Carnivore Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching
Cover of the book Carnivore Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution by John L. Gittleman, Springer US
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John L. Gittleman ISBN: 9781461308553
Publisher: Springer US Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: John L. Gittleman
ISBN: 9781461308553
Publisher: Springer US
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Carnivores have always fascinated us, even though they make up only 10% of all mammalian genera and only about 2 % of all mammalian biomass. In Greek mythology most of the gods adorned their robes and helmets with depictions of carnivores, and the great hero Hercules' most famous feat was killing the "invulnerable" lion with his bare hands. Part of our fascination with carnivores stems from fright and intrigue, and sometimes even hatred because of our direct competition with them. Cases of "man-eating" lions, bears, and wolves, as well as carnivores' reputation as killers of livestock and game, provoke communities and govermllents to adopt sweeping policies to exterminate them. Even President Theodore Roosevelt, proclaimer of a new wildlife protectionism, described the wolf as "the beast of waste and desolation. " The sheer presence and power of carnivores is daunt­ ing: they can move quickly yet silently through forests, attaining rapid bursts of speed when necessary; their massive muscles are aligned to deliver powerful attacks, their large canines and strong jaws rip open carcasses, and their scis­ sor-like carnassials slice meat. Partly because of our fear of these attributes, trophy hunting of carnivores has been, and to a certain extent still is, a sign of bravery and skill. Among some Alaskan Inuit, for example, a man is not eligible for marriage until he has killed a succession of animals of increasing size and dangerousness, culminating with the most menacing, the polar bear.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Carnivores have always fascinated us, even though they make up only 10% of all mammalian genera and only about 2 % of all mammalian biomass. In Greek mythology most of the gods adorned their robes and helmets with depictions of carnivores, and the great hero Hercules' most famous feat was killing the "invulnerable" lion with his bare hands. Part of our fascination with carnivores stems from fright and intrigue, and sometimes even hatred because of our direct competition with them. Cases of "man-eating" lions, bears, and wolves, as well as carnivores' reputation as killers of livestock and game, provoke communities and govermllents to adopt sweeping policies to exterminate them. Even President Theodore Roosevelt, proclaimer of a new wildlife protectionism, described the wolf as "the beast of waste and desolation. " The sheer presence and power of carnivores is daunt­ ing: they can move quickly yet silently through forests, attaining rapid bursts of speed when necessary; their massive muscles are aligned to deliver powerful attacks, their large canines and strong jaws rip open carcasses, and their scis­ sor-like carnassials slice meat. Partly because of our fear of these attributes, trophy hunting of carnivores has been, and to a certain extent still is, a sign of bravery and skill. Among some Alaskan Inuit, for example, a man is not eligible for marriage until he has killed a succession of animals of increasing size and dangerousness, culminating with the most menacing, the polar bear.

More books from Springer US

Cover of the book Implementing Management Innovations by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Essential surgical technique by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Human Sleep by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Electronics in Experimental Physics by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Biophysics and Cancer by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book A Practical Guide to Building Professional Competencies in School Psychology by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Methods in DNA Amplification by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Freud and Modern Psychology by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Child Neuropsychology by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Handbook of School Mental Health by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Making Peace With Your Adult Children by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Programmed Alternative Reading of the Genetic Code by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Neuropsychological Toxicology by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Introduction to Brain Topography by John L. Gittleman
Cover of the book Geriatric Oncology by John L. Gittleman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy