1 The Vertebrate Story: An Overview Introduction Vertebrate Features Role of Vertebrates 2 Systematics and Vertebrate Evolution Introduction Binomial Nomenclature Classification Methods of Classification Evolution 3 Vertebrate Zoogeography Introduction Distribution Marine Freshwater Terrestrial 4 Early Chordates and Jawless Fishes Introduction Calcichordates Conodonts Early Cambrian Fish-Like Fossils Evolution Morphology of Jawless Fishes Reproduction Growth and Development 5 Gnathostome Fishes Introduction Evolution Morphology Reproduction Growth and Development 6 Amphibians Introduction Evolution Morphology Reproduction Growth and Development 7 Evolution of Reptiles Introduction Evolution Ancestral Reptiles Ancient and Living Reptiles Ancestral Birds Modern Birds Origin of Flight 8 Reptiles: Morphology, Reproduction and Development Introduction Turtles, Tuataras, Lizards, and Snakes (Testudomorpha and Lepidosauromorpha) Morphology Reproduction Growth and Development Crocodilians and Birds (Archosauromorpha) Morphology Reproduction Growth and Development 9 Mammals Introduction Evolution Morphology Reproduction Grwoth and Development 10 Population Dynamics Introduction Population Density Reproductive (Biotic) Potential Environmental Resistance Cycles Irruptions 11 Movements Intoduction Home Range Dispersal/Invasion Migration Homing Emigraton 12 Intraspecific Behavior and Ecology Introduction Social Interactions Sensory Reception and Communication Feeding Behavior Torpor (Dormancy) 13 Interspecific Interactions Introduction Competition Symbiosis Predation Human Interactions 14 Techniques for Ecological and Behavioral Studies Introduction Capture Techniques Identification Techniques Mapping Techniques Censusing Techniques Aging Techniques 15 Extinction and Extirpation Introduction Natural Extinction Human Impacts on Extirpation and Extinction 16 Conservation and Management Introduction Regulatory Legislation Affecting Vertebrates in the United States Endangered Species in the United States Sanctuaries and Refuges Value of Museum Collections Wildlife Conservation in a Modern World Appendices Glossary Bibliography Credits Index.