An Introduction to the Invertebrates

by Janet Moore, Raith Overhill (Illustrator)

An Introduction to the Invertebrates is a short guide to the invertebrate phyla, looking at their diverse forms, functions, and evolutionary relationships. This book introduces evolution and the molecular methods of tracing it. The volume then discusses the distinctive body plan of each invertebrate phylum showing what has evolved, how the animals live, and how they develop. Boxes introduce physiological mechanisms and development. Finally the author combines fossil and molecular evidence to present an up-to-date view of evolutionary history, showing a better definition of the relationships among invertebrates. This user-friendly and well-illustrated introduction will be invaluable for all those studying invertebrates.

Genres: Science, Biology

372 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2001

Reviews

[Doug L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is obviously an expert and her scientific writing is clear. Her discussions of evolutionary relationships, how they are deduced, and why they can be controversial are insightful. The illustrations are simplistic and difficult to interpret. They would've benefited from color.

[Mike Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a professional development course. It was ok. Some of the chapters were quite interesting and other chapters it felt like the author lost track of the systematic approach she planned to take and instead focused on pet interests with respect to developmental biology.