Marsupials

This 2006 book examines the exciting discoveries in the study of marsupials of the last 20 years. These discoveries have led to significant developments in our understanding of this unique group of mammals. The impact of these developments have been such that marsupials are coming to be seen as model organisms in studies of life history evolution, ageing and senescence, sex determination and the development and regeneration of the nervous system. This volume brings together information scattered throughout the primary literature. Coverage includes evolutionary history and management strategies as well as all aspects of basic biology. A complete listing of known species and a comprehensive list of references make this a unique repository of information on this fascinating group of animals.

1. The evolution and classification of marsupials M. Archer and J. Kirsch; 2. What marsupials can do for genetics and what genetics can do for marsupials W. Sherwin and J. A. Marshall Graves; 3. Reproduction G. Shaw; 4. Lactation A. Krockenberger; 5. Nutrition and digestion I. D. Hume; 6. The nervous system J. Nelson and P Armati; 7. The immunolymphatic system P. Cisternas and P. Armati; 8. Ecology and life histories C. Dickman and E. Vieira; 9. Behaviour of marsupials D. B. Croft and J. Eisenberg; 10. Conservation and management A. Burbidge and J. Eisenberg; References; Index.