The Evolution of Organ Systems

The Evolution of Organ Systems

Author: Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2007-08-30

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 0198566689

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Although there are several books on the phylogenetic relationships of animals, this is the first to focus on the consequences of such relationships for the evolution of organs themselves. It provides a summary of evolutionary hypotheses for each of the major organ systems, describing alternative theories in those cases of continuing controversy.


Multicellular Animals

Multicellular Animals

Author: Peter Ax

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 3642801145

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No one can ever have secure knowledge about the gods and creatures, and should anyone hit by chance upon the right thing, he will not know it for sure; that is why everything that we believe to be true is "opinion". XENOPHANES around 500 B.C. (According to ROD 1988, p.85) The goal of phylogenetic systematics (cladistics) is to discover the kinship relations between all organisms on earth and to translate the order we perceive in Nature into an equivalent man-made system. Although the goal is easily formulated, the path is thorny, and the results achieved continue to be imperfect. This is the fate of any science that bases its propositions on the interpretation of histor ical evidence. The diversity found in the millions of species originated as a result of the continuous splitting of biopopulations through time. Combined with this was the emergence of hierarchically linked des cent communities of species. We call the process of origin of descent communities phylogenesis. We do not know, however, the exact course of phylogenesis - we can only formulate hypotheses. The historical evidence at hand consists of the feature patterns of extant species and of extinct species with their combination of original and derived traits which are the result of evolution.


Atlas of Crustacean Larvae

Atlas of Crustacean Larvae

Author: Joel W. Martin

Publisher: JHU Press

Published: 2014-07-01

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 1421411989

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An illustrated guide to the sweeping diversity of crustacean larval forms. Winner of the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title of the Choice ACRL Crustaceans—familiar to the average person as shrimp, lobsters, crabs, krill, barnacles, and their many relatives—are easily one of the most important and diverse groups of marine life. Poorly understood, they are among the most numerous invertebrates on earth. Most crustaceans start life as eggs and move through a variety of morphological phases prior to maturity. In Atlas of Crustacean Larvae, more than 45 of the world's leading crustacean researchers explain and illustrate the beauty and complexity of the many larval life stages. Revealing shapes that are reminiscent of aliens from other worlds—often with bizarre modifications for a planktonic life or for parasitization, including (in some cases) bulging eyes, enormous spines, and aids for flotation and swimming—the abundant illustrations and photographs show the detail of each morphological stage and allow for quick comparisons. The diversity is immediately apparent in the illustrations: spikes that deter predators occur on some larvae, while others bear unique specializations not seen elsewhere, and still others appear as miniature versions of the adults. Small differences in anatomy are shown to be suited to the behaviors and survival mechanisms of each species. Destined to become a key reference for specialists and students and a treasured book for anyone who wishes to understand "the invertebrate backbone of marine ecosystems," Atlas of Crustacean Larvae belongs on the shelf of every serious marine biologist.


Subterranean Copepoda from Arid Western Australia

Subterranean Copepoda from Arid Western Australia

Author: Tomislav Karanovich

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2004-02-01

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 904741277X

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Though the subterranean waters are among the most fragile and threatened ecosystems, and are also considered to be rich in biodiversity, there is very little information even on their total biological diversity. Presenting one group of small crustaceans, this book shows how rich and complex subterranean systems may be even in Australian desert regions. This is the first comprehensive study of the subterranean copepods from Australia. It contains descriptions of five new genera and 24 new species. Many representatives of this unique fauna are of ancient origin, dating as far back as Jurassic. Because many questions of the copepod invasions of the freshwater, and their connections with the main climatic changes are addressed, this book will also be useful for a much broader scientific audience.


Asian Marine Biology 1984

Asian Marine Biology 1984

Author: Brian Morton

Publisher: Hong Kong University Press

Published: 1984-06-05

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9789622091139

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This is the annual journal of the Marine Biological Association of Hong Kong. It contains papers on marine subjects of interest to all Asian biologists.


Origin and Evolution of Metazoan Cell Types

Origin and Evolution of Metazoan Cell Types

Author: Sally Leys

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2021-05-23

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13: 1315388200

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The evolution of animal diversity is strongly affected by the origin of novel cell and tissue types and their interactions with each other. Understanding the evolution of cell types will shed light on the evolution of novel structures, and in turn highlight how animals diversified. Several cell types may also have been lost as animals simplified – for example did sponges have nerves and lose them? This book reveals the interplay between gains and losses and provides readers with a better grasp of the evolutionary history of cell types. In addition, the book illustrates how new cell types allow a better understanding permitting the discrimination between convergence and homology.


Annelida

Annelida

Author: Greg Rouse

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2022-01-14

Total Pages: 496

ISBN-13: 0192591622

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Annelids (the segmented worms) exist in a remarkably diverse range of mostly marine but also freshwater and terrestrial habitats, varying greatly in size and form. Annelida provides a fully updated and expanded taxonomic reference work which broadens the scope of the classic Polychaetes (OUP, 2001) to encompass wider groups including Clitellata (comprising more than a third of total annelid diversity), Sipuncula, and Thalassematidae (formerly Echiura). It reflects the enormous amount of research on these organisms that has burgeoned since the millennium, principally due to their use as model organisms to address wider and more general evolutionary and ecological questions. Beginning with a clear introduction to the phylum and an outline of annelid taxonomy, this authoritative text describes their collection, the methods to ensure their optimal preservation, and an overview of anatomy with its relevant terminology. The core of the work comprises 77 fully up-to-date taxonomic chapters, informed by anatomy and the latest molecular phylogenomic evidence and carefully organised based on a new, robust phylogenetic hypothesis. Lavishly illustrated throughout with hundreds of previously unpublished high-resolution colour images and SEM micrographs, the sheer beauty and diversity of the annelids is nowhere better presented. Annelida is the definitive reference work for annelid biologists, whilst being of interest to a broader audience of invertebrate zoologists, systematists, and organismal biologists.


Oceanography and Marine Biology

Oceanography and Marine Biology

Author: R. N. Gibson

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2011-06-22

Total Pages: 308

ISBN-13: 1439853657

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Increasing interest in oceanography and marine biology and its relevance to global environmental issues continues to create a demand for authoritative reviews summarizing recent research. Now in its 49th volume, Oceanography and Marine Biology has addressed this demand for almost 50 years. This annual review considers the basics of marine research, special topics, and emerging new areas. Regarding the marine sciences as a unified field, the text features contributors who are actively engaged in biological, chemical, geological, and physical aspects of marine science. Including color inserts and extensive reference lists, this series is essential for researchers and students in all fields of marine science.