Subject
Amphibians -- Central America Books
Best books
William Edward Duellman
Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca
"Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca" by William Edward Duellman and Linda Trueb is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century. This work focuses on the taxonomy, morphology, and natural history of the frogs belonging to the genus Smilisca, which are primarily found in Central America. The book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the known species within this genus, exploring their varied ecological adaptations and offering insights into their phylogenetic relationships. The opening of the publication introduces the family Hylidae and contextualizes the genus Smilisca within it, highlighting its geographic distribution and ecological significance. It outlines the challenges in defining hylid genera due to the diversity and complexity of species and details the extensive research conducted, including observational studies and morphological analyses. This initial section sets the foundation for the examination of specific species accounts, morphological characters, breeding behaviors, and the ecological roles these frogs play in their respective habitats. Through a combination of historical references, acknowledgments, and methods used in the study, the authors emphasize the importance of understanding this genus in the context of broader amphibian research.
William Edward Duellman
A Review of the Frogs of the Hyla bistincta Group
"A Review of the Frogs of the Hyla bistincta Group" by William Edward Duellman is a scientific publication crafted during the early 1960s. This work primarily focuses on the classification and characteristics of a group of frogs within the genus Hyla, specifically the Hyla bistincta group, which includes several species found in the mountainous regions of Middle America. The book combines extensive field research and morphological analysis to provide an in-depth examination of these amphibians. In this review, Duellman presents detailed accounts of five species within the Hyla bistincta group, including their distinctive morphological traits, habitats, and breeding behaviors. Each species is assessed systematically, featuring descriptions of their physical characteristics and behaviors, such as coloration patterns and calling abilities. The work highlights the evolutionary relationships among these frogs, noting adaptations for aquatic life and emphasizing the ecological contexts in which they thrive. By examining specimens from various collections and providing comparative data, Duellman contributes significantly to the understanding of these hylid frogs and their classification within the broader amphibian family.
William Edward Duellman
A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla
"A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla" by William E. Duellman is a scientific publication written in the early 1960s. The work focuses extensively on the anatomy, morphology, and ecological characteristics of the Ptychohyla frogs found in the cloud forests of Middle America. It likely serves as a vital resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the taxonomy and biology of these specific hylid frogs. The opening of the publication lays the groundwork for a detailed analysis of the Ptychohyla genus, highlighting the obscure status of many species due to limited previous research. Duellman discusses his own efforts in collecting specimens, recording breeding calls, and the challenges faced in studying these frogs in their natural mountainous habitats. He provides insight into the methodology of his research and the background of prior studies, indicating the need for a comprehensive overview of the species known up to that time, as well as the various life history aspects that remain under-explored.
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