Ecophysiology of Amphibians Inhabiting Xeric Environments

1 Introduction.- 2 Xeric Habitats and Their Amphibian Inhabitants.- 2.1 The Habitats.- 3 Structural and Functional Adaptations of Key Organs...- 3.1 Structure and Function of the Integument.- 3.2 Respiratory Organs and Respiration.- 3.3 The Endolymphatic System as Calcium Reserve.- 3.4 Kidney Structure and Function.- 3.5 Structure and Function of the Female Reproductive System.- 4 Receptors, Perception and Behavioural Responses.- 4.1 Photoreception and the Response to Light.- 4.2 Acoustic Behaviour.- 4.3 Olfaction.- 4.4 Selection of Suitable Substrate Moisture and pH..- 4.5 Feeding Behaviour.- 4.6 Locomotory Rhythms and Activity Patterns.- 4.7 Orientation, Homing and Migration.- 4.8 Social Behaviour.- 4.9 Endocrine Control of Behaviour.- 4.10 Learning.- 4.11 Conclusions.- 5 Physiological Adaptations.- 5.1 Water Balance.- 5.2 Body Fluid Osmolality and Ion Concentration....- 5.3 Nitrogen Balance.- 5.4 Endocrine Control of Water, Electrolyte and Nitrogen Balance.- 5.5 Thermal Balance.- 6 Ecological Adaptations.- 6.1 The Aquatic Environment.- 6.2 The Terrestrial Amphibian.- 7 Reflections and Conclusions.- 7.1 Habitat.- 7.2 Structure and Function.- 7.3 Behavioural Responses.- 7.4 Ecological Adaptations.- References.

The book describes how special organ structures, behavioural patterns and physiological adaptations enable amphibians to survive in hot and dry environments.