Vertebrate Zoology - V. M. Konstantinov 2011

Preface

In preparing this edition, new data established in science over recent decades have been incorporated into the textbook. Several sections have been entirely rewritten. Essentially, this is a new textbook that reflects the Current state of zoological science. The sequence of sections and The Scope of taxonomic categories correspond to modern systematics. For didactic purposes, the authors have occasionally retained the presentation sequence from S. P. Naumov's (1982) textbook, notably the arrangement of lobe-finned and ray-finned Fishes.

While working on the text, the authors took into account the specific needs of bachelor's graduates in education from pedagogical universities when applying zoological knowledge in their future teaching practice. Consequently, they sought to avoid duplicating textbooks intended for biology departments of classical universities, which helped reduce the overall length of the book and provided a fresh approach to key sections. This explains the somewhat lesser emphasis on the fine details of animal Anatomical Structure and taxonomic minutiae. At the same time, the morphophysiological features of major Organs and Organ Systems are covered quite comprehensively, highlighting their adaptive modifications and evolutionary transformations across various animal groups. This approach was necessitated by modern advances in general ecology, ecological Morphology, and ecological physiology of animals.

The textbook provides detailed information on the Practical significance of major vertebrate groups, the status of game and commercial animal resources, along with recommendations for their sustainable use and conservation. Special attention is paid to rare and endangered species.

The authors are grateful to their colleagues for their support and assistance in preparing this edition and for their valuable critical feedback: S. M. Klimov, HEAD of the Department at Lipetsk State Pedagogical University, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor; leading research scientists at the A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences: L. S. Stepanyan and V. D. Ilyichev, Doctors of Biological Sciences; and M. V. Melnikov, A. O. Shubin, and Yu. É. Shubina, Candidates of Biological Sciences, Associate Professors. During the final revision of this edition, the authors also took into consideration the comments of V. A. Solovyov, Professor at the Komi State Pedagogical Institute, Doctor of Biological Sciences.