This third edition, now fully revised and updated by two of Dr. Zug's colleagues, provides herpetology students and amateur reptile and amphibian keepers with the latest taxonomy and species developments from around the world. Herpetology is a rapidly evolving field, which has contributed to new discoveries in many conceptual areas of biology. The authors build on this progress by updating all chapters with new literature, graphics, and discussions—many of which have changed our thinking.With a new emphasis placed on conservation issues, Herpetology continues to broaden the global coverage from earlier editions, recognizing the burgeoning reptile and amphibian research programs and the plight of many species in all countries and all biomes.New information on the remarkable advances in behavioral, physiological, and phylo-geographical data provide students with the current research they need to advance their education and better prepare their future in herpetology.

Herpetology, Second Edition has been thoroughly revised. The text has been reorganized, new chapters have been added, new text references have been inserted. All this plus new color systematics sections will maintain this book as THE leading textbook on the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The book will also showcase reptiles and amphibians as model systems in conceptual areas of biology. Such a text will help integrate herpetology as a discipline into conceptually oriented undergraduate programs. The book should also appeal to a large audience of sophisticated lay people interested in reptiles and amphibians. - Written by internationally recognized experts on the biology of amphibians and reptiles - Provides a general background on the evolution and morphology of amphibians and reptiles - Details what is known about reproduction and life histories - Examines physiological ecology, emphasizing water balance, temperature, and energy - Integrates population and community ecology with conservation biology - Provides detailed taxonomic accounts of all higher taxa, including high quality distribution maps and color photographs

This third edition is completely revised and expanded and incorporates all the latest taxonomy and research. Herpetology is a rapidly evolving field and studies on reptiles and amphibians have taken the lead in new discoveries in many conceptual areas of biology. The authors build on this progress by updating all the chapters with new literature, graphics, and discussions, many of which have changed our thinking in these areas. Most important are the remarkable advances in behavioral, physiological, and phylogeographical data. Many of the original photographs have been replaced and all are now in color. Of course, apart from the intrinsic interest of reptiles and amphibians, much research is fuelled by the calamitous conservation situation of many species around the world, in all kinds of habitats. The discussion of conservation-related topics is much enlarged and the authors continue and broaden the global coverage of earlier editions, recognizing the burgeoning reptile and amphibian research programs and the plight of many species in all countries and all biomes.