Synopsis
This text seeks to dispel popular myths and common fears about snakes and fosters an appreciation of their roles in the natural world. It provides a basic introduction for both adults and children to the habits and marvels of these limbless creatures. The book covers how snakes breathe, hear and smell and describes how they swallow large prey, what eats them, and how the reproduce. The authors give advice on such subjects as distinguishing venomous species from harmless look-alikes and keeping snakes as pets.
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Présentation de l'éditeur
This new edition of Snakes in Question has been completely updated to take into account the most recent research available, offering useful scientific information about snakes while dispelling many widely-circulated myths and common fears. Accompanied by 100 stunning color photographs and written in the popular question-and-answer format of Smithsonian's “In Question” series, the book tells how snakes breathe, hear, smell, and much more. It covers not only the life cycle of snakes but also explores such phenomena as the rattlesnake's rattle, the viper's hiss, and the snake charmer's secrets. It addresses common folktales about snakes (do snakes milk cows?) and describes giant snakes, both real and imaginary. The authors also give expert advice on such subjects as distinguishing venomous species from harmless look-alikes and keeping snakes as pets.
Revue de presse
“This is a wonderful book. Carl Ernst and George Zug are eminent herpetologists who have produced a well-written book on an extremely popular subject . . . . Two of the sections will be eagerly used by librarians answering questions—that on giant snakes (boas and pythons) and that on poisonous snakes (vipers and cobras). The appendixes offer further information on the classification and sizes of snakes and provide a useful directory of herpetological organizations. A glossary defines some of the more technical terminology. Finally, two bibliographies provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature on snakes. This exceptional book should be in every library.”—Booklist
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