The Book of Snakes: A life-size guide to six hundred species from around the world

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Deirdre Cooper Owens, author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology . Some people recoil in fear at the very suggestion of these creatures, while others happily keep them as pets. Testing the working hypothesis that bands and red are protective against snake predators via their association with ophiophagy, as ophiophagous snakes are at higher risk, I find that the consumption of elongate vertebrates predicts band and red coloration with a very high level of confidence: red and bands are probably defensive against snake predators. Here, I review the proposed functions of the colour of coral snakes and similar-coloured snakes, taking a more comprehensive view than usual, from the plausibility of aposematism in coral snakes to the apparent existence of a selective force for red and black banded patterns across the world. Packed with vibrant pictures and lots of fascinating facts, kids can enjoy learning all about a snake's habitat and behaviour.

Snakes can convey both beauty and menace in a single tongue flick, and so these creatures have held a special place in our cultures. O'Shea has hosted television documentaries focused on reptiles for the Discovery Channel, the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, including four seasons as host of the Animal Planet/Discovery Channel show O'Shea's Big Adventure.See how they survive in forests, deserts, and oceans, and how these clever creatures have adapted to live in seemingly inhospitable habitats. The detailed images allow readers to examine the intricate scale patterns and rainbow of colors as well as special features like a cobra’s hood or a rattlesnake’s rattle.

Plus, a complete directory lists all known species of these fascinating reptiles, including venomous snakes such as cobras. I learnt much from the text, and appreciated seeing many beautiful images of snake species I had not seen before. Finally, we obtained 1 species of tortoise whose natural distribution does not exist in Yogyakarta and even in Indonesia. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Covering how snakes use venom or constriction to subdue their prey, how a snake’s appearance can aid camouflage or boast of its killing capacity, and how habitat destruction is jeopardizing the future of many species, Snakes of the World is an invaluable guide to these fascinating reptiles.Playing a central role in life, it has had profound cultural and historical significance and plays an important role in religious ritual.