Lizards: Windows to the Evolution of Diversity.

ERIC R. PIANKA AND LAURIE J. VITT

Pianka and Vitt's fascination with lizards began in childhood and has blossomed into careers as professors of zoology. In this carefully researched book, they tell in detail what they've learned about the nature of lizards, including species evolution, diversity, ecology, and biology. This volume is comprehensive and scientific. The duo has photographed and studied almost all lizard families worldwide. Among the interesting species introduced in these pages is a glass lizard that can break its tail into pieces that keep moving and distract a predator. Through both photos and text, the authors use these animals to explain basic ecology. The first part of this book gives an overview of lizard lifestyle, concentrating on sleep and activity cycles, food, behavior, reproduction, socialization, and means of avoiding predators. Part two explores various species from around the world. The final section is an overview of the impact of people on these creatures and the evolutionary trends that shape present-day lizard communities. U CA Pr, 2003, 333 p., color photos/ illus., hardcover, $45.00.