This text provides a concise introduction to the field of animal biology. Readers discover general principles of evolution, ecology, classification, systematics, and animal body plans. After these introductory chapters, readers delve into the biology of all groups of animals. The basic features of each group are discussed, along with evolutionary relationships among group members. Chapter highlights include newly discovered features of animals as they relate to ecology, conservation biology, and value to human society. Regular updates to the phylogenies within the book keep it current.
1. Science of Zoology and Evolution of Animal Diversity
2. Animal Ecology
3. Animal Architecture
4. Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Animals
5. Protozoan Groups (Unicellular Eukaryotes)
6. Sponges: Phylum Porifera
7. Radiate Animals: Cnidarians and Ctenophores
8. Acoelomorpha, Platyzoa, and Mesozoa: Flatworms, Gastrotrichs, Gnathiferans, and Mesozoans
9. Polyzoa and Kryptrochozoa: Cycliophora, Entoprocta, Ectoprocta, Brachiopoda, Phoronida, and Nemertea
10. Molluscs
11. Annelids and Allied Taxa
12. Smaller Ecdysozoans
13. Arthropods
14. Chaetognaths, Echinoderms, and Hemichordates
15. Vertebrate Beginnings: The Chordates
16. Fishes
17. The Early Tetrapods and Modern Amphibians
18. Amniote Origins and Nonavian Reptiles
19. Birds
20. Mammals
Cleve Hickman is Professor Emeritus at Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA. He received his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, did research in animal physiology for eight years, and taught zoology for over 30 years. He's made over 20 trips to the Galapagos Islands for research and as an instructor for student field trips
Larry Roberts is currently teaching parasitology and marine biology at the University of Miami. He received his Ph.D. in Parasitology from Johns Hopkins University and is a coauthor of Foundations of Parasitology, 5/e. Past teaching affiliations include University of Massachusetts, Texas Tech University, and Florida International University. Dr. Roberts has authored numerous research articles and a title of related interest: Underwater World of Sport Diving.
Allan Larson is an Associate Professor at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. He received his Ph.D. in Genetics at the University of California, Berkeley. His fields of specialization include Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Population Genetics and Systematics, and Amphibian Systematics. He's taught courses in general biology, evolution, and population biology.