Author Description

Introductory textbook frames the invertebrates within the context of evolutionary biology and develops around three fundamental themes: functional body architecture; developmental patterns and life history strategies; and evolution and phylogenetic relationships. This textbook is intended for use in university invertebrate zoology courses. The text is organized around three fundamental themes: functional body architecture, or the Bauplan concept, developmental patterns, and life history strategies as the relate to adult life styles, evolution and phylogenetic relationships. The Bauplan concept, from the German word meaning a structural plan or design, describes the structural range and architectural limits, as well as the functional aspects of design. Basically, the integration of structure and function. The main part of the book consists of discussions of each invertebrate phylum based on the three themes and includes cladistic analyses, narrative discussion, and traditional evolutionary trees to discuss taxonomy and phylogenetic hypotheses. The book is extensively illustrated with photographs, line drawings, diagrams, tables, and graphs. BIOSIS Review. Another in a collection of good books on invertebrate zoology to appear in the past five years. Three themes are developed: functional body plan (Bauplan), developmental patterns and life history strategies, and evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships. The first four chapters relate to basic biological parameters as a way of introduction to invertebrates. Each major taxon or group of smaller taxa is covered in a separate chapter. The Bruscas write authoratively, use numerous illustrations (both line drawings and photographs), and include helpful reference lists and a comprehensive index. The book's usefulness would be enhanced further with the inclusion of a glossary. Individual workers may challenge specific taxonomic categories, the placement of a particular taxon phylogenetically, or the relative evolutionary importance of a given form. However, the Bruscas will give students another excellent perspective on the facinating world of invertebrates. Highly recommended for libraries serving programs on invertebrate biology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Choice Reviews.