The Natural World of Lewis and Clark - Rilegato

Dalton, David A.

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0826217664 ISBN 13: 9780826217660

Casa editrice: Univ of Missouri Pr, 2008

Riassunto

"Dalton reexamines many of Lewis and Clark's discoveries, and their identification of new plants and animals, in the light of modern science to show their lasting biological significance. In clear, readily accessible terms, he relates the Expedition's observations to principles of ecology, genetics, physiology, and animal behavior"--Provided by publisher.

Su questo libro

L'autore:

David A. Dalton is Professor of Biology at Reed College and lives in Portland, Oregon.

Product Description:

On their journey westward, Lewis and Clark demonstrated an amazing ability to identify the new plants and animals they encountered, and their observations enriched science's understanding of the trans-Mississippi West. Others have written about their discoveries and have faithfully cataloged their findings; now a twenty-first-century biologist reexamines some of those discoveries in the light of modern science to show for the first time their lasting biological significance. "The Natural World of Lewis and Clark" interprets the expedition's findings from a modern perspective to show how advances such as DNA research, modern understanding of proteins, and the latest laboratory methods shed new light on them. David Dalton recounts the expedition's observations and, in clear, readily accessible terms, relates them to principles of ecology, genetics, physiology, and even animal behavior. Writing in informal language with a bit of wry humor, Dalton invites readers to imagine the West that Lewis and Clark found, revealing the dynamic features of nature and the dramatic changes that earlier peoples brought about. He explains surprising facts, ranging from why Indians used cottonwood bark as winter feed for horses to why the explorers experienced gastric distress with some foods, and even why the Expedition's dog would have been well-advised to avoid a diet of salmon. Dalton introduces the tools and techniques of today's science in a way that won't intimidate nonspecialist readers. Throughout the book he expertly balances botanical and zoological information, with coverage ranging from the extinction of large animals in North America a few thousand years ago to the expected effects of invasive species and climate change in the coming centuries. Enhanced with unusual and informative illustrations - not only nature photography but also historical images - this book will fascinate any reader with an interest in the natural history of the American West as well as broader issue

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Univ of Missouri Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0826217664
• ISBN 13: 9780826217660
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 244