The Biology of Small Mammals

摘要: The Biology of Small Mammals is the first exploration lives small mammals undertaken in decades. Mammalogist Joseph F. Merritt offers an engaging, in-depth discussion about a diverse array mammals, from rare Kitti's hog-nosed bat Southeast Asia to bizarre aye-aye Madagascar familiar woodchuck North America. include those weighing under five kilograms (approximately eleven pounds). introduces various species that fall this heading, then follows with chapters cover such topics as behavior, modes feeding, locomotion, habitat use, reproduction, and coping heat loss. Animals size face different physiological ecological challenges than larger mammals. describes rich detail how across globe have adapted compensate for their stature, showing they contribute survive environments many fascinating ways. For example, arctic foxes, just 3 4.3 kilograms, are champion survivors cold. They cope harsh environs by decreasing activity, seeking shelter temporary dens snow burrows, growing lush winter fur, undergoing complex changes insulate themselves chilling temperatures. Beautifully illustrated throughout, provides valuable updated reference on nature's more diminutive creatures.