The Invertebrates: A New Synthesis

This text integrates the treatment of groups of animals phylum by phylum with a functional approach to the various invertebrate anatomical and physiological systems of the better known species. It integrates a discussion of the evolutionary history of invertebrates with an illustrated description of all known invertebrate phyla. It distills the essential characteristics of each group with which the student should be familiar and lists diagnostic features to allow comparison between phyla. Form and function are presented from an evolutionary viewpoint in the light of selection pressures and advantages which are associated with different body plans, life-history and behaviour. This edition contains a new chapter on protozoa, expanded details on parasitism, the economic exploitation of invertebrates and size, shape and scaling. It also includes many new illustrations and the format of the book has been changed to offer students a more clear and accessible page layout.