biology

Even as our understanding of ecological systems evolve, there are touchstone texts that lay the foundations of our understanding. Ecology of Atlantic Shorelines by Mark Bertness is such a touchstone for these unique coastal ecosystems.

“There would be days and days when the air was alive with them, hardly a break occurring in a flock for half a day at a time. Flocks stretched as far as a person could see, one tier above another. I think it would be safe to say that millions could have been seen at the same time.” (The Passenger Pigeon, Chapter XI: Recollections of "Old Timers" pg 123)

This collection of articles, by various experts, covers the treatment and diseases of wildlife. It provides an in-depth look at the scientific knowledge needed—and challenges—of treating wildlife disease in the countries of the Pacific Basin. This collection is edited by Murray Fowler, considered to be the father of zoological medicine; the depth of his knowledge lends special relevance to this text.

This comprehensive and scholarly text covers a wide variety of parasitic protozoans found in humans and other animal species. The articles, written by a variety of expert authors, contain thorough and detailed descriptions. This text is used by veterinarians and pathologists, including the staff of Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, to identify and manage parasitic protozoa.

The title translates as "The life of mammals and fossilized humans, deciphered using comparative anatomy of the chewing organs.” This book's author, Mr. Sanielevici, believed that analysis of the processes and organs involved in chewing and digesting would explain the evolution of humans and mammals. In his ideology, ethnicity, racial diversity, and even personality are derived from historic and regional dietary trends: you are what you eat.

This botanical study of meridional Brazilian flora was conducted in 1929. Written in Portuguese, it is lavishly illustrated with black-and-white photographs. Frederico Carlos Hoehne (1882-1959) was a Brazilian botanist associated with the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro and the Institute of Botany in São Paulo. He surveyed the botany of Brazil’s interior and published numerous studies and articles on the local flora.

This book features selected writings from CJ Cornish’s contributions to Spectator magazine. These are short articles, often with a humorous slant on natural history, emphasizing the interaction of animal with humans. Among the many topics are a discussion on the suitability of goats living in large towns, animal "kindergartens," "dainty" treats for domestic animals, and the incursion of crocodiles into human communities. Please note: The money from this adoption will go to National Zoological Park library for book purchases.

This book provides an in-depth look at 117 vertebrate animals popular in zoos in the early 20^th century. The text covers their anatomy, housing, behavior, and history, supplemented with black-and-white illustrations and photos. It was written by Frank E. Beddard, an English zoologist who was considered a leading authority on earthworms and annelids. Beddard authored several articles on worms in the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica. Please note: The money from this adoption will support the National Zoological Park library.

This book is a comprehensive guide to zoo management covering all key aspects of the field. It includes beautiful photographs, both color and black-and-white, plus illustrations and charts. This book is used by Zoo curators and keepers as a reference guide for their work. It also serves as an excellent training guide for interns, volunteers, and new hires by providing a thorough introduction to the field. The authors embrace the precepts of modern zoo management science, encouraging a real appreciation for natural diversity, conservation, and its modern challenges.

With classic British understatement, Harold Maxwell-Lefroy (1877-1925) describes this two-volume, 800 page guide as an “imperfect” attempt to describe the insects of the Indian subcontinent. Published in 1909, Indian Insect Life is “largely a product of [Maxwell-Lefroy’s] spare time and scanty holidays.” One wonders what he would produce if he were able to devote his full time and energy.