The Colonisation of Land Origins and Adaptations of Terrestrial Animals

About this book

The Colonisation of Land traces the ways in which terrestrial animals have evolved from aquatic ancestors and discusses the means by which they are adapted to life on land. The most important physiological adaptations are those involving salt and water balance, the excretion of nitrogen, reproductive mechanisms and the sense organ and these are given priority. Evidence from fossil history is combined with that from the ecology and physiology of present-day species to assess the probable routes along which various evolutionary lines had moved on to land.

Individual chapters are concerned with specific animal groups and emphasis is placed on comparisons of physiological mechanisms between closely related animals before attempting wider generalisations. The Colonisation of Land closes with a brief account of the recolonisation of the sea and fresh waters by terrestrial animals. First published in 1983.

Contents

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Flatworms, nemertines and nematodes
3. Annelids
4. Molluscs
5. Crustaceans and the evolution of arthropods
6. Chelicerates
7. Onychophornas and myriapods
8. Hexapods
9. Vertebrates
10. Comparative discussion: the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems
References
Indexes

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