This is not a weasel : a close look at nature's most confusing terms

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Title:

Author:

Mortenson, Philip.

ISBN:

9780471273967

Personal Author:

Mortenson, Philip.

Publication Information:

Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons, 2004.

Physical Description:

p. cm.

Contents:

1. Nomenclature and Taxonomy -- 2. Plants -- 3. Terrestrial Invertebrates -- 4. Aquatic Life -- 5. Amphibians and Reptiles -- 6. Birds -- 7. Mammals.

Abstract:

"This useful reference takes on a wide-ranging list of monikers for all types of plants and animals. It lays to rest any lingering confusion over the distinctions between seemingly related - yet crucially distinct - terms, such as hare and rabbit; seal and sea lion; moss and lichen; crocodile and alligator; skate and ray; turtle and tortoise; and mink, sable, ferret, ermine, stoat, and weasel. Reviewed by an impressive cadre of experts, this authoritative guide defines and clarifies 240 frequently misapplied plant- and animal-related terms, covers wild and domestic plants, insects, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, debunks common misconceptions and exposes flagrant misuse of terms, and identifies sources of confusion from history, the popular media, and scientific literature."--BOOK JACKET.

Subject Term:

Biology -- Nomenclature.

Copies:

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Item Barcode	Shelf Number	Copy	Status
Searching... 1:IIEMSA	1:GEN-BOOK	33168015728823	570.14 M887T 2004	1	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

How to tell a bison from a buffalo-not to mention a yam from a sweet potato
Here's a book for anyone who's ever wondered about the difference between a crayfish and a crawfish. Or a frog and a toad. Or a buzzard and a vulture. Animal taxonomy is not what you'd call an exact science, and the field is lousy with all sorts of confounding terms.
In this entertaining, highly useful reference, Philip Mortenson takes on a wide-ranging list of monikers, from plants to higher mammals. Reviewed by an impressive cadre of experts, the book lays to rest any lingering confusion over the distinctions between seemingly related-yet crucially distinct-terms, such as mushroom and toadstool; moss and lichen; crocodile and alligator; skate and ray; turtle and tortoise; and mink, sable, ferret, ermine, stoat, and weasel. Everyone from the language lover to the nature buff will be charmed by this book.
Philip B. Mortenson (Minneapolis, MN) studied the philosophy of science at the University of Minnesota.