These volumes describe the population biology of a Japanese lizard integrated with the separate biologies of 20 symbiotic species representing an iridovirus, a rickettsia, protistan symbiotics of the blood and intestine, a tick, and eight helminth species that parasitize the lungs, intestine, and coelom of the host. The growth, reproduction, seasonal activity, food habits, community interactions and interpopulation
variation in these factors are considered in detail for the host. The prevalence, intensity, life cycles, and transmission of the symbiotes are described. Core and satellite symbiotes are distinguished, and their effects upon the host evaluated. This represents the first attempt to synthesize the biologies of a host lizard and its parasites (symbiotes) from the viewpoint of community ecology. |
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"The work has been divided into two volumes, which can be bought singly, for the convenience of those whose primary interest may lie in only one of the two fields presented. The data of both volumes are copiously depicted by graphs, tables, and black and white photos in addition to descriptive text, making the book very easy to
understand and use...any herpetologist worth their salt should own these volumes...should serve as a model for ecological studies on reptiles." -- Richard C. Goris, Japanese Journal of Herpetology, June 1997. |
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