Reviews
In every chapter, the authors briefly describe things that we still need to know or that we know to some extent but need more data to improve our ability to test hypotheses. For this reason, this is a great book for beginning researchers or graduate students.
In the book, readers are presented with an examination of the varied reproductive strategies of a broad spectrum of mammals—from marsupials to whales. Its comprehensive coverage gathers many stories into a single, cohesive perspective that centers on the reproductive lives of females.
The authors have constructed a comprehensive study of female reproductive genetics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Interspersed throughout the book are essays on some of the women who have made contributions to the study of mammalian reproduction. The work manages to rectify some of the previous bias toward study of males without seeming preachy; this reviewer hopes someone will construct a summary of male reproductive biology as well-written and thorough as this one... Highly recommended
Reproduction in Mammals: The Female Perspective intends to highlight the full extent of variation in reproductive biology exhibited across (female) mammals. The authors merge information that might ordinarily be scattered across independent literatures from reproductive physiology, evolutionary biology, reproductive ecology, medicine, and conservation to present a holistic, interdisciplinary discussion.
Book Details
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. The Female Perspective
The Female Perspective Explained Further
Androcentric Terminology
Using Males to Understand Females
Language
2. Evolution and Diversity
Mammalian Evolution
Lay
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. The Female Perspective
The Female Perspective Explained Further
Androcentric Terminology
Using Males to Understand Females
Language
2. Evolution and Diversity
Mammalian Evolution
Laying on Land
Origin of Mammals (150 MYA to Today)
Origin of Lactation
Diversity of Mammals
Diversity of Mammals
Evolution in Retrospect
Part One
3. Inheritance
Sex Chromosomes
Sex Determination
X-Inactivation
Epigenetics—Genetics beyond Genes
Genetics
4. Anatomy
Oocyte/Ovum
Placenta
Ovaries
The Reproductive Tract
External Genitalia
Vasculature, Portal Systems, Innervation
Mammary Glands
Anatomy
5. Physiology
Four Pitfalls
A Brief Overview of Reproductive Physiology
Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy
Life-History Physiology
Physiology
Part Two
6. Oogenesis to Conception
Oogenesis and Folliculogenesis
Estrous Cycles and Neo-oogenesis
Diversity of Oogenesis and Folliculogenesis
Ovulation
Mating
Gamete Transport
Conception
In Sum: Female Choice
7. Gestation
Conception to Hatching
Conception to Birth
Conception to Implantation
Conceptus Changes
Implantation
Gestation
Pre- and Post-Implantation Delays and Diapause
Gestation Condensed
8. Birth and the Neonate
Monotreme Egg Laying and Hatching
Marsupial Birth
Eutherian Birth
Aftermath and Placentophagy
Neonates
Birth in Brief
9. Lactation
Cost of Lactation
Accommodating the Burden, or Paying the Price
Other Burdens of Lactation
How Long Is Lactation and What Determines This Duration?
Milk: Static and Dynamic
Control of Lactation
Finally, What Do Pups Do with Milk Once They Have It?
Lactation
10. Weaning and Beyond
Weaning
Size at Weaning, Weaning Mass
After Weaning
Reproductive Maturity or Puberty
Menopause, Reproductive Senescence, Post-Reproductive Life
Weaning and Beyond, Revisited
Part Three
11. Abiotic Influences on Mammalian Reproduction
Water: A Global Factor with Diverse Influences on Reproduction
The Arctic: A Regional Constellation of Abiotic Factors
Seasonality: Adaptations to Regular Abiotic Change
The Abiotic World: A Non-evolving Foundation
12. Interactions with Other Species
Eat or Be Eaten: Reproduction in the Context of Predators
Eat or Be Eaten: Reproduction in the Context of Microbes and Parasites
Eat or Be Eaten: Reproduction in the Context of Obtaining Food
Interactions of a Cooperative Nature
The Biotic Environment: Heterospecific Interactions
13. Social Life
Formation of Female Bonds
Caring for Offspring That Are Not Your Own—Alloparental Care
Reproductive Suppression and Infanticide
Conspecific Interactions Have Multiple Facets
Part Four
14. Conservation and Female Reproduction
Anthropogenic Influences on Reproduction
Reproduction and Conservation Efforts
The Naked Ape: Where Do We Fit?
15. Women as Mammals
Inheritance and Evolution, Anatomy and Physiology
Oogenesis to Menopause
Freeing Women from Biology?
Women in Context, Outside Influences
Reproductive Biology with a Cause: Conservation
Glossary
Literature Cited
Common Name Index
Scientific Name Index
Subject Index