Reproduction and Development of Marine Invertebrates

This text assesses the state of current knowledge in the field of reproduction and development of marine invertebrates and identifies future avenues of research. Comprehensive in scope, the book treats all levels of biological organization, from the molecular level to communities of organisms.

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In "Reproduction and Development of Marine Invertebrates", a group of internationally recognized researchers assesses the state of current knowledge in the field and identifies future avenues of research. Comprehensive in scope, the book treats all levels of biological organization, from the molecular level to communities of organisms. After a brief historical overview, which identifies the conceptual underpinnings of 20th-century invertebrate zoology and embryology, the book is organized by developmental stages. The authors first present chapters on oogenesis, spermatogenesis, fertilization and embryonic development. A subsequent section - arranged phylogenetically to encompass annelids, priapulans, molluscs, bryozoans and echinoderms - covers larval morphology and evolution. The final section treats larval or adult populations and includes new information on the role of hydrodynamics to aid in the understanding of larval dispersal and settlement.
Illustrated with more than a hundred line drawings and photos - including 60 high-resolution electron micrographs - it should be of interest to professionals and students in evolutionary biology, invertebrate zoology, developmental biology and functional morphology.