The Colonisation of Land: Origins and Adaptations of Terrestrial AnimalsThe book traces the ways in which terrestrial animals have evolved from aquatic ancestors and discusses the means by which they are adapted to life on land. The most important physiological adaptations are those involving salt and water balance, the excretion of nitrogen, reproductive mechanisms and the sense organ and these are given priority. Evidence from fossil history is combined with that from the ecology and physiology of present-day species to assess the probable routes along which various evolutionary lines had moved on to land. Individual chapters are concerned with specific animal groups and emphasis is placed on comparisons of physiological mechanisms between closely related animals before attempting wider generalisations. The book closes with a brief account of the recolonisation of the sea and fresh waters by terrestrial animals. |
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The Colonisation of Land: Origins and Adaptations of Terrestrial Animals Colin Little No preview available - 2009 |
Common terms and phrases
acid active adaptations allow amphibians animals appears aquatic arthropods balance become behaviour Biol blood body breathing burrow carbon dioxide cavity cells changes close concentrations considered contrast crabs cuticle desiccation detail discussed early effect eggs environment evidence evolution evolved excretion external eyes fish fluid forms fresh water freshwater function gills glands groups habitats haemolymph humidity important increased insects involved kidney known land later layer least legs littoral live London lung marine mechanisms move movement nitrogen normal occurs organs origin osmotic pressure oxygen Physiol physiology possible present Press primitive probably produce pulmonates reduced regulation relatively remains respiration respiratory salinity salts seems shell shown similar snails soil species spiders structure studies suggested surface Table teleosts temperature terrestrial tion tolerance tubules types uptake urine various vertebrates water loss Zool