Author Description

Avian Biology, Volume III is a collection of articles that deals with the biology of birds such as their peripheral endocrine glands and reproductive system. One paper describes the avian reproductive system where physiological mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis get synchronized from stimuli in the environment, thus ensuring that the young are born at the appropriate season. Another paper correlates the morphology of the pituitary cells with the functions of the pituitary from physiological and chemical analyses. A couple of papers describes the peripheral endocrine glands and the process of neuroendocrinology that includes detailed analyses of the neurosecretory system anatomy and the ependymal function in the median eminence composed of the anterior and posterior divisions. One author describes the structure and refraction of avian vision, as well as the probable determination of visual pigments in the eye cones through in situ microspectrophotometry. The book then analyzes bird behavior through functional groups of bird activities. Bird enthusiasts, zoologists, and avian biologists will find this book interesting and informative.