Extreme measures : the ecological energetics of birds and mammals / Brian K. McNab.

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Includes bibliographical references and index.

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 overvie.

Fundamentals -- Basic energetics -- Controversies in the analysis of quantitative data -- Ecological consequences -- A general analysis of BMR -- Small and large -- A diversity of food habits -- Life in the cold -- Life in hot dry and warm moist environments -- Evasions -- Field existences -- Island life -- An active life -- Life in the field -- The limits to geographic distribution -- Population consequences -- A pouched (and egg-laying) life -- Energetics and the population biology of endotherms -- Evolutionary consequences -- The evolution of endothermy -- The restrictions and liberations of history -- The future -- Global issues: the limitation to a long-term future.

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