Author: Athersuch

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2023-09-25

Total Pages: 367

ISBN-13: 9004627669

This book provides an introduction to the study of the ostracods that are common inhabitants of intertidal rock- pools, estuaries and other coastal habitats around Great Britain. It is the first comprehensive treatment of the British marine and brackish-water ostracod fauna to be published since the last century. The first part deals with the general morphology of the Ostracoda, their ecology, reproduction and life histories, and includes keys to the higher taxa as well as to 49 genera. Practical methods for the collection and study of ostracods are described in detail. The second part contains keys and notes for the identification of 116 species from British waters; for each there is a brief synonymy and description together with notes on its taxonomy, ecology and distribution, and drawings of shells and appendages. Additionally, shells of 76 of the species are illustrated by means of scanning electron micrographs. This book holds a general appeal for students of both fossil and living ostracods in all parts of the world. It will be useful to those investigating marine and brackish- water meiofauna, of which ostracods are often a major constituent.