic niche shifts in predator life history, competition between consumers with and without ontogenetic niche shifts, and ontogenetic (a)symmetry in energetics and population dynamics.
Joël M. Durant, Nils Chr. Stenseth, Tycho Anker-Nilssen, Michael P. Harris, Paul M. Thompson, and Sarah Wanless
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198507499
- eISBN:
- 9780191709845
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198507499.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
This chapter shows how climate might influence seabirds directly through variations in temperature and wind. It also provides an overview of the potential indirect impact of climate variability on ...
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This chapter shows how climate might influence seabirds directly through variations in temperature and wind. It also provides an overview of the potential indirect impact of climate variability on North Atlantic seabird populations. Seabirds are sensible to climate change either positively as shown by the extension of the fulmar population, or negatively as shown by the Atlantic puffins. Thanks to their position as top predators, their response to climate change is a good index of its effect on the whole food web.Less
This chapter shows how climate might influence seabirds directly through variations in temperature and wind. It also provides an overview of the potential indirect impact of climate variability on North Atlantic seabird populations. Seabirds are sensible to climate change either positively as shown by the extension of the fulmar population, or negatively as shown by the Atlantic puffins. Thanks to their position as top predators, their response to climate change is a good index of its effect on the whole food web.
Alistair Dawson
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198520863
- eISBN:
- 9780191706189
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198520863.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter considers methods used to study the physiology and genetics of birds. It describes methods for obtaining samples of blood and tissue from wild birds, experimentation, anaesthesia, ...
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This chapter considers methods used to study the physiology and genetics of birds. It describes methods for obtaining samples of blood and tissue from wild birds, experimentation, anaesthesia, administration of substances to birds, implants, and laparatomy. The legal and ethical considerations involved in the use of invasive and experimental methods are discussed in detail. The uses of materials gathered from such techniques in studies of ecotoxicology, endocrinology, energetics, and molecular genetics are described.Less
This chapter considers methods used to study the physiology and genetics of birds. It describes methods for obtaining samples of blood and tissue from wild birds, experimentation, anaesthesia, administration of substances to birds, implants, and laparatomy. The legal and ethical considerations involved in the use of invasive and experimental methods are discussed in detail. The uses of materials gathered from such techniques in studies of ecotoxicology, endocrinology, energetics, and molecular genetics are described.
Dietmar Straile
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198564836
- eISBN:
- 9780191713828
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198564836.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
Studies on lakes provide some of the most complete investigations on the structure, dynamics, and energetics of food webs encompassing organisms from bacteria to vertebrates. The life cycle of ...
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Studies on lakes provide some of the most complete investigations on the structure, dynamics, and energetics of food webs encompassing organisms from bacteria to vertebrates. The life cycle of organisms in temperate lakes is adapted to a highly seasonal environment. Food web interactions in these lakes depend on the seasonal overlap of the occurrence of potential prey, competitor, or predator species. This seasonal overlap (i.e., the match-mismatch of food web interactions) depends strongly on the seasonal dynamics of the physical environment of lakes, such as temperature, light availability, and mixing intensity. Consequently, climate variability influences food web interactions and hence the structure, dynamics, and energetics of lake food webs. This chapter provides examples and discusses the importance of seasonality for the understanding of various aspects of lake food webs and the impact of climate variability thereon.Less
Studies on lakes provide some of the most complete investigations on the structure, dynamics, and energetics of food webs encompassing organisms from bacteria to vertebrates. The life cycle of organisms in temperate lakes is adapted to a highly seasonal environment. Food web interactions in these lakes depend on the seasonal overlap of the occurrence of potential prey, competitor, or predator species. This seasonal overlap (i.e., the match-mismatch of food web interactions) depends strongly on the seasonal dynamics of the physical environment of lakes, such as temperature, light availability, and mixing intensity. Consequently, climate variability influences food web interactions and hence the structure, dynamics, and energetics of lake food webs. This chapter provides examples and discusses the importance of seasonality for the understanding of various aspects of lake food webs and the impact of climate variability thereon.
Cheryl D. Knott, Melissa Emery Thompson, and Serge A. Wich
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199213276
- eISBN:
- 9780191707568
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199213276.003.0011
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Orangutans have the longest interbirth interval of any mammal, with existing data suggesting that these intervals may be significantly longer in Sumatra than in Borneo. This finding presents a ...
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Orangutans have the longest interbirth interval of any mammal, with existing data suggesting that these intervals may be significantly longer in Sumatra than in Borneo. This finding presents a paradox because our models of reproductive ecology suggest that the higher habitat quality of Sumatra should lead to shorter interbirth intervals. This chapter explores this intriguing difference between Sumatran and Bornean orangutans by detailing the available evidence on how orangutan reproduction is influenced by ecology and life history. Data are evaluated in light of the models, mechanisms and hypotheses by which energetics influence reproduction in apes and humans. The chapter makes recommendations for future research that will lead to a more thorough understanding of orangutan reproductive ecology. New hypotheses about acute vs cumulative effects of energy on ovarian function, the magnitude of the shift in energy intake, and the role of developmental plasticity in orangutan reproductive functioning are also presented.Less
Orangutans have the longest interbirth interval of any mammal, with existing data suggesting that these intervals may be significantly longer in Sumatra than in Borneo. This finding presents a paradox because our models of reproductive ecology suggest that the higher habitat quality of Sumatra should lead to shorter interbirth intervals. This chapter explores this intriguing difference between Sumatran and Bornean orangutans by detailing the available evidence on how orangutan reproduction is influenced by ecology and life history. Data are evaluated in light of the models, mechanisms and hypotheses by which energetics influence reproduction in apes and humans. The chapter makes recommendations for future research that will lead to a more thorough understanding of orangutan reproductive ecology. New hypotheses about acute vs cumulative effects of energy on ovarian function, the magnitude of the shift in energy intake, and the role of developmental plasticity in orangutan reproductive functioning are also presented.
Tony Crook
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264003
- eISBN:
- 9780191734151
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264003.003.0003
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Anthropology, Global
This chapter provides two ethnographic examples of anthropologists reflexively incorporating Melanesian aesthetics and energetics into their interpretations by making distinctive borrowings from ...
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This chapter provides two ethnographic examples of anthropologists reflexively incorporating Melanesian aesthetics and energetics into their interpretations by making distinctive borrowings from Melanesian practices. In James F. Weiner's portrayal, Foi perceive the world as constituted by various forms of ‘a flow of vital energies, forces and relationships’. He suggests that men and women engage flow in distinctive ways. Foi takes human sociality, its ‘rules’, as ‘given’ or ‘innate’. Marilyn Strathern's The Gender of the Gift: Problems with Women and Problems with Society in Melanesia presents an original line of theoretical reasoning prompted by an ‘impasse in [the] comparative anthropology of Melanesia’. Mt Hagen is the ground by which The Gender of the Gift is figured. Strathern shares Ongka's awareness that exchanges are dependent upon producers: a husband with moka ambitions has to be an equally enthusiastic sweet-potato gardener, helping his wife to provide fodder for the pigs she will grow into prestigious gifts. An effect of The Gender of the Gift has been that much of what it has to teach has been incorporated by Melanesianists.Less
This chapter provides two ethnographic examples of anthropologists reflexively incorporating Melanesian aesthetics and energetics into their interpretations by making distinctive borrowings from Melanesian practices. In James F. Weiner's portrayal, Foi perceive the world as constituted by various forms of ‘a flow of vital energies, forces and relationships’. He suggests that men and women engage flow in distinctive ways. Foi takes human sociality, its ‘rules’, as ‘given’ or ‘innate’. Marilyn Strathern's The Gender of the Gift: Problems with Women and Problems with Society in Melanesia presents an original line of theoretical reasoning prompted by an ‘impasse in [the] comparative anthropology of Melanesia’. Mt Hagen is the ground by which The Gender of the Gift is figured. Strathern shares Ongka's awareness that exchanges are dependent upon producers: a husband with moka ambitions has to be an equally enthusiastic sweet-potato gardener, helping his wife to provide fodder for the pigs she will grow into prestigious gifts. An effect of The Gender of the Gift has been that much of what it has to teach has been incorporated by Melanesianists.
David Ward
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199211470
- eISBN:
- 9780191728143
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199211470.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter begins with the trophic model of Hairston, Smith, and Slobodkin and the food-web model generated by Cohen. It explains why, even in a desert, such generalities are inappropriate. Desert ...
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This chapter begins with the trophic model of Hairston, Smith, and Slobodkin and the food-web model generated by Cohen. It explains why, even in a desert, such generalities are inappropriate. Desert food-webs are much more complex than the ones described by previous researchers, and indicate that: energetics is not necessarily the most appropriate way to view food-webs; interaction webs (describing population effects) and descriptive webs (quantifying energy and matter flow) are not necessarily congruent; and consumer regulation of populations need involve little energy transfer and few feeding interactions. Most importantly, if the animals at the bottom of the chain are small, then more steps can be incorporated as one moves up the trophic pyramid. The important roles of disturbances and decomposition are considered.Less
This chapter begins with the trophic model of Hairston, Smith, and Slobodkin and the food-web model generated by Cohen. It explains why, even in a desert, such generalities are inappropriate. Desert food-webs are much more complex than the ones described by previous researchers, and indicate that: energetics is not necessarily the most appropriate way to view food-webs; interaction webs (describing population effects) and descriptive webs (quantifying energy and matter flow) are not necessarily congruent; and consumer regulation of populations need involve little energy transfer and few feeding interactions. Most importantly, if the animals at the bottom of the chain are small, then more steps can be incorporated as one moves up the trophic pyramid. The important roles of disturbances and decomposition are considered.
Hans Kruuk
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198565871
- eISBN:
- 9780191728228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565871.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
This chapter outlines environmental and conservation concerns that underlie the research described in this book. There are examples of observations of otters of different species in the wild, main ...
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This chapter outlines environmental and conservation concerns that underlie the research described in this book. There are examples of observations of otters of different species in the wild, main threats to species including different kinds of pollution and exploitation, historic declines and recoveries, and public interest. Main questions concerning otter ecology and behaviour are outlined, especially the factors that limit their numbers, present knowledge of population changes and causes of declines, habitat, resource availability and usage by otters, the role of energetics in their ecology, their role in ecosystems, and methodologies for study in the wild.Less
This chapter outlines environmental and conservation concerns that underlie the research described in this book. There are examples of observations of otters of different species in the wild, main threats to species including different kinds of pollution and exploitation, historic declines and recoveries, and public interest. Main questions concerning otter ecology and behaviour are outlined, especially the factors that limit their numbers, present knowledge of population changes and causes of declines, habitat, resource availability and usage by otters, the role of energetics in their ecology, their role in ecosystems, and methodologies for study in the wild.
Hans Kruuk
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198565871
- eISBN:
- 9780191728228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565871.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
This chapter describes otter phylogeny, including the latest analyses of mitochondrial DNA. They are Mustelids, originating some 11-14 million years ago in the Miocene in south-east Asia, main ...
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This chapter describes otter phylogeny, including the latest analyses of mitochondrial DNA. They are Mustelids, originating some 11-14 million years ago in the Miocene in south-east Asia, main branches being Lutra and Lontra. A rapid species divergence was followed by long-persisting genera. Some intra-specific variation is described. Central questions posed in this book address the relationship between resources and otter numbers, energetics relating to resource exploitation (with thermo-regulation in cold water), and social aspects of distribution in their habitat, mortality, and reproduction. Research methodology to study these questions is described, including individual recognition in the field, trapping, radio-tracking, and pitfalls when using indirect methods such as faecal analysis and distribution of scent-marks. Some study areas are described.Less
This chapter describes otter phylogeny, including the latest analyses of mitochondrial DNA. They are Mustelids, originating some 11-14 million years ago in the Miocene in south-east Asia, main branches being Lutra and Lontra. A rapid species divergence was followed by long-persisting genera. Some intra-specific variation is described. Central questions posed in this book address the relationship between resources and otter numbers, energetics relating to resource exploitation (with thermo-regulation in cold water), and social aspects of distribution in their habitat, mortality, and reproduction. Research methodology to study these questions is described, including individual recognition in the field, trapping, radio-tracking, and pitfalls when using indirect methods such as faecal analysis and distribution of scent-marks. Some study areas are described.
Hans Kruuk
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198565871
- eISBN:
- 9780191728228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565871.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
This chapter describes foraging behaviour, and the success rates and factors that influence this. Diving of Eurasian and sea otters is quantified (depths, timing) and analysed in some detail. Some ...
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This chapter describes foraging behaviour, and the success rates and factors that influence this. Diving of Eurasian and sea otters is quantified (depths, timing) and analysed in some detail. Some species fish cooperatively. Sea otters use tools for foraging. Otters hunt at times (time of day, tide) and places (depths, aquatic vegetation) when prey are optimally available i.e. inactive. There is a clear tendency to hunt prey in patches. Analysis of energetics of foraging suggests that most variations in foraging effort are caused by variations in water temperature. At low temperatures, otters fish close to their energetic limits in a high-risk strategy. Young of several species require 1-2 years to attain adult foraging efficiency.Less
This chapter describes foraging behaviour, and the success rates and factors that influence this. Diving of Eurasian and sea otters is quantified (depths, timing) and analysed in some detail. Some species fish cooperatively. Sea otters use tools for foraging. Otters hunt at times (time of day, tide) and places (depths, aquatic vegetation) when prey are optimally available i.e. inactive. There is a clear tendency to hunt prey in patches. Analysis of energetics of foraging suggests that most variations in foraging effort are caused by variations in water temperature. At low temperatures, otters fish close to their energetic limits in a high-risk strategy. Young of several species require 1-2 years to attain adult foraging efficiency.
JESPER LÜTZEN
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198567370
- eISBN:
- 9780191717925
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567370.003.0004
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
The most remarkable feature of the physical content of Heinrich Hertz's book Principles of Mechanics is that it is a mechanics without forces. The concept of force and, in particular, of gravitation ...
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The most remarkable feature of the physical content of Heinrich Hertz's book Principles of Mechanics is that it is a mechanics without forces. The concept of force and, in particular, of gravitation acting at a distance was introduced by Isaac Newton. This was strongly criticised by the Cartesians who argued that all interactions could and should be explained in terms of contact forces. Hertz's view of the relation between the concept of force and the concept of constraint was a total reversal of that of Siméon-Denis Poisson and William Rowan Hamilton. According to Hertz, connections are the physically primary concept and forces are only derived idealized epiphenomena. This reversal was part of a larger rejection of Laplacian physics. This chapter also discusses James Clerk Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, distance forces, arguments against atomism, and the emergence of energetics as an alternative to an atomistic, force-based mechanical conception of physics.Less
The most remarkable feature of the physical content of Heinrich Hertz's book Principles of Mechanics is that it is a mechanics without forces. The concept of force and, in particular, of gravitation acting at a distance was introduced by Isaac Newton. This was strongly criticised by the Cartesians who argued that all interactions could and should be explained in terms of contact forces. Hertz's view of the relation between the concept of force and the concept of constraint was a total reversal of that of Siméon-Denis Poisson and William Rowan Hamilton. According to Hertz, connections are the physically primary concept and forces are only derived idealized epiphenomena. This reversal was part of a larger rejection of Laplacian physics. This chapter also discusses James Clerk Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, distance forces, arguments against atomism, and the emergence of energetics as an alternative to an atomistic, force-based mechanical conception of physics.
Philip C. Withers, Christine E. Cooper, Shane K. Maloney, Francisco Bozinovic, and Ariovaldo P. Cruz Neto
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199642717
- eISBN:
- 9780191830334
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199642717.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Ecology
This book describes the physiology of mammals in an ecological and environmental context. It first describes the basic bauplan and history of living mammals from an evolutionary viewpoint. General ...
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This book describes the physiology of mammals in an ecological and environmental context. It first describes the basic bauplan and history of living mammals from an evolutionary viewpoint. General physiological principles are then presented, including the importance of body size and regulatory control systems. This is followed by a detailed description of the physiological characteristics of mammals with respect to energetics, thermoregulation, respiration, circulation, feeding and digestion, water and solute balance, neurobiology, and reproduction. Environmental adaptations are then described for mammals in extreme environments (cold, hot, underground, high altitude, and aquatic), using specialized locomotor styles (cursorial, brachiation, migration, gliding, and powered flight), and exploiting difficult-to-digest diets (keratin, bone, waxes, chitin, and plant material). Current concepts, approaches, techniques, and applications in mammalian research are then discussed, starting with the use of the ‘comparative method’ to interpret evolutionary adaptations in a phylogenetic context. This is followed by basic concepts for measurement of mass, temperature, and humidity; the use of remote sensing and stable and radioactive isotopes for the study of free-living mammals; the rapid development of molecular biology techniques in mammalian physiology; and the implications of ecological and environmental physiology to mammalian distributions now and in the future. Conclusions and future directions focus on effects of climate change on mammals, the implications of phenotypic plasticity and epigenetics, the expanding role of physiology and ecology in conservation, and the future role of mammals in medical and veterinary research, and in agriculture. An extensive reference list is provided.Less
This book describes the physiology of mammals in an ecological and environmental context. It first describes the basic bauplan and history of living mammals from an evolutionary viewpoint. General physiological principles are then presented, including the importance of body size and regulatory control systems. This is followed by a detailed description of the physiological characteristics of mammals with respect to energetics, thermoregulation, respiration, circulation, feeding and digestion, water and solute balance, neurobiology, and reproduction. Environmental adaptations are then described for mammals in extreme environments (cold, hot, underground, high altitude, and aquatic), using specialized locomotor styles (cursorial, brachiation, migration, gliding, and powered flight), and exploiting difficult-to-digest diets (keratin, bone, waxes, chitin, and plant material). Current concepts, approaches, techniques, and applications in mammalian research are then discussed, starting with the use of the ‘comparative method’ to interpret evolutionary adaptations in a phylogenetic context. This is followed by basic concepts for measurement of mass, temperature, and humidity; the use of remote sensing and stable and radioactive isotopes for the study of free-living mammals; the rapid development of molecular biology techniques in mammalian physiology; and the implications of ecological and environmental physiology to mammalian distributions now and in the future. Conclusions and future directions focus on effects of climate change on mammals, the implications of phenotypic plasticity and epigenetics, the expanding role of physiology and ecology in conservation, and the future role of mammals in medical and veterinary research, and in agriculture. An extensive reference list is provided.
Gus Mills and Margaret Mills
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- June 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198712145
- eISBN:
- 9780191780639
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198712145.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This book demonstrates how cheetahs are adapted to arid savannahs like the southern Kalahari, and makes comparisons with other areas, especially the Serengeti. Topics dealt with are: demography and ...
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This book demonstrates how cheetahs are adapted to arid savannahs like the southern Kalahari, and makes comparisons with other areas, especially the Serengeti. Topics dealt with are: demography and genetic status; feeding ecology, i.e. methods used for studying diet, diets of different demographic groups, individual diet specializations of females, prey selection, the impact of cheetah predation on prey populations, activity regimes and distances travelled per day, hunting behaviour, foraging success and energetics; interspecific competition; spatial ecology; reproductive success and the mating system; and conservation. The major findings show that cheetahs are well adapted to arid ecosystems and are water independent. Cheetah density in the study area was stable at 0.9/100 km2 and the population was genetically diverse. Important prey were steenbok and springbok for females with cubs, gemsbok, and adult ostrich for coalition males, and steenbok, springhares, and hares for single animals. Cheetahs had a density-dependent regulatory effect on steenbok and springbok populations. Females with large cubs had the highest overall food intake. Cheetahs, especially males, were often active at night, and competition with other large carnivores, both by exploitation and interference, was slight. Although predation on small cubs was severe, cub survival to adolescence was six times higher than in the Serengeti. There was no difference in reproductive success between single and coalition males. The conservation priority for cheetahs should be to maintain protected areas over a spectrum of landscapes to allow ecological processes, of which the cheetah is an integral part, to proceed unhindered.Less
This book demonstrates how cheetahs are adapted to arid savannahs like the southern Kalahari, and makes comparisons with other areas, especially the Serengeti. Topics dealt with are: demography and genetic status; feeding ecology, i.e. methods used for studying diet, diets of different demographic groups, individual diet specializations of females, prey selection, the impact of cheetah predation on prey populations, activity regimes and distances travelled per day, hunting behaviour, foraging success and energetics; interspecific competition; spatial ecology; reproductive success and the mating system; and conservation. The major findings show that cheetahs are well adapted to arid ecosystems and are water independent. Cheetah density in the study area was stable at 0.9/100 km2 and the population was genetically diverse. Important prey were steenbok and springbok for females with cubs, gemsbok, and adult ostrich for coalition males, and steenbok, springhares, and hares for single animals. Cheetahs had a density-dependent regulatory effect on steenbok and springbok populations. Females with large cubs had the highest overall food intake. Cheetahs, especially males, were often active at night, and competition with other large carnivores, both by exploitation and interference, was slight. Although predation on small cubs was severe, cub survival to adolescence was six times higher than in the Serengeti. There was no difference in reproductive success between single and coalition males. The conservation priority for cheetahs should be to maintain protected areas over a spectrum of landscapes to allow ecological processes, of which the cheetah is an integral part, to proceed unhindered.
Nir Sapir, Patrick J. Butler, Anders Hedenström, and Martin Wikelski
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199568994
- eISBN:
- 9780191774676
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199568994.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
A balance of energy gain and use is needed during migration to safeguard against starvation and to minimize the costs of body mass overloading due to excessive lipid deposition. This chapter ...
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A balance of energy gain and use is needed during migration to safeguard against starvation and to minimize the costs of body mass overloading due to excessive lipid deposition. This chapter addresses how this is achieved throughout the four principal stages of animal migration: preparatory, movement, stopover, and arrival. It first discusses how lipid loading may be limited by ecological (e.g., food abundance), physiological (e.g., digestive capacity), and geomagnetic factors, as well as by annual routine events (e.g., the timing of feather moult) and the animal's migration strategy. The chapter then deals with environmental effects on energy use and discusses the energetics of barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) migrating from Svalbard to Scotland. It proposes that combining accelerometry to provide behavioural data with estimates of metabolic rate may substantially improve our understanding of the causes, mechanisms, patterns, and consequences of animal migration.Less
A balance of energy gain and use is needed during migration to safeguard against starvation and to minimize the costs of body mass overloading due to excessive lipid deposition. This chapter addresses how this is achieved throughout the four principal stages of animal migration: preparatory, movement, stopover, and arrival. It first discusses how lipid loading may be limited by ecological (e.g., food abundance), physiological (e.g., digestive capacity), and geomagnetic factors, as well as by annual routine events (e.g., the timing of feather moult) and the animal's migration strategy. The chapter then deals with environmental effects on energy use and discusses the energetics of barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) migrating from Svalbard to Scotland. It proposes that combining accelerometry to provide behavioural data with estimates of metabolic rate may substantially improve our understanding of the causes, mechanisms, patterns, and consequences of animal migration.
Roger C. Woledge
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198523970
- eISBN:
- 9780191724480
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198523970.003.0014
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Techniques
Research into how muscle plays these roles and the limitations of its ability in each regard requires that we measure directly or indirectly the energy changes involved; this has been recognized for ...
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Research into how muscle plays these roles and the limitations of its ability in each regard requires that we measure directly or indirectly the energy changes involved; this has been recognized for at least a century. These experimental activities and the interpretation of the results obtained comprise the science of muscle energetics. This chapter discusses the main forms of energy which are relevant to consider in these contexts. For example, the flow of mechanical energy to or from the muscle is found from measurements of force (P, Newtons) and of movement (dL, metres). Work is the integral of force with respect to length over the period of study.Less
Research into how muscle plays these roles and the limitations of its ability in each regard requires that we measure directly or indirectly the energy changes involved; this has been recognized for at least a century. These experimental activities and the interpretation of the results obtained comprise the science of muscle energetics. This chapter discusses the main forms of energy which are relevant to consider in these contexts. For example, the flow of mechanical energy to or from the muscle is found from measurements of force (P, Newtons) and of movement (dL, metres). Work is the integral of force with respect to length over the period of study.
Ramprasad Sengupta
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780198081654
- eISBN:
- 9780199082407
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198081654.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The chapter introduces some of the basic concepts of ecology to characterize the biosphere of the earth, its ecosystems and their components of biotic and abiotic environment. It describes the ...
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The chapter introduces some of the basic concepts of ecology to characterize the biosphere of the earth, its ecosystems and their components of biotic and abiotic environment. It describes the organic and inorganic substances and climate conditions as constituents of the ecosystems which determine their structure and function and the conditions of supply of various natural resources and eco-services to the human economy. The chapter also explains the solar energy flow and the hydrological and bio-geochemical cycles to further elaborate the functions of eco-services of regeneration of resources and absorption of wastes for the economy. It characterizes the energetics of the ecosystems and its modification due to human intervention, pointing to the need for a holistic view of energy analysis taking account of its flows and uses in both the ecological and the economic processes for our better understanding of the physical conditions of sustainable development.Less
The chapter introduces some of the basic concepts of ecology to characterize the biosphere of the earth, its ecosystems and their components of biotic and abiotic environment. It describes the organic and inorganic substances and climate conditions as constituents of the ecosystems which determine their structure and function and the conditions of supply of various natural resources and eco-services to the human economy. The chapter also explains the solar energy flow and the hydrological and bio-geochemical cycles to further elaborate the functions of eco-services of regeneration of resources and absorption of wastes for the economy. It characterizes the energetics of the ecosystems and its modification due to human intervention, pointing to the need for a holistic view of energy analysis taking account of its flows and uses in both the ecological and the economic processes for our better understanding of the physical conditions of sustainable development.
Andrew A. Biewener and Shelia N. Patek (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198743156
- eISBN:
- 9780191803031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198743156.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Ecology
Studies of animal locomotion are grounded in an understanding of the physical principles that govern how animals move and properties of the media through which they move. These studies, in turn, ...
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Studies of animal locomotion are grounded in an understanding of the physical principles that govern how animals move and properties of the media through which they move. These studies, in turn, explain why certain biological devices, such as a wing or a fin, share features that have evolved for movement within their particular fluid environments. In this chapter, we examine the role of the environment and the fundamentals of loading and forces in animal mechanics. We offer a quick review of scaling analyses as well as the key dimensions and units used in this book to assist with your appreciation of the information.Less
Studies of animal locomotion are grounded in an understanding of the physical principles that govern how animals move and properties of the media through which they move. These studies, in turn, explain why certain biological devices, such as a wing or a fin, share features that have evolved for movement within their particular fluid environments. In this chapter, we examine the role of the environment and the fundamentals of loading and forces in animal mechanics. We offer a quick review of scaling analyses as well as the key dimensions and units used in this book to assist with your appreciation of the information.
