This book succeeds in bringing together the previously scattered literature on invertebrate phylogeny, forming a unique introduction to this fascinating and controversial subject. Phylogenetic study is an important corner-stone of biology, for the evolutionary relationships between groups of animals bear heavily upon the analysis of their physiology, behavior and ecology. Until now, there have been few books which analyse the diversity of animal life in terms of its origins and the relationships between different groups. After reviewing the current state of the subject, the author discusses...

The new and updated edition of this accessible text provides a comprehensive overview of the comparative physiology of animals within an environmental context.

• Includes two brand new chapters on Nerves and Muscles and the Endocrine System.
• Discusses both comparative systems physiology and environmental physiology.
• Analyses and integrates problems and adaptations for each kind of environment: marine, seashore and estuary, freshwater, terrestrial and parasitic.
• Examines mechanisms and responses beyond physiology.
• Applies an evolutionary...