by Gordon H. Rodda (Author)
The first, definitive reference
on the natural history and ecology of every one of the known 6500+
species of lizards, spanning the entire globe.
Our planet is
literally crawling with lizards. More than 6500 species are known to
science, and new species are being discovered annually. In this
monumental work, eminent researcher Gordon Rodda has created the first
compilation of the natural histories of all the world's lizards and
amphisbaenians, as well as the Tuatara. Although other books have
attempted to survey the scope of adaptations present in the world's
lizards, only Rodda has been able to quantify and summarize all species
or higher taxa.
Analyzing the relationships among traits such as
morphologic characteristics, reproductive strategies, and food sources,
Rodda uncovers novel insights into reptile ecology. Identifying 14
recurring character syndromes across all the world's lizards, he
proposes a new lens for categorization. He also touches on
• common names
• geographic range
• length
• mass
• age
• maturation
• differences between the sexes
• nominal variables, including diel activity cycle and foraging mode
• home range
• predator avoidance tactics
• thermal biology
• social spacing
• climate envelope
• habitat and microhabitat
• reproduction
• parental care
• diet
• population density
• conservation status
• ecological business models
Rodda's
alphabetical taxon accounts provide an instantly retrievable sketch of
every species, genus, and family. Outlining more than 1500 statistically
significant associations extracted from a data matrix composed of more
than 300 conditions tabulated―to the extent known―for all 6528 species
of lizards, Lizards of the World will be the go-to source for the
next generation of reptile ecologists, as well as herpetology students
and serious herpetoculturists.
