Comparative Physiology of the Vertebrate Digestive System (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521617147)

This book is useful for anyone interested in the basic structural and functional characteristics of the digestive system and how these vary among vertebrate groups and species. It discusses all of the major aspects of nutrition, anatomy and physiology in all of the major groups of vertebrates. It contains numerous figures and tables to aid in their comparison, including many illustrations of gastrointestinal tracts of vertebrates prepared so as to allow for direct comparison. The terminology of scientific specialties and sub-specialties is defined and animals are referred to by both their common and scientific names. Relationships between digestive strategies and the diet and environment are discussed throughout the text, and brought together in a chapter on the evolution of the digestive system. The final chapter offers a brief summary of the major concepts and suggests future directions for research.

Author: C. Edward Stevens, Ian D. Hume
ISBN-10: 0521617146
ISBN-13: 9780521617147
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 11/25/2004
Pages: 420
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.64lbs
Size: 9.69h x 7.44w x 0.86d