- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: OUP Oxford; 1 edition (30 Aug 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0198566697
- ISBN-13: 978-0198566694
- Product Dimensions: 24.4 x 19 x 1.8 cm
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
825,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #5 in Books > Scientific, Technical & Medical > Biology > Cellular Biology > Cellular Development
- #8 in Books > Scientific, Technical & Medical > Biology > Taxonomy
- #17 in Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Social Sciences > Linguistics > Morphology
- See Complete Table of Contents
The Evolution of Organ Systems (Oxford Biology)
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It succeeds in providinf an integrative view on this important but often neglected aspect of metazoan evolution...highly recommend this volume as an introduction to the evolution of animal organ systems. (Thomas Boehm The Quarterly Review of Biology )
Product Description
Systematics has developed rapidly during the past two decades. A multitude of new methods and contributions from a diversity of biological fields including molecular genetics and developmental biology have provided a wealth of phylogenetic hypotheses, some confirming traditional views others contradicting them. Despite such inconsistencies, it is now possible to recognize robust regions of a 'tree of life' and also to identify problematic areas which have yet to be resolved. This is the first book to apply the current state of phylogeny to an evolutionary interpretation of animal organ systems and body architecture, providing alternative theories in those cases of continuing controversy. Organs do not appear suddenly during evolution; instead they are composed of far simpler structures. In some cases it is even possible to trace particular molecules or physiological pathways as far back as pre-animal history. What emerges is a fascinating picture, showing how animals have combined ancestral and new elements in novel ways to form constantly changing responses to environmental requirements. The Evolution of Organ Systems starts with a general overview of current animal phylogeny, followed by review of general body organization including symmetry, anteroposterior axis, dorsoventral axis, germ layers, segmentation, and skeletons. Subsequent chapters then provide a detailed description of the individual organ systems themselves - integument, musculature, nervous system, sensory organs, body cavities, excretory system, circulatory system, respiratory system, intestinal system, gonads and gametes. Generously illustrated throughout, this accessible text is suitable for both upper level undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in animal evolution, organogenesis, animal anatomy, zoology and systematics. It will also be a valuable reference tool for those professional researchers in these fields requiring an authoritative, balanced and up-to-date overview of the topic.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Peerlessly Detailed Survey of Comparative Morphology
8 Aug 2008
Format:Paperback
If you're looking at this book, you probably already know what you're in for. This is a tremendously detailed text on comparative morphology that seeks to trace the origins of organ systems from the original metazoans on downward. Each chapter takes a separate organ system -- nervous, circulatory, excretory, and so forth -- and discusses how it is structured with respect to the phyla (ALL of the phyla). It then concludes with the author's analysis of the implications of the morphological discussion for evolution -- which features were original to a shared ancestor (thereby indicating relationships between the phyla), and which are instead likely just the product of convergent evolution.
Not being an introductory text, this book will probably be incomprehensible if you do not already know a fair bit about all the metazoan phyla and some of the competing theories regarding their origins and differentiation. But that being said, it's not overly complex otherwise, and is a very interesting read. The illustrations, moreover, are well done and plentiful.
If I had a criticism, it would be that the text gets a little dull and rote, mechanically following its organizational scheme without as many digressions and charming anecdotes as I'd like. But you can't have everything. There's really no other book out there in English, to my knowledge, that is as detailed on this subject. So if you are at all interested in comparative morphology of the phyla, this is the one for you.
Not being an introductory text, this book will probably be incomprehensible if you do not already know a fair bit about all the metazoan phyla and some of the competing theories regarding their origins and differentiation. But that being said, it's not overly complex otherwise, and is a very interesting read. The illustrations, moreover, are well done and plentiful.
If I had a criticism, it would be that the text gets a little dull and rote, mechanically following its organizational scheme without as many digressions and charming anecdotes as I'd like. But you can't have everything. There's really no other book out there in English, to my knowledge, that is as detailed on this subject. So if you are at all interested in comparative morphology of the phyla, this is the one for you.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
A must have zoology book
29 Aug 2009
Format:Paperback
Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa did an excellent job in writing this textbook. The idea of organizing the chapters in organ systems is innovative and very useful. One can realize that the author is an experienced teacher in zoology - its very well written and the numerous tables in which the type and structure of the organ systems in different animal taxa give a quick overview.
It combines all recent morphological studies and discussed them in the light of recent phylogenies. Always open minded, never dogmatic it gives a balanced view of common hypotheses about the evolution of the different organ systems.
I use this book nearly daily and I just have the paper back edition and think about getting the hardcover.
This book earns attention, its excellent as a reference and for teaching zoology.
Hopefully there will be a second edition!
It combines all recent morphological studies and discussed them in the light of recent phylogenies. Always open minded, never dogmatic it gives a balanced view of common hypotheses about the evolution of the different organ systems.
I use this book nearly daily and I just have the paper back edition and think about getting the hardcover.
This book earns attention, its excellent as a reference and for teaching zoology.
Hopefully there will be a second edition!
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