This series aims at fulfilling the knowledge needs of postgraduate learners in agriculture and biology, focussing on self-directed learning. Keeping this point in full view, these volumes would dilate on contemporary information in chosen themes in a pertinent, but brief backdrop of historical knowledge,with appropriate textual information laced with relevant illustrations. Most importantly, these books aim to cater to the self-learning needs in passionate and committed learners. By self-learning, the teacher’s role turns into mentoring rather than tutoring. Vital details have been ‘box’ed so that learners can internalize them easily, swiftly, and forever. Care has been exercised to integrate examples from the Indian subcontinent, so that the learners can relate to concepts and principles quickly. The most critical aspect is the inclusion of specific case studies and interactive-mode of learning, so that learners can learn about the day-to-day issues and application of theory that surround the nominated theme effectively. Every effort has been meticulously made to see that the books launched under this series are easily readable and user friendly. CONTENTS Vol. 1. 1.INSECT PHYSIOLOGY - K.P. Sanjayan The Integument: Anatomical and Physiological Attributes Contributing to Insect Success Diversity in growth and life cycle patterns in insects Insect digestive system as a potential target for pest management The circulatory system and immune responses in insects Dynamics of the respiratory system as a key to insects’ success Insect excretory system and mechanism of homeostasis Physiology of Insect Reproduction Insect endocrine system and regulatory mechanisms Metabolism in insects Muscular Co-ordination System Insect Sensory Physiology and Behaviour Volume 2. 2.WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 21ST -M. Balakrishnan 1. Introduction 2. Wildlife Populations and Habitats 3. Predator–Prey Interactions 4. Ecological Principles in Wildlife Management and Conservation 5 Conservation of Threatened Wildlife in India and Neighbouring Countries 6. Human–Wildlife Conflict 7. Wildlife Farming and Hunting 8. Ecomomic Benefits of Wildlife 9. Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation 10 Conservation Biology 11. International Conventions on Wildlife and Nature Conservation 12. Traditional Methods in Wildlife Ecology 13 Modern Techniques in Wildlife Ecology and Habitat Analysis References Subject Index Author Index Volume 3. 3.GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN PLANTS - K.V. Krishnamurthy 1. Basic Concepts and Definitions 2. Signalling Molecules and Growth Regulators 3. Cell Division and Enlargement 4. Morphogenesis 5. Vegetative Growth and Development 6. Pre–Fertilization Reproductive Growth and Development 7. Post–Fertilization Reproductive Growth and Development 8.Growth Movements 9. Rhythmic Phenomena and Growth Periodicity 10. Alternate Strategies in Growth and Development 11. Abnormal Growth and Development References Subject Index Species Index Volume 4. 4.OCEAN AND COASTAL ECOLOGY -K. Kathiresan 1. Introduction to Marine Ecology 2. Environmental Marine Ecology 3. Ocean Ecology 4. Coastal Ecology 5. Ecology of Coral–Reef Ecosystem 6. Ecology of Estuary 7. Ecology of Mangroves 8. Functional Marine Ecology 9. Threats to Marine Environment 10. Conservation and Management of Marine Environment