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Physiological strategies in avian biology
GENERALANDCOMPARATIVEENDOCRINOLOGY
61,499-501
(1986)
BOOK REVIEWS Physiological
Strategies in Avian Biology. BY J. G. P. J. BLITLER, AND P J. SHARP. Blackie and Son, Glasgow and London, Chapman & Hall. U.S. 1985. 218 pp. $39.95.
PHILLIPS,
Vertebrate NORRIS.
Endocrinology, Lea and
Second Edition. By Febiger, Philadelphia.
D. 0. 1985.
505 pp.
This advanced undergraduate text aims to cover both the principles and comparative aspects of vertebrate endocrinology. This second edition is organized into (1) general overview; (2) the brain-pituitary system; (3) endocrine glands controlled by other regulators; and (4) some major aspects of vertebrate biology and their interactions with, and reactions to, the endocrine system. Chapter 1 and 2 of Section 1 are designed to cover the main principles of endocrinology. The 12 chapters in Section 2 and 3 comprise most of the book and represent a gland-by-gland treatment of the vertebrate endocrines. In these chapters. consideration of the mammalian system is followed by sections dealing with each of the major vertebrate groups. In Section 4. Dr. Norris reviews the selected topics of ionoosmotic balance in teleosts: amphibian metamorphosis: migratory behavior; and mammalian (intermediary) metabolism. These chapters emphasize the integrative aspects of hormonal regulation. Comparative endocrinologists are still trying to assimilate the vast amount of information generated by the “immunological revolution.” Dr. Norris is to be commended on organizing large amounts of relevant up-to-date material between the covers of his 505-page text. The basic or-ganization into four sections is determined by the premise that the pituitary is at the center of the vertebrate endocrine universe. This is not the plan that I would have adopted, but in Dr. Norris’ hands results in a nonrepetitious and reasonably complete coverage. The text is factually accurate in the limited areas where 1 am qualified to GLENN E. WALSBERC; make such an opinion, although the formula Department of‘Zoolog~ for reverse T, in the glossary is incorrect. Arizona Stutr Universit) Tempe, Arizoncl 85287 The prose is easily followed and written in
The strength of a taxon-oriented approach to biology is that it allows one to view a suite of processes integrated within their natural context; that is, within the framework of the lifestyle of organisms in nature. The authors of this book have demonstrated the usefulness of such a taxon-oriented approach by focusing on the broad set of physiological strategies that account for the success of birds in diverse habitats. The book covers an impressive range of topics dealing with ecologically significant aspects of avian physiology, including locomotion, migration and orientation, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, and reproduction. This generally broad coverage is impaired, unfortunately, by an emphasis on the contributions of British or other European workers at the expense of important contributions by other scientists. In addition, a few subjects are conspicuous by their absence. Most notable is the virtual lack of material dealing with the physiology of the avian egg, embryo, and incubation, a field that represents perhaps the most conspicuous development within avian biology during the last 15 years. On the whole, however, this book effectively summarizes much of the current knowledge in the areas it considers. It is clearly written and adequately detailed while retaining its general breadth of coverage. It could serve usefully as either an introduction to the field for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students, or as a source for biologists wishing to review subjects outside of their research speciality.
61,499-501
(1986)
BOOK REVIEWS Physiological
Strategies in Avian Biology. BY J. G. P. J. BLITLER, AND P J. SHARP. Blackie and Son, Glasgow and London, Chapman & Hall. U.S. 1985. 218 pp. $39.95.
PHILLIPS,
Vertebrate NORRIS.
Endocrinology, Lea and
Second Edition. By Febiger, Philadelphia.
D. 0. 1985.
505 pp.
This advanced undergraduate text aims to cover both the principles and comparative aspects of vertebrate endocrinology. This second edition is organized into (1) general overview; (2) the brain-pituitary system; (3) endocrine glands controlled by other regulators; and (4) some major aspects of vertebrate biology and their interactions with, and reactions to, the endocrine system. Chapter 1 and 2 of Section 1 are designed to cover the main principles of endocrinology. The 12 chapters in Section 2 and 3 comprise most of the book and represent a gland-by-gland treatment of the vertebrate endocrines. In these chapters. consideration of the mammalian system is followed by sections dealing with each of the major vertebrate groups. In Section 4. Dr. Norris reviews the selected topics of ionoosmotic balance in teleosts: amphibian metamorphosis: migratory behavior; and mammalian (intermediary) metabolism. These chapters emphasize the integrative aspects of hormonal regulation. Comparative endocrinologists are still trying to assimilate the vast amount of information generated by the “immunological revolution.” Dr. Norris is to be commended on organizing large amounts of relevant up-to-date material between the covers of his 505-page text. The basic or-ganization into four sections is determined by the premise that the pituitary is at the center of the vertebrate endocrine universe. This is not the plan that I would have adopted, but in Dr. Norris’ hands results in a nonrepetitious and reasonably complete coverage. The text is factually accurate in the limited areas where 1 am qualified to GLENN E. WALSBERC; make such an opinion, although the formula Department of‘Zoolog~ for reverse T, in the glossary is incorrect. Arizona Stutr Universit) Tempe, Arizoncl 85287 The prose is easily followed and written in
The strength of a taxon-oriented approach to biology is that it allows one to view a suite of processes integrated within their natural context; that is, within the framework of the lifestyle of organisms in nature. The authors of this book have demonstrated the usefulness of such a taxon-oriented approach by focusing on the broad set of physiological strategies that account for the success of birds in diverse habitats. The book covers an impressive range of topics dealing with ecologically significant aspects of avian physiology, including locomotion, migration and orientation, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, and reproduction. This generally broad coverage is impaired, unfortunately, by an emphasis on the contributions of British or other European workers at the expense of important contributions by other scientists. In addition, a few subjects are conspicuous by their absence. Most notable is the virtual lack of material dealing with the physiology of the avian egg, embryo, and incubation, a field that represents perhaps the most conspicuous development within avian biology during the last 15 years. On the whole, however, this book effectively summarizes much of the current knowledge in the areas it considers. It is clearly written and adequately detailed while retaining its general breadth of coverage. It could serve usefully as either an introduction to the field for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students, or as a source for biologists wishing to review subjects outside of their research speciality.