Friedrich G. Barth Knihy

Spiders are wonderful creatures. Their varied and complex range of behavior and highly developed sensory systems are excellently adapted to the environmental conditions - as is proven by their evolutionary success. Over 400 million years, spiders have developed their sensory organs to a fascinating technical perfection and complexity. In his intriguing book, Professor Friedrich G. Barth puts this technical perfection into the context of „biology“, in which the interaction between environment and sensory organs and the selectivity of the senses as a link between environment and behavior play a major role.

This delightful book explores the intricate partnership between insects and flowers, emphasizing the sensory experiences of insects. Barth, a notable sensory physiologist, presents a sprightly and engaging narrative, enhanced by well-conveyed experimental procedures and references to key researchers, which elevate the work beyond a mere collection of facts. The book delves into the fascinating and often bizarre strategies flowers employ to ensure pollination, revealing an equally compelling zoological perspective alongside the botanical narrative. It serves as an introduction to the coevolution of insects and plants, shedding light on recent discoveries in this field. The engaging prose makes complex concepts accessible, reminiscent of the finest scientific writing, akin to Charles Darwin's works. This book is a treasure for biologists, nature enthusiasts, and gardeners curious about the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and pollination. It stands out as a remarkable contribution to the understanding of the natural world, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the interactions between flora and fauna.

Sense organs serve as a kind of biological interface between the environment and the organism. Therefore, the relationship between sensory systems and ecology is very close and its knowledge of fundamental importance for an understanding of animal behavior. The sixteen chapters of this book exemplify the diversity of the constraints and opportunities associated with the sensation of stimuli representing different forms of energy. The book stresses the events taking place in the sensory periphery where the animal is exposed to and gets in touch with its natural habitat and acquires the information needed to organize its interaction with its environment. Ecology of Sensing brings together the leading experts in the field.