In a lively, personal style, Savannah Lives offers an introduction to the African savannahs as home to a unique wildlife and as the context for the origin and evolution of the human species. After briefly explaining the geology of the African continent and the climatic changes that have shaped its vegetation, Staffan Ulfstrand describes how the savannah is constantly modified by fire, water, elephants - and people. Much of the book is taken up with describing the lives of some of the most charismatic savannah species and how they have evolved to cope with the environment they lived in. Ulfstrand goes on to explain how our knowledge of animals' behaviour and evolution can provide insights into much of our behaviour and modern life-style. The book is written for everyone who is interested in the natural history of savannahs, in their animal inhabitants, and in the human species. Most of all, it will appeal to anyone who has visited or hopes to visit the fabulous scenery and spectacular animal diversity of Africa-s savannahs.
Sprache
Verlagsort
Illustrationen
fig., num. maps, plates, 16 farbige Abbildungen
16pp full colour plates, numerous maps and figures
Maße
Höhe: 240 mm
Breite: 168 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-19-850925-7 (9780198509257)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
1. The curtain rises on the last act; 2. A significant digression; 3. Formation of the savannahs; 4. Pillars of the Earth; 5. What a giraffe could reach without a long neck?; 6. Ruminants on the Savannah - five different lifestyles; 7. Sapphires in the sand; 8. Masculine mothers in moderate collusion; 9. Lion prides - daycare and death patrol; 10. Baboon thoughts; 11. War and peace, crime and punishment among chimpanzees; 12. Bonobos: an erotic rainforest intermezzo; 13. Humans: marked for life; 14. Small steps, a long journey; App Cameos of the key species; Suggested further reading; Index