Donald S. Farner – författare

Written by international experts from many disciplines, this multi-volume treatise is a comprehensive survey of the established data and principles of avian biology. The volumes thoroughly review knowledge of the 8600 living species of birds-knowledge resulting from advances in instrumentation and technology and improved transportation facilities that permit more detailed, far-ranging field studies than ever before. The emphasis is on the significance of avian biological research to such areas of biology as ethology, ecology, population biology, evolutionary biology, and physiological ecology.

Avian Biology, Volume II is a collection of papers that deals with the biology of birds such as their integumentary and respiratory systems. One paper describes the integument of birds that includes the skin, feathers, pterylosis, skin muscles, and other integumentary derivatives such as beaks, comb, claws, and spurs. The book explains the process of molting and the different generations of feathers; such molting is dependent on the wear and tear of the plumage, as well as hormonal changes. One author compares the blood vascular system of birds and mammals, and then gives a detailed description of avian hematology. Other papers deal with the respiratory functions, digestive system, and the nutritional needs of birds. Of interest is one author''s description of the production of nutritive fluids, holocrine, which is secreted for the young. This secreted fluid contains about 23 percent protein, 10 percent fat, and no sugar. Unlike mammalian milk, it also contains cells. Another paper examines the intermediary metabolism of birds and the climatic effects on metabolism. This book is suitable for bird enthusiasts, zoologists, and avian biologists.

Avian Biology, Volume III is a collection of articles that deals with the biology of birds such as their peripheral endocrine glands and reproductive system. One paper describes the avian reproductive system where physiological mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis get synchronized from stimuli in the environment, thus ensuring that the young are born at the appropriate season. Another paper correlates the morphology of the pituitary cells with the functions of the pituitary from physiological and chemical analyses. A couple of papers describes the peripheral endocrine glands and the process of neuroendocrinology that includes detailed analyses of the neurosecretory system anatomy and the ependymal function in the median eminence composed of the anterior and posterior divisions. One author describes the structure and refraction of avian vision, as well as the probable determination of visual pigments in the eye cones through in situ microspectrophotometry. The book then analyzes bird behavior through functional groups of bird activities. Bird enthusiasts, zoologists, and avian biologists will find this book interesting and informative.

Avian Biology, Volume V is a collection of papers that deals with the biology of birds concerning their mechanics of flight and migration. The first paper describes the mechanics of bird flights such as gliding, soaring, and the energy requirements of this activity. Other papers investigate the control and metabolic physiology of migration, including flight restlessness and fat metabolism. Other topics cover migratory orientation research involving topographical, meteorological, inertial, magnetic, and celestial cues. Upon migration to different environments, birds have to adapt as their circadian and circannual rhythms are affected. One paper discusses the works of Wynne-Edwards, Aschoff and Wever, and Leopold and Eynon regarding their observations of bird migration cues. One author describes the vocal behavior in birds, including the dual sound theory where two sound sources can occur in each bronchus. Of interest to many in this paper is the description of the different stages in song development. Other papers discuss the incubation behavior of birds as well as the energetics involved. This book is suitable for zoologists, bird enthusiasts, and avian biologists.

Avian Biology, Volume VI is a compendium of papers that deals with selected aspects of avian biology. One paper discusses the avian mating behavior and covers topics such as monogamy, polygyny, male incubation, and female emancipation; these papers also list a table of the species of birds in which polyandry has been observed. Another paper examines bird migration in relation to the mechanism and development of migration with emphasis on the evolution and function (ultimate causation) of migration. Another paper discusses the advantages of one form of social organization of birds during the non-reproductive season over another form. This paper reasons the possibility of the existence of a cost-benefit social behavior. Other papers discuss some physical features found in birds such as stomach oils and glycogen-filled cells. Another paper deals with the respiratory physiology of birds as new research data have been made available in this area. This book can prove useful for investigators in avian biology, zoologists, and readers who have a general interest in birds.

Avian Biology is a collection of papers that deals with biological aspects of birds such as their classification and habitat behavior. One paper reviews how birds are classified through practical systematics, study of fossils, and some of the problems encountered in the arrangement of major groups. Another paper discusses the origin and evolution of birds from their reptilian predecessors to their current evolutionary rates. Evolutionary rates vary depending on access to new habitats; if the environment is static, evolutionary rates can also slow down. One author discusses the inter-relations of sea birds with their marine environment, including coastal areas and the biological properties of the surface water. Another author describes the biology of desert birds relating to nomadism behavior and physical adaptations especially to the arid environment. The author also describes the cooling mechanism of these desert birds. Another paper evaluates the ecological aspect of behavior that includes foraging, habitat selection, mating, and flocking cohesion. Avian biologists, zoologists, and readers who have a general interest in birds will find this book useful.