Description
Key features:
Lizards serve as focal organisms for many of biological questions related to evolution, ecology, physiology, and morphology. They are studied at multiple spatial and temporal scales, from the individual to the community level. This book, authored by expert contributors from around the world, explores behaviors underlying the evolution and adaptation of these organisms. It covers conceptual, empirical, and methodological approaches to the understanding of the role that natural and sexual selection play in molding the behavioral traits of lizards.
This thorough, illustrated reference should stimulate discussion of the conceptual and methodological approaches for studying the behavioral traits of these fascinating and highly diverse vertebrates.
Table of Contents
Introduction. "Everyday" Behavior. Behavioral thermoregulation in lizards: Strategies for achieving preferred temperature. Lizard locomotion: relationships between behavior, performance, and function. Lizard foraging - A Perspective Integrating Sensory Ecology and Life Histories. Predatory behavior in lizards: strategies and mechanisms for catching prey. Antipredator behavioral mechanisms: avoidance, deterrence, escape and encounter. Social Behavior and Communication. The physiological control of social behavior in lizards. Sensory processing in relation to signaling behavior. Phylogeny and ontogeny of lizard display behavior. Behavioral ecology of aggressive behavior in lizards. Stable social grouping in lizards. Environmental impact, global change and behavior Hydroregulation – a neglected behavioral response of lizards to climate change? Impact of human-induced environmental changes on lizard behavior: insights from urbanization
