Granivorous Birds in Ecosystems

Granivorous Birds in Ecosystems

Author: Jan Pinowski

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-03-29

Total Pages: 455

ISBN-13: 1107403839

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This book was first published in 1977. It deals with the importance of weed seed and grain-eating birds in natural and agricultural environments. These birds are to be found worldwide and are a component of man-made ecosystems where they are associated with man's main food crops. An analysis is made of their evolution and genetics, population dynamics, energy and food requirements, impact on ecosystems and control. Principles, procedures and basic data are presented that can be applied to the evaluation and control of pest species anywhere in the world. In this synthesis volume full use is made of the systems approach, the ecological and evolutionary aspects of the study are integrated. In linking the studies with fundamental work on bioenergetics, new insights are provided into the behavioural and applied aspects of granivory. Studies which encompass archaeological and anthropological investigations form a backcloth for the detailed interpretation of the population biology and bioenergetics of birds.


Avian Genetics

Avian Genetics

Author: F. Cooke

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2013-09-24

Total Pages: 507

ISBN-13: 148327568X

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Avian Genetics: A Population and Ecological Approach is a collection of papers that deals with the study of birds in relation to the synthetic theory of evolution. This book studies the ecology, demography, behavior, and geographical distribution of birds; the text also discusses quantitative, chromosomal, biochemical, and population genetics. Part I reviews the various genetic interactions, including an analysis of DNA sequence variation. The different and newer techniques are compared such as the works of Sibley, Quinn, and White. Part II describes the molding genetic variation and covers topics such as inbreeding; gene flow and the genetic structure of populations; non-random mating; and the process of selection in natural populations of birds. Part III covers actual genetic case histories, including quantitative ecological genetics of great tits; genetic evolution of house sparrows; and presentation of evidence for sexual selection by female choice in the Arctic Skua. This book also presents future research in subjects such as the neutrality-selection controversy or genetics and conservation. This text can be beneficial for ecologists, ornithologists, animal conservationists, and population biologists studying birds.


Current Ornithology

Current Ornithology

Author: Val Nolan Jr.

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 1461558816

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As we assume the editorship of Current Ornithology, it seems useful to review the objectives of the series. We cannot improve on the state ments of our predecessors when they began their service as editors. In his preface to Volume 1 (1983), Richard F. Johnston wrote: The appearance of the first volume of a projected series is the occasion for comment on scope, aims, and genesis of the work. The scope of Current Or nithology is all of the biology of birds. Ornithology, as a whole-organism sci ence, is concerned with birds at every level of biological organization, from the molecular to the community, at least from the Jurassic to the present time, and over every scholarly discipline in which bird biology is done; to say this is merely to expand a dictionary definition of "ornithology. " The aim of the work, to be realized over several volumes, is to present reviews or position statements concerning the active fields of ornithological research. Dennis M. Power, who edited Volumes 6-12 (1989-1995), began his preface to Volume 6 (1989) as follows: This edited series has three principal goals. The first is to provide information in a relatively concise way for researchers needing an overview of specific disciplines. The second is to provide an update on specific schools of thought, bringing together ideas from colleagues whose works often appear in a variety of journals. And the third is to stimul&te and suggest directions for new re search.


Biology of the Ubiquitous House Sparrow

Biology of the Ubiquitous House Sparrow

Author: Ted R. Anderson

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2006-08-10

Total Pages: 560

ISBN-13: 0198041357

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After the chicken, the House Sparrow is the most widely distributed bird species in the world, occurring on all continents except Antarctica and on most human-inhabited islands. Although its Latin name is Passer domesticus, it is certainly not domesticated. In fact, it is widely regarded as a pest species and is consequently not protected in most of its extensive range. This combination of ubiquity and minimal legal protection has contributed to its wide use in studies by avian biologists throughout the world. The purpose of this book is to review and summarize the results of these global studies on House Sparrows, and to provide a springboard for future studies on the species. House Sparrows have been used to study natural selection in introduced species, circadian rhythms, and the neuroendocrine control of the avian annual cycle. One current question of considerable interest concerns the catastrophic House Sparrow population declines in several urban centers in Europe. Is the House Sparrow a contemporary canary in the mine? Other topics of broad interest include the reproductive and flock-foraging strategies of sparrows, and sexual selection and the function of the male badge in the species. Anderson also explores the role of the House Sparrow in disease transmission to humans and their domesticated animals.


The Environment Encyclopedia and Directory 2001

The Environment Encyclopedia and Directory 2001

Author: Europa Publications

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 644

ISBN-13: 9781857430899

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Charts the emerging world awareness of environmental issues. Provides an A-Z glossary of key terms, a comprehensive directory, an extensive bibliography, detailed maps and a Who's Who.


Wildlife Feeding and Nutrition

Wildlife Feeding and Nutrition

Author: Charles T. Robbins

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-09-03

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 148325884X

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Wildlife Feeding and Nutrition fills a serious gap in the wildlife and animal nutrition literature by providing a discussion of the basic principles of nutrition and their application to the broader field of wildlife ecology. This book is based on lectures presented in an upper-level wildlife nutrition course taught at Washington State University. The book opens with an introductory chapter on wildlife nutrition. This is followed by separate chapters on general nutrient and energy requirements; protein, water, vitamin, and mineral requirements; impact of nutrition on reproductive characteristics; gastrointestinal anatomy and function; and digestion and nutrient metabolism. The text will be invaluable to wildlife biologists, to those who are interested in captive animal nutrition and management, and to those who are interested in improving the feed supply and nutrition of free-ranging wildlife. It should also be helpful to undergraduate and graduate students as well as teachers of biology and wildlife management. The book will be a useful reference for all who are interested and concerned with wildlife throughout the world.