The Biomechanics of Insect Flight: Form, Function, Evolution

Book Description

From the rain forests of Borneo to the tenements of Manhattan, winged insects are a conspicuous and abundant feature of life on earth. Here, Robert Dudley presents the first comprehensive explanation of how insects fly. The author relates the biomechanics of flight to insect ecology and evolution in a major new work of synthesis.

The book begins with an overview of insect flight biomechanics. Dudley explains insect morphology, wing motions, aerodynamics, flight energetics, and flight metabolism within a modern phylogenetic setting. Drawing on biomechanical principles, he describes and evaluates flight behavior and the limits to flight performance. The author then takes the next step by developing evolutionary explanations of insect flight. He analyzes the origins of flight in insects, the roles of natural and sexual selection in determining how insects fly, and the relationship between flight and insect size, pollination, predation, dispersal, and migration. Dudley ranges widely--from basic aerodynamics to muscle physiology and swarming behavior--but his focus is the explanation of functional design from evolutionary and ecological perspectives.

The importance of flight in the lives of insects has long been recognized but never systematically evaluated. This book addresses that shortcoming. Robert Dudley provides an introduction to insect flight that will be welcomed by students and researchers in biomechanics, entomology, evolution, ecology, and behavior.

Customer Reviews:

Great coverage, but written for specialists.......2004-02-28

This book has something of a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. A reader who is comfortable reading research literature on insects will find an organized, thoroughly documented and well-balanced summary of current knowledge of insect flight. Unfortunately, Dudley is one of those scholars whose writing is saturated with technical jargon and complex sentences, even when simpler English could make the same point. So while the content is great, reading this work is the mental equivalent of hiking through knee-deep snow. Enthusiastic entomologists will find it worth reading: everyone else will find it hard to follow.

The Left Stuff: How the Left-Handed Have Survived and Thrived in a Right-Handed World

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A very well-written book.

The Left Stuff: How the Left-Handed Have Survived and Thrived in a Right-Handed World
Melissa Roth
Manufacturer: M. Evans and Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1590770811

Book Description

This book demystifies the place left-handness has held in society, shedding new light on this controversial discussion.

Customer Reviews:

A very well-written book........2006-04-14

For anyone interested in left handedness, Melissa Roth's book is a must-read, very up to date. Roth gets straight to the point without resorting to the sorts of pathos, frequent digressions, tongue-in-cheek humor, or stale, decades-old data present in so many other books about left handedness. If you're considering buying a book about left handedness, "the Left Stuff" should be first on your list.

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Bones: Structure and Mechanics
John D. Currey
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0691090963

Book Description

This is a comprehensive and accessible overview of what is known about the structure and mechanics of bone, bones, and teeth. In it, John Currey incorporates critical new concepts and findings from the two decades of research since the publication of his highly regarded The Mechanical Adaptations of Bones. Crucially, Currey shows how bone structure and bone's mechanical properties are intimately bound up with each other and how the mechanical properties of the material interact with the structure of whole bones to produce an adapted structure.

For bone tissue, the book discusses stiffness, strength, viscoelasticity, fatigue, and fracture mechanics properties. For whole bones, subjects dealt with include buckling, the optimum hollowness of long bones, impact fracture, and properties of cancellous bone. The effects of mineralization on stiffness and toughness and the role of microcracking in the fracture process receive particular attention. As a zoologist, Currey views bone and bones as solutions to the design problems that vertebrates have faced during their evolution and throughout the book considers what bones have been adapted to do. He covers the full range of bones and bony tissues, as well as dentin and enamel, and uses both human and non-human examples.

Copiously illustrated, engagingly written, and assuming little in the way of prior knowledge or mathematical background, Bones is both an ideal introduction to the field and also a reference sure to be frequently consulted by practicing researchers.

Biomechanics in Evolution (Society for Experimental Biology Seminar Series)

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Biomechanics in Evolution (Society for Experimental Biology Seminar Series)

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Genetics | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

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Average customer rating:

An insightful and beautiful survey of life itself.

Bones: The Unity of Form and Function
R. McNeill Alexander
Manufacturer: Westview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0813338069

Book Description

Here, in stunning color photographs, is the awesome beauty of bones-their form, structure, and movement-as they perfectly serve the design of living creatures.

Few creations of nature display the perfect unity of form and function found in the vertebrate skeleton. Ingeniously designed by the processes of evolution, bones are marvels of engineering. In tribute to both the beauty and mechanics of its subject, Bones explores the structure, material, and movement of bones. It examines the composition of bone material, looks at joints and muscle attachments that allow for movement-including such elaborate mechanisms as fish jaws, rattlesnake fangs, and a lion's retractable claws-and shows how the same bone is shaped wildly differently in a variety of animals.

A wealth of specially commissioned color plates shows bones as they have seldom been seen before. The luminous images range from the unusual (the skeleton of a pygmy flying squirrel) to the ordinary (the tailbones of a domestic cat), and from the enormous (the vertebra of a dinosaur) to the minuscule (the acoustic bones of a desert kangaroo rat). With its blend of lively science and unexpected beauty, Bones leaves readers with insight into the workings of the skeleton, and a sense of wonder at its intricacy.

Customer Reviews:

An insightful and beautiful survey of life itself........1999-01-10

Although my initial interest in this book stemmed from a pursuit of amatuer paleontology, I soon discovered that Dr. Alexander had written a very general and succinct discussion of how and why bones are as they are. His presentation ranges from most interesting mechanical considerations to those of esthetics. The very well written text is supported by beautiful photography -- who would have thought that 'bones' could be so interesting?

My only regret is that I am reviewing a borrowed copy. Unfortunately, the book is out of print, and I cannot find even a used copy. I intend to contact the publisher and encourage a second printing.

Meanwhile, check you library resources. This book is well worth reading and contemplating.

Book Description

This book addresses the topic of biomechanics from an evolutionary viewpoint, particularly how vertebrate evolution can be understood by studying biomechanics. The topic is addressed both from broad and specific examples of different vertebrates, and will be of interest to both biomechanic researchers and those interested in the evolution of the vertebrate body plan.

Backache: Its Evolution and Conservative Treatment

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Backache: Its Evolution and Conservative Treatment
D. P. Evans
Manufacturer: Univ Park Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The staminal lever mechanism in Salvia L. (Lamiaceae): a key innovation for adaptive radiation? [An article from: Organisms Diversity & Evolution]

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The staminal lever mechanism in Salvia L. (Lamiaceae): a key innovation for adaptive radiation? [An article from: Organisms Diversity & Evolution]
R. Claszen-Bockhoff , T. Speck , E. Tweraser , and Wester
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000RQZ4VW

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Organisms Diversity & Evolution, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Floral key innovations play a significant role in the discussion of adaptive radiation in plants. The paper brings together a brief review of morphological key innovations in plants, elucidating their evolutionary significance in flower-pollinator interactions, and new data on Salvia, a genus being examined as an example for presumed adaptive radiation. We hypothesize that the characteristic staminal lever mechanism functions as a key innovation. It is defined as a functional unit including the modification of stamens to lever-like structures, their reversible movement, and the organization of the remaining floral structures involved in the process of pollen transfer. We follow the assumption that structure and functioning of the staminal levers play a major role in the process of pollen deposition on the pollinator's body, and that minute changes of both their proportions and their interactions with pollinators may have significant consequences for the pollination system. The functioning of the staminal lever mechanism is tested by field investigations, biomechanical experiments and pollination simulations. First results are presented, and possible modes of allopatric and sympatric speciation are discussed, based on morphometry of Salvia flowers and pollinators as well as on the operating mode of the staminal lever mechanism. Special attention is given to species-specific patterns of pollen deposition on the pollinator's body. We assume that, depending on the precision of the lever movement, sympatric Salvia species flowering during overlapping periods and sharing the same pollinating species may be either mechanically isolated from each other or able to hybridize. The latter may result in speciation, as may spontaneous mutations influencing the flower-pollinator interaction, e.g. by significant changes in morphometry of the staminal lever system and/or other flower structures. As a consequence, Salvia individuals may deposit pollen on a different part of the pollinator's body, or even adapt to a new pollinator species, both resulting in reproductive isolation from the parental population.

Book Description

There have been many demonstrations, particularly for magnetic impurity ions in crystals, that spin-Hamiltonians are able to account for a wide range of experimental results in terms of much smaller numbers of parameters. Yet they were originally derived from crystal field theory, which contains a logical flaw; electrons on the magnetic ions are distinguished from those on the ligands. Thus there is a challenge: to replace crystal field theory with one of equal or greater predictive power that is based on a surer footing. The theory developed in this book begins with a generic Hamiltonian, one that is common to most molecular and solid state problems and that does not violate the symmetry requirements imposed on electrons and nuclei. Using a version of degenerate perturbation theory due to Bloch and the introduction of Wannier functions, projection operators, and unitary transformations, Stevens shows that it is possible to replace crystal field theory as a basis for the spin-Hamiltonians of single magnetic ions and pairs and lattices of magnetic ions, even when the nuclei have vibrational motion. The power of the method is further demonstrated by showing that it can be extended to include lattice vibration and conduction by electron hopping such as probably occurs in high-Tc superconductors. Thus Stevens shows how an apparently successful ad hoc method of the past can be replaced by a much more soundly based one that not only incorporates all the previous successes but appears to open the way to extensions far outside the scope of the previously available methods. So far only some of these have been explored. The book should therefore be of great interest to all physicists and chemists concerned with understanding the special properties of molecules and solids that are imposed by the presence of magnetic ions.

The Magnetic Field of the Earth (International Geophysics Series (Reprint))

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DYNAMO-ite!

The Magnetic Field of the Earth (International Geophysics Series (Reprint))
Ronald T. Merrill
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Paleomagnetism: Continents and Oceans (International Geophysics)

ASIN: 012491246X

Book Description

Topics involved in studies of the Earth's magnetic field and its secular variation range from the intricate observations of geomagnetism, to worldwide studies of archeomagnetism and paleomagnetism, through to the complex mathematics of dynamo theory. Traditionally these different aspects of geomagnetism have been studied and presented in isolation from each other. The Magnetic Field of the Earth draws together these major lines of inquiry into an integrated framework to highlight the interrelationships and thus to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the geomagnetic field.
The text is organized so that paleomagnetists and dynamo theoreticians may both benefit from the results and arguments presented by the other. A particular example is the presentation of paleomagnetic results to illuminate the observational constraints on geodynamo theory. Conversely, dynamo theory is explained in such a way that paleomagnetists may utilize it to present their data more effectively. Other important features of the book include a discussion of planetary magnetic fields and their implications for dynamo theory and the most recent set of magnetic charts. This unique integrated approach to the subject will make The Magnetic Field of the Earth an invaluable reference book for all geophysicists, particularly those wishing to gain insight into alternative branches of research.

* The only book to integrate material from geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, and dynamo theory
* Spans a breadth of material greater than any other textbook published in the past 50 years
* Covers introductory material and complex concepts, making it useful to students as well as to researchers in the field
* Explains the basics of each topic in a comprehensive manner
* Reviews state-of-the-art knowledge in each area
* Discusses the development and analysis of geomagnetic reversal sequences in detail

Customer Reviews:

DYNAMO-ite!.......2000-01-05

The discovery of geomagnetic field reversals has been one of the most significant findings of paleomagnetism. The development of the Geomagnetic Polarity Timescale has led to it becoming an important dating tool. Analysis of the statistical properties of this timescale has led to some of the most effective observational constraints on geodynamo theory. The book provides and in-depth review of the development and implications of this fascinating aspect of paleomagnetism.

Book Description

An introductory guide to global magnetic field properties, Earth Magnetism addresses, in non-technical prose, many of the frequently asked questions about Earth's magnetic field. Magnetism surrounds and penetrates our Earth in ways basic science courses can rarely address. It affects navigation, communication, and even the growth of crystals. As we observe and experience an 11-year solar maximum, we may witness spectacular satellite-destroying solar storms as they interact with our magnetic field. Written by an acknowledged expert in the field, this book will enrich courses in earth science, atmospheric science, geology, meteorology, geomagnetism, and geophysics. Contains nearly 200 original illustrations and eight pages of full-color plates.

* Largely mathematics-free and with a wide breadth of material suitable for general readers
* Integrates material from geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, and solar-terrestrial space physics.
* Features nearly 200 original illustrations and 4 pages of colour plates

Customer Reviews:

A good introduction to the subject.......2005-08-09

Wallace has written a good guide for people not related to this theme. He first explain the basics in order to continue with the chapters about Earth Magnetism facts and studies.

It is interesting to know how scientist has determined that the poles have reversed and that this will happen soon or later. I also enjoyed the facts about the position of the geomagnetic poles and how it is produced.

An Analysis of the Earth's Magnetic Field from 1835 - 1965

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An Analysis of the Earth's Magnetic Field from 1835 - 1965
McDonald and Gunst (editors)
Manufacturer: Government Printing Office
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PHQM32

Anomalous Magnetic Field of the World Ocean

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Anomalous Magnetic Field of the World Ocean
Alexander M. Gorodnitsky
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849389372

Book Description

This book investigates the anomalous magnetic field of the ocean and its connection with geological structure, tectonic evolution of the oceanic lithosphere, and magnetic properties of different rock types in the oceanic crust. The book describes new instruments and techniques of gradient magnetic measurements with three sensors, as well as the new technique of processing and interpretating hydromagnetic data on the basis of adoptive filtration and reparametrization. The text provides unique data of geomagnetic surveys carried out by Russian research vessels in different regions of the World Ocean, including submersible apparatus and ingenious theoretical and experimental technology of the magnetic modeling and investigations of the nature of magnetic anomalies. The results of systems analysis of geochemical content and composition during the mid-oceanic ridge basalt are presented.

THE BAKERIAN LECTURE, 1967 REVERSALS OF THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD.

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THE BAKERIAN LECTURE, 1967 REVERSALS OF THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD.

Manufacturer: Royal Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HG5MC8

DEPARTMENT OF TERRESTRIAL MAGNETISM: DESCRIPTION OF THE EARTH'S MAIN MAGNETIC FIELD AND ITS SECULAR CHANGE 1905-1945.

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DEPARTMENT OF TERRESTRIAL MAGNETISM: DESCRIPTION OF THE EARTH'S MAIN MAGNETIC FIELD AND ITS SECULAR CHANGE 1905-1945.

Manufacturer: Carnegie Institution of Washington Publication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IEOXX8

Earth Observation with CHAMP: Results from Three Years in Orbit

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Earth Observation with CHAMP: Results from Three Years in Orbit

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540228047

Book Description

In the summer of 2000 the German geo-research satellite CHAMP was launched into orbit. Its innovative payload arrangement and the low initial orbit allow CHAMP to simultaneously collect and almost continuously analyse precise data relating to gravity and magnetic fields at low altitude. In addition, CHAMP also measures the neutral atmosphere and ionosphere using GPS techniques. Three years after launch, more than 200 CHAMP investigators and co-investigators from all over the world met at the GeoForschungsZentrum in Potsdam to present and discuss the results derived from the extensive data sets of the mission. The main outcome of this expert meeting is summarized in this volume. The book offers a comprehensive insight into the present status of the exploitation of CHAMP data for Earth system research and practical applications in geodesy, geophysics and meteorology.

The Earth's Magnetic Field: Its History, Origin and Planetary Perspective

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The Earth's Magnetic Field: Its History, Origin and Planetary Perspective
Ronald T. Merrill
Manufacturer: Academic Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0124912427

Field-book for Railroad Engineers, Containing Formulae for Laying Out Curves, Determining Frog Angles, Levelling, Calculating Earth-work, etc., etc., Together with Tables of Radii, Ordinates, Deflections, Long Chords, Magnetic Variation,...etc.

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Field-book for Railroad Engineers, Containing Formulae for Laying Out Curves, Determining Frog Angles, Levelling, Calculating Earth-work, etc., etc., Together with Tables of Radii, Ordinates, Deflections, Long Chords, Magnetic Variation,...etc.
John B. Henck
Manufacturer: Appleton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000WOIBFK

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