Invertebrates - Second Edition [Hardcover]

by Richard C. Brusca, Gary J. Brusca, Nancy J. Haver (Illustrator)

Invertebrates, Second Edition presents a modern survey of the 34 animal phyla (plus the Protista) and serves as both a college course text and a reference on invertebrate biology. Thorough and up-to-date, it is organized around the themes of bauplans (body plans) and evolution (phylogenetics). Each phylum is organized in a standardized fashion, treating the systematics, bauplan (support and movement, feeding and digestion, circulation and gas exchange, excretion and osmoregulation, nervous system, reproduction and development), and phylogeny. Detailed classifications, phylogenetic trees, and references for all phyla are provided. Tables summarize each phylum's defining attributes. The text is accompanied by an abundance of detailed line drawings and new to this edition color photographs. Other key changes from the First Edition (1990) * the incorporation of new developments in phylogenetics, developmental biology, and molecular genetics
* major changes at the highest levels among the invertebrates. Three phyla that appeared in the original bookPentastomida, Pogonophora, and Vestimentiferano longer exist, and a new phylum, Cycliophora, has been erected. Moreover, this edition discusses recent work in molecular systematics that has shaken classic views on animal classification.
* a large new section on "Kingdom Protista" (replacing "Protozoa") containing new contemporary views of these organisms (arranged in 18 phyla).

Genres: Biology, Science, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, College

936 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1990

Reviews

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's face it: it's a giant textbook on taxonomy - it's not exactly exciting. It's the Hulk of biology textbooks, and it has everything you never wanted to know about invertebrates. Is it a great information database? Yes. Are you going to want to read it cover to cover and memorize it for an exam? Dear God, no.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well constructed and has changed for the better from the past edition. Still, it can be very difficult to make technical jargon sound interesting. The information is delivered in a very textbook scientific fashion, but still carries the interest of those seeking knowledge on all invertebrates.

[Elizabeth Chang · Rating 2 out of 5]

The class I needed this textbook for was truly amazing, but the textbook? Goodness...so dense with words, it was often very overwhelming. Also really annoyed me that there was no glossary in the back.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the organization in this book and the figures were really helpful.

[Mimesis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taxonomy is somewhat outdated and the sheer scope and organization of the book make it overwhelming, however it is still a useful source and the overview boxes of every phylum are actually helpful.

[Kulasingha · Rating 5 out of 5]

biology