What's New| Evo-Devo. I have added an entirely new introductory section on evolution and development to Chapter 5, based on molecular embryology but relating the importance of genomic control systems to morphological development. In turn, I selectively, in later chapters, discuss how master control genes (Hox genes) might provide the genetic mechanisms for major evolutionary changes in vertebrate design. This helps link modern cell and molecular biology to organismal events of morphogenesis and evolution.Origin of Flight. After some decades of debate, fossil finds and experimental evidence have produced new ideas about the origin of flight in birds. This is discussed in a
new section within the skeletal system.Biomechanics and Aerodynamics. Getting into the air is no small feat for bird or airplane. This section in the chapter on biological design has been corrected and
expanded, addressing some of the misconceptions about wings and wind.Mode and Tempo of Evolution. The concluding chapter now includes a section integrating levels of organization from Hox genes to developmental processes to
evolutionary change.Update and Revised. With thanks to suggestions from students, reviewers, and colleagues, I have made many changes and revisions throughout this new edition, some
major, some small. Besides the particular changes just mentioned, I have also substantially revised the chapters on biological design, life history (embryology), circulatory
system, digestive system, endocrine system, and added new sections in the concluding chapter.Serving the Student. Features of the textbook have been expanded to make its presentation more clear and inviting. The use of color has been expanded which brightens these sections of the book. But color has also been used to better correlate and compare structures between figures in these chapters. Many illustrations are new, revised, or re-labeled to improve clarity. For example, new figures are used, along with new text, in the development chapter to discuss bone growth and its significance in producing lines of arrested growth (LAGs), an important feature in the controversies over dinosaur physiology. The accompanying laboratory dissection guide (authored with E. J. Zalisko) is closely crossreferenced to this textbook. But in addition to this, selective functional laboratories are now available, on line, to provide students with first hand experience of working between the anatomy and its function and evolution.Serving Instructors. This fourth edition—new, revised, updated—can serve as reference and resource support for the course you put together on vertebrates. In addition to
this, resources are available to you on line. The functional laboratories may be downloaded and used as they supplement your course. PowerPoint images, chapter by chapter, are available online along with additional images from other digital images at McGraw-Hill that can be used to compose lectures and laboratory presentations. |
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2006 McGraw-Hill Higher Education