Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature (Director's Circle Book of the Ass...

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Product Overview

This is a book about some of nature's most alluring and forbidding creatures,
written by a man with an abiding passion for snakes, as well as for science,
the fate of the planet, and the wonder of life. Harry Greene presents every
facet of the natural history of snakes—their diversity, evolution, and
conservation—and at the same time makes a personal statement of why these
animals are so compelling. This book provides an up-to-date summary of the
biology of snakes on a global basis. Eight chapters are devoted to general
biology topics, including anatomy, feeding, venoms, predation and defense,
social behavior, reproduction, evolution, and conservation; eight chapters
survey the major snake groups, including blindsnakes, boas, colubrids,
stiletto snakes, cobras, sea snakes, and vipers. Details of particular
interest, such as coral snake mimicry and the evolution of the0 rattle, are
highlighted as special topics. Chapter introductory essays are filled with
anecdotes that will tempt nonspecialists to read on, while the book's wealth
of comprehensive information will gratify herpeto-culturalists and
professional biologists. Greene's writing is clear, engaging, and full of
appreciation for his subject. Michael and Patricia Fogden are known
internationally for their outstanding work, and their stunning color
photographs of snakes in their natural habitats are a brilliant complement to
Greene's text. Here is a scientific book that provides accurate information in
an accessible way to general readers, strongly advocates for a persecuted
group of animals, encourages conservation—not just of snakes but of
ecosystems—and credits science for enriching our lives. In helping readers
explore the role of snakes in human experience, Greene and the Fogdens show
how science and art can be mutual pathways to understanding.