Binding: Paperback
Description: For millions of years reptiles have walked crawled and slithered over the face of our Earth. From the mighty dinosaurs who dominated the land the pterosaurs who took to the air and the marine adapted ichthyosaurs to the living reptiles today such as the lizards snakes crocodiles and turtles plus the single species of tuatara in New Zealand reptiles have come in all shapes and sizes. In this Very Short Introduction Tom Kemp discusses the adaptations reptiles made to first leave the sea and colonise the land in dry conditions such as their waterproof skin their ability to expel almost dry waste products their efficient use of external heat for maintaining their body temperature and the amniotic egg that is laid and develops on dry land. Considering the different living groups of reptiles today Kemp then describes how their respective bodies are adapted for their different ways of life from snake feeding patterns to the way crocodiles breathe. Finally Kemp assesses the threat of extinction to reptile species due to over - exploitation habitat destruction and climate change and considers what can be done. About THE Series: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket - sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Title: Reptiles: A Very Short Introduction
Author(s): Kemp T. S. (Emeritus Research Fellow St John's College)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Barcode: 9780198806417
Pages: 160 Pages, 32 Black And White Images
Publication Date: 3/15/2019
Series: Very Short Introductions
Category: Reptiles