{"title":"Peter Williams","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter Williams\u003c\/strong\u003e is a naturalist with a lifelong interest in molluscs. A retired medical doctor, he is the author of several books, including on snails and jellyfish. His proudest achievement is having the snail \u003cem\u003eEverettia corrugata williamsi\u003c\/em\u003e, which dwells on the slopes of Mt Kinbalu in Malaysia, named after him.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"slugs","title":"Slugs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA natural and cultural history of the oft-reviled slug, exploring the important role of these exquisite molluscs within ecosystems, their evolution and our complex relationship with them.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether we are fascinated or repelled by them, few of us are indifferent to slugs. In evolutionary terms, they are among the most successful animals on the planet – all the more extraordinary given that they have done away with the protective shell of their ancestors. But slugs have garnered a bad reputation as enemies of the gardener, notorious for the damage they can cause, and have typically been treated as objects of disgust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book challenges common perceptions of slugs, calling for a reappraisal of their ecological significance and an appreciation of their unique behaviour patterns. Readers will learn:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- How slugs are classified and their origin from shelled, snail ancestors, as well as the key features that distinguish slugs from other animals;\u003cbr\u003e- The surprisingly complex anatomy of a slug, and the varied uses of its slime;\u003cbr\u003e- Historical attitudes to slugs, their depiction in literature and art, and why they have been so disdained;\u003cbr\u003e- Profiles of exotic and unusual slugs, including carnivorous slugs and the colourful – but toxic – sea slugs;\u003cbr\u003e- The remarkable and highly ritualised courtship and sexual practices of slugs;\u003cbr\u003e- How slugs have adapted to life without a shell by developing chemical defences against predators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacked with illustrations and photographs, this book is a comprehensive and accessible guide to one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDOI: 10.53061\/EOPO1808\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pelagic Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":56649140699514,"sku":"9781784276775","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1543\/6487\/files\/9781784276775.jpg?v=1772619461"}],"url":"https:\/\/pelagicpublishing.com\/collections\/peter-randall-williams.oembed","provider":"Pelagic Publishing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}