Extreme Measures

The Ecological Energetics of Birds and Mammals

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Evolution
Cover of the book Extreme Measures by Brian K. McNab, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Brian K. McNab ISBN: 9780226561240
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: April 2, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Brian K. McNab
ISBN: 9780226561240
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: April 2, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

Along with reproduction, balancing energy expenditure with the limits of resource acquisition is essential for both a species and a population to survive. But energy is a limited resource, as we know well, so birds and mammals—the most energy-intensive fauna on the planet—must reduce energy expenditures to maintain this balance, some taking small steps, and others extreme measures.

Here Brian K. McNab draws on his over sixty years in the field to provide a comprehensive account of the energetics of birds and mammals, one fully integrated with their natural history. McNab begins with an overview of thermal rates—much of our own energy is spent maintaining our 98.6?F temperature—and explains how the basal rate of metabolism drives energy use, especially in extreme environments. He then explores those variables that interact with the basal rate of metabolism, like body size and scale and environments, highlighting their influence on behavior, distribution, and even reproductive output. Successive chapters take up energy and population dynamics and evolution. A critical central theme that runs through the book is how the energetic needs of birds and mammals come up against rapid environmental change and how this is hastening the pace of extinction.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Along with reproduction, balancing energy expenditure with the limits of resource acquisition is essential for both a species and a population to survive. But energy is a limited resource, as we know well, so birds and mammals—the most energy-intensive fauna on the planet—must reduce energy expenditures to maintain this balance, some taking small steps, and others extreme measures.

Here Brian K. McNab draws on his over sixty years in the field to provide a comprehensive account of the energetics of birds and mammals, one fully integrated with their natural history. McNab begins with an overview of thermal rates—much of our own energy is spent maintaining our 98.6?F temperature—and explains how the basal rate of metabolism drives energy use, especially in extreme environments. He then explores those variables that interact with the basal rate of metabolism, like body size and scale and environments, highlighting their influence on behavior, distribution, and even reproductive output. Successive chapters take up energy and population dynamics and evolution. A critical central theme that runs through the book is how the energetic needs of birds and mammals come up against rapid environmental change and how this is hastening the pace of extinction.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Excellent Things in Women by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Object Lessons by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book One Hour in Paris by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book War, Peace, and Prosperity in the Name of God by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Madness Is Civilization by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Eating the Enlightenment by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book The Economy of Glory by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Letting Stories Breathe by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Spinoza and the Cunning of Imagination by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Hagfish Slime and Lobster Rolls by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Asia First by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book History of Western Civilization by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Social Security Programs and Retirement around the World by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Theater of the Mind by Brian K. McNab
Cover of the book Life Out of Sequence by Brian K. McNab
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy