[Aqualist] New book: EVOLUTION AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF AUSTRALASIAN VERTEBRATES

[Kathryn Fitzsimmons]

For enquiries, please contact John Merrick (jmerrick at gse.mq.edu.au)

Now available:

EVOLUTION AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF AUSTRALASIAN VERTEBRATES
EDITED BY:
J.R. Merrick
M. Archer
G.M. Hickey
M.S.Y. Lee

Summary of Features
This large reference volume (Reduced A4: 275 x 210 mm, 942 pp.) provides a 
comprehensive overview of the knowledge of vertebrate diversity within 
Australasia, together with discussion of the factors that influenced the 
evolution and distributions of the faunas we see today. By considering the 
major forces shaping the extant vertebrate
assemblages, using new techniques and strategies, we can formulate ideas 
about how to best conserve and manage these dynamic vertebrate groups as 
well as the ecosystem complexes on which they depend. The 38 chapters are 
divided into 7 major sections. The first group of chapters covers the 
general topics of classification and evolution, together with geologic and 
climatic processes influencing environments and biogeography of parts of 
Australasia. Then follow 5 sections that each concentrate on a major 
vertebrate grouping, from primitive jawless fishes to specialized marine 
mammals and humans. The final section focuses on the future, describing 
some of the
latest techniques and systems used for assessing biodiversity and assisting 
in conservation management. Each chapter is fully sourced and illustrated 
with line diagrams, as well as other figures next to the relevant text. 
Attempts have been made to maintain a clear, informal style for readers 
without specialized knowledge and a humorous or
irreverent essence when appropriate. The 136 colour plates are distributed 
throughout the book as close to the related chapters as possible. A general 
combined Index is at the back. Over 50 leading researchers, from all parts 
of Australasia and elsewhere, have combined as authors and coauthors to 
make this a ground-breaking volume of international significance. This 
resource book follows in the tradition of Vertebrate Zoogeography & 
Evolution in Australasia (edited by Archer and Clayton) released in 1984.
This new title is a natural development providing a balanced updated 
coverage of the field.

It is hoped this book will:
*increase awareness of the unique Australasian vertebrate faunas;
*emphasize the importance of Australasian environments and the associated 
biodiversity;
*provide background for decisions that limit biodiversity loss in the 
region—against the trend in the current world-wide extinction crisis.

ISBN: 0 9757790 1 X Cost: Casebound $AUD 230.00 (incl. GST) plus postage
0 9757790 0 1 Paperback $AUD 170.00 (incl. GST) plus postage
For a summary of postage and packing charges please see www.auscipub.com
>www.auscipub.com
>
>By the way, we only did a very small number of hardbacks - they are 
>collectors items and are selling quickly. If people require a hardback 
>they are advised to act promptly.
>
>If you have any further questions feel free to contact me.
>
>Thanks,
>
>John Merrick
jmerrick at gse.mq.edu.au

.......................................

Kathryn Fitzsimmons
PhD Candidate
CRC LEME (and)
Department of Earth and Marine Sciences
Australian National University
Canberra ACT 0200
Ph: (02) 6125 2059
Fax: (02) 6125 5544

kathryn.fitzsimmons at anu.edu.au

-------------- next part --------------


No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.411 / Virus Database: 268.17.27/671 - Release Date: 5/02/2007