The Avian Brood Parasites: Deception at the Nest

Book Description

The evolutionary, ecological and behavioral questions posed by obligate brood parasites are among the most intriguing of all contemporary ornithological topics. Avian brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and may be a major contributing factor driving several species of songbirds to near extinction. As one of the first books to present a comprehensive overview of this fascinating phenomenon, this work discusses the comparative biology and co-evolutionary adaptations exhibited by the five families of birds that engage in such behavior. Several chapters dealing with the comparative biology of both intraspecific and interspecific brood parasites, are followed by individual accounts of all known species--nearly 100 altogether, primarily cowbirds and cuckoos. Some of the more remarkable behavioral and structural adaptations of these birds include egg mimicry, juvenile mimicry, elimination by starvation or actual attack of other nestlings or host eggs, and even the learning and partial mimicry of host song traits. An extended glossary, a list of Latin names, 400 literature citations and range maps of all parasitic species discussed are also included. Detailed line drawings by the author enhance this synthesis of biological and ecological information.

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Behavioural Ecology of Parasites
E.E., Ed. Lewis
Manufacturer: CAB INTERNATIONAL
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0851996159

Book Description

Parasites have evolved numerous complex and fascinating ways of interacting with their hosts. The subject attracts the interest of numerous biologists from the perspective of ecology and behavioral biology, as well as from those concerned with more applied aspects of parasitology. However, there has been no recent book to synthesize this field. This book fills this gap in the literature and has been written by leading authorities from the USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Main topics covered include: Foraging for hosts; host acceptance and infection; interactions among parasites with the host; parasite-host interactions.

Parasites and the Behavior of Animals (Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution)

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Parasites and the Behavior of Animals (Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution)
Janice Moore
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology

ASIN: 0195146530

Book Description

When a parasite invades an ant, does the ant behave like other ants? Maybe not-and if it doesn't, who, if anyone, benefits from the altered behaviors? The parasite? The ant? Parasites and the Behavior of Animals shows that parasite-induced behavioral alterations are more common than we might realize, and it places these alterations in an evolutionary and ecological context. Emphasizing eukaryotic parasites, the book examines the adaptive nature of behavioral changes associated with parasitism, exploring the effects of these changes on parasite transmission, parasite avoidance, and the fitness of both host and parasite. The behavioral changes and their effects are not always straightforward. To the extent that virulence, for instance, is linked to parasite transmission, the evolutionary interests of parasite and host will diverge, and the current winner of the contest to maximize reproductive rates may not be clear, or, for that matter, inevitable. Nonetheless, by affecting susceptibility, host/parasite lifespan and fecundity, and transmission itself, host behavior influences parameters that are basic to our comprehension of how parasites invade host populations, and fundamentally, how parasites evolve. Such an understanding is important for a wide range of scientists, from ecologists and parasitologists to evolutionary, conservation and behavioral biologists: The behavioral alterations that parasites induce can subtly and profoundly affect the distribution and abundance of animals.

Evolutionary Biology of Host-Parasite Relationships: Theory Meets Reality

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Evolutionary Biology of Host-Parasite Relationships: Theory Meets Reality

Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

This book brings together recent theoretical and empirical developments in all aspects of the study of host-parasite coevolution, including epidemiology, the evolution of parasite virulence, specificity and life history traits, and the evolution of host defences and life history strategies. The book covers all host and parasite taxa, and also explores some of the practical consequences of host-parasite evolution for veterinary and medical sciences.

Natural Enemies: The Population Biology of Predators, Parasites and Diseases

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Natural Enemies: The Population Biology of Predators, Parasites and Diseases
M. J. Crawley
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0632026987

Book Description

This book is about disease and death! An international team of experts has been gathered together from the very best names in Zoology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology to present a complete description of the evolution and ecology of all carnivorous organisms from whales and lions, down to virus and bacteria. This is the first volume to to give a complete description of all carnivorous organisms and the first synthesis of the population biology of this diverse group of organisms to tackle the following questions: How do natural enemies affect the distribution and abundance of their prey, and how have natural enemies functioned as agents of natural selection effecting the evolution of behaviour and morphology in their prey?

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Parasites and Behaviour (Parasitology)
M. V. K. Sukhdeo
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521485428

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Parasitism And Host Behaviour

Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Does the acephaline gregarine Monocystis sp. modify the surface behaviour of its earthworm host Lumbricus terrestris? [An article from: Soil Biology and Biochemistry]

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Does the acephaline gregarine Monocystis sp. modify the surface behaviour of its earthworm host Lumbricus terrestris? [An article from: Soil Biology and Biochemistry]
S.G. Field , and N.K. Michiels
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Elsevier | By Publisher | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000RR8HLA

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Soil Biology and Biochemistry, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
The earthworm Lumbricus terrestris has relatively low dispersal rates. This can represent a challenge for the internal gregarine parasite Monocystis, the dispersal of which often depends on the host. Mating of Monocystis can also be restricted to parasite stages within the current host individual. Adaptations, including host behavioural modification, that improve parasite transmission and simultaneously avoid inbreeding within a single host individual should be favoured by selection. We used a correlative approach to investigate the question of parasitic manipulation in this Gregarine-Lumbricid system. We observed mature earthworms (n=24) for 3 weeks while recording various measures of activity (surface activity, burrowing activity, surfacing delay, number of surface visits) and correlated parasite load with these activity measures. We found a significant positive correlation between surface activity and midden (or cast) production, which suggests a simple method for assessing the overall activity of local earthworm populations. However, we found no evidence of behavioural manipulation of any measure of host activity. We discuss these results in the context of inbreeding depression and host-parasite coevolution. ion and host-parasite coevolution.

Nature-based tourism as a form of predation risk affects body condition and health state of Podarcis muralis lizards [An article from: Biological Conservation]

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Nature-based tourism as a form of predation risk affects body condition and health state of Podarcis muralis lizards [An article from: Biological Conservation]
L. Amo , P. Lopez , and J. Marti'n
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Walking | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000P6NT3O

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Biological Conservation, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Nature-based tourism has experienced a greater increase, and, even although it might have deleterious effects for many wildlife species, its consequences remains little explored. Many lizard species are endangered and tourism has been proposed as a potential factor responsible of the decline of several lizards' populations, but no study has examined the effect of tourism on lizards' behaviour, body condition and health state. Many lizards respond to people as if they were predators, by readily escaping to refuges. However, an increase in the frequency of these antipredatory strategies can lead to a loss of body condition, which may have important consequences for short and long term fitness. We analysed the effects of tourism on escape behaviour of common wall lizards, Podarcis muralis, as well as on their body condition and health state (ectoparasites, blood parasites, and cell mediated immune response). Results showed that lizards did not modify their escape behaviour in response to tourism. Lizards had similar approach and flight distances, and escape strategies regardless of the level of tourism pressure. However, lizards inhabiting areas with high tourism levels, where they presumably needed to perform antipredatory behaviours more often, showed higher intensity of infection by ticks and lower body condition at the end of the breeding period. Moreover, lizards with poorer body condition had lower cell mediated immune responses. Therefore, tourism seems to have deleterious effects on body condition and on host-parasite relationships in this lizard species. These effects should be taking into account when designing walking paths in protected areas. Our study reports evidence that regardless lizards showed similar escape behaviour in tourist than in natural areas, their body condition and health state should be also examined to accurately assess the actual effects of tourism on lizards' populations.

Biology, ecology and behaviour of principal natural enemies of major insect pests of forest trees in Pakistan (Miscellaneous publication - Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control ; no. 4)

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Biology, ecology and behaviour of principal natural enemies of major insect pests of forest trees in Pakistan (Miscellaneous publication - Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control ; no. 4)

Manufacturer: Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0851982832

Book Description

Barry Reynolds and John Berryman use a seasonal approach to teach you everything you need to know to catch northerns, tigers, and muskies on a fly. There are chapters on pike gear, favorite pike flies, fishing for trophy pike, and planning a trip to Canada, the pike angler's mecca. Other chapters deal with flyfishing for pike in rivers, special tactics for tigers, and state-by-state pike fishing information, including top spots, state records, and stocking facts.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2006-09-06

I found this book extremely useful. I moved to Minnesota (land of pike) from New Mexico (land of trout). Very few people in Minnesota fly fish, and most that do fish only for trout. Because of this, it is very hard to find people to teach you what you will need to catch pike/muskie on the fly. I combined this book with one evening with a guide, and I am now catching pike. When I'm not catching fish, I now have a good understanding about what I should try changing. I'd be lost without this book. It has saved me years of trial and error.

After reading the book, I started taking a thermometer out with me while I fish. When the water is above about 70, I know my odds of catching a pike while wading are low so I switch to bass.

When you catch your first pike, you'll be hooked. Mine was a small pike, but it was larger than the biggest trout I ever caught.

Muskie or Musky - great fish on the fly rod.......2003-12-06

If you are interested in catching a big musky (or muskies), or any pike, on a fly rod or other tackle this book is an excellent sourse of useful information on the fish, how to hunt them, what equipment you need and how to rig. Very worthwhile reading before a day on the water with a good guide.

Think like a predator!.......2001-04-30

I had the privilege to work on a TV show called HIGH COUNTRY OUTDOORS with Barry the same year he and John wrote PIKE ON THE FLY. I devoured this book and still have it on my shelf in close reach. The techniques aren't just old hackneyed phrases but are true tested tactics gleaned from Barry's experiences. I know of no better way to understand the ways of flyfishing for pike and other large gamefish than to read this book over and over. I refer to it for much more than just pike and muskie, its a great handbook to have when I want to think like a fish.

Pike on the Fly.......2000-03-26

I read this book then went to Canada fly fishing for Pike. I found out that Barry Reynolds knows fly fishing for Pike. Take the advice of this book and you WILL catch Pike, lots of Pike on a fly rod.

fair to middlin.......1999-05-20

Compared to Murray's Flyfishing for Smallmouth Bass, expect vague generalizations without enough specifics to sink your teeth into.

Book Description

In this book, Elizabeth Lyon offers novelists the wisdom of her experience as an author, book editor, writing instructor, and marketing consultant. Step-by-step, she details what editors want, what questions to ask them, and how to develop a marketing strategy.

Customer Reviews:

Problems Solved.......2007-08-16

As an already published author, I was encountering difficulty finding a new editor and an agent. Elizabeth Lyon's book solved the problem. I can now write meaningful one page query letters. Thanks!

Excellent Resource To Begin Marketing a Novel.......2006-07-11

It's very hard to complete a novel, and after you complete it and begin to think about how to get it published can become overwhelming. That one page query letter that agents and publishers read and judge your writing ability on is an education in itself. This book will help you craft that all-important letter.

Covers it all.......2005-09-20

This book answers virtually all questions about how to get there from here. The author offers the guiding principles and then examples for every step except actually writing the novel. She details the processes from creating the query and synopsis to the various alternatives for marketing the novel. It's a well designed view that shows the steps. What she doesn't do is minimize the fact that it's all work and to be taken seriously. Really want to sell that novel? Read this book.

This book is an author's roadmap to success ...........2003-07-11

Elizabeth Lyon's new book, Sell Your Novel Toolkit, provides a detailed roadmap for producing a well qualified query letter, synopsis and tips to manage that all important marketing strategy.

Ms. Lyon's Toolkit is written from the perspective of an accomplished, well-seasoned author who has experienced it all and learned from her own writing successes. Ms. Lyon's product is not only functional, but encouraging to the author who is already established, or entering the publishing environment for the first time.

The Toolkit has enhanced my abilities as a newly published author and I look forward to the next book.

The Sell Your Novel Toolkit.......2003-06-30

Obviously an accomplished writer herself, Ms. Lyon seems to have a sixth sense about the quandaries we novelists ponder each night when we could be sleeping. Should I write a prologue? How do I keep track of crisscrossing submissions? Should I give up after the tenth rejection letter? Tool Kiit offers the steadying voice of an accomplished independent editor who has made it her life's work to delve into every detail of publishing, and she has come up with a workable plan of attack.

Book Description

From its introduction by Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu to the epilogue by the Dalai Lama, Geography of Religion encourages new understanding of the world's great religions and of their evolution from ancient roots to vital roles in modern life. With a text as fascinating as it is authoritative; vivid photographs that evoke the reverence, rituals, and rewards of each spiritual tradition; and a rich variety of essays, sidebars, and maps, this magnificent book charts the many paths that guide us to God.

Chapters on each of the 5 major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—explore the landscapes and cultures where they took hold and flourished. Eminent scholars share the faiths they live and study, revealing their sacred scriptures and rites. Every page offers new insights into religious history and doctrine, along with stunning images of believers at prayer, the holy places they cherish, and their houses of worship—from soaring cathedrals and magnificent mosques to humble shrines infused with a blessed simplicity.

Fittingly, each chapter closes with a photo-essay on pilgrims and their devotional journeys—a wonderful visual reminder that no matter which faith we may embrace, we are all fellow travelers in our search for the truth.

"The 200 photographs demonstrating the diversity of architecture, people, and terrain, are stunning in their beauty and simplicity." —Publishers Weekly

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-05-12

This book has absolutely beautiful pictures. We gave it as a gift to someone that is very knowledgable about different world religions and he enjoyed it. I was proud to have found such a nice, complete book, and I will be buying one for my own family.

A model for visual history of the faithful.......2006-03-20

This is a collection of visuals on a) the religions - east and west - and b) about religious experiences - past and present.

Herein, the two academic experts as editors, i.e., Hitchcock & Esposito, have added-value to the visual history with a foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter the Rev. Mpho Tutu and an epilogue by H.H. The Dalai Lama.

In the 416 pages, Geography of Religion is focused on five religions, viz., Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. "For each of 5 major religions, explore the landscapes, areas, and cultures where these faiths took hold and flourished. See them spread around the world, survive conflict, and translate into other enduring faiths based on their geographic location and cultures. Learn what it means to be a Hindu and bathe in the sacred Ganges; for a Buddhist to revere a statue of the Enlightened One; for a Muslim to trek to Mecca; for Christian martyrs to welcome death. Beautiful maps, photographs, and art illuminate the history of each religion."

This book is, then, useful resource for public libraries, as well specialized libraries, in the areas of art, architecture, etc. More specifically, high school students will find interesting content in this visual geography and its related discussions.

A gorgeous blend of history, culture, and religious insight.......2006-03-05

National Geographic's lovely Geography Of Religion: Where God Lives, Where Pilgrims Walk opens with a bang - an introduction by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter the Rev. Mpho Tutu - and continues to present astounding detail and revelations all the way to the Epilogue by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. Here are 200 illustrating ranging from photos and examples of sacred art from around the world to maps, discussions of great leaders and faiths of the five great religions, and a timeline of events following their spread around the world. A gorgeous blend of history, culture, and religious insight.

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Geography of Religion: Where God Lives, Where Pilgrims Walk
John; Esposito, John L. Esposito
Manufacturer: Natl Geographic Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OECD5W

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