The animals loosely termed fish constitute more than half of all known vertebrate species. There are approximately 27,000 described living species of bony fishes (Euteleostomi = Osteichthyes), about 70 species of hagfishes and some 34 species of lampreys. Approximately 970 species are chondrichthyans, the sharks and their relatives, which were the subject of volume 3 in this series. It is perhaps because fishes live in a buoyant medium, whether it be fresh or sea water, that they show a diversity in body shapes that is unparalleled by other vertebrates. There is also a unique diversity in the modes of reproduction, whether by external or internal fertilization, and this, with the morphology and fine structure of the reproductive system and its components, is the subject of Part A. Part B deals with complementary topics: testes, sperm, and sperm competition; endocrinology of reproduction; pheromones and reproduction; copulatory structures: taxonomic overview and the potential for sexual selection; sexual selection: signaling and courtship; adaptation and evolution of reproductive mode in copulating cottoid species; fertilization; sex determination; parental care; reproduction in relation to conservation and exploitation of marine fishes; Cryopreservation of Gametes; Embryogenesis and Development; and Molecular Genetics of Development.

"This is a coursebook and reference guide for ichthyology courses that will also serve as a tool for ichthyologists, fisheries scientists, marine biologists, and vertebrate zoologists. It will cover the basic anatomy and diversity of all 62 orders of fishes, focusing on the distinguishing characteristics of approximately 180 of the most commonly encountered fish families. Each family will be diagnosed with easily observed characteristics and clear photos--many in color and from living specimens. This guide will be distinctive through the use of photographs of preserved specimens primarily from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, supplemented by radiographs and additional illustrations of key characters. The goal is to give ichthyology students, fisheries scientists, marine biologists, vertebrate zoologists, and others with an interest or stake in the diversity of fishes a broad overview of the morphological diversity of fishes, arranged in a modern classification system. For students, it's a natural complement to primary ichthyology textbooks, which don't cover the breadth of morphological characteristics necessary to identify fish"--Provided by publisher.

It is perhaps because fishes live in a buoyant medium, whether it be fresh or sea water, that they show a diversity in body shapes that is unparalleled by other vertebrates. There is also a unique diversity in the modes of reproduction, whether by external or internal fertilization, and this, with the morphology and fine structure of the reproducti

The Dissection of Vertebrates covers several vertebrates commonly used in providing a transitional sequence in morphology. With illustrations on seven vertebrates – lamprey, shark, perch, mudpuppy, frog, cat, pigeon – this is the first book of its kind to include high-quality, digitally rendered illustrations. This book received the Award of Excellence in an Illustrated Medical Book from the Association of Medical Illustrators. It is organized by individual organism to facilitate classroom presentation. This illustrated, full-color primary dissection manual is ideal for use by students or practitioners working with vertebrate anatomy. This book is also recommended for researchers in vertebrate and functional morphology and comparative anatomy. The result of this exceptional work offers the most comprehensive treatment than has ever before been available. - Received the Award of Excellence in an Illustrated Medical Book from the Association of Medical Illustrators - Expertly rendered award-winning illustrations accompany the detailed, clear dissection direction - Organized by individual organism to facilitate classroom presentation - Offers coverage of a wide range of vertebrates - Full-color, strong pedagogical aids in a convenient lay-flat presentation

The laboratory companion to Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life by James L. Sumich and John F. Morrissey, this laboratory manual further engages students in the excitement and challenges of understanding marine organisms and the environments in which they live. Students will benefit from a more thorough examination of the topics introduced in the text and lecture through observation and critical thinking activities in the Laboratory and Field Investigations in Marine Life. Also, the lab manual includes suggested topics for additional investigation, which provides flexibility for both instructors and for students to explore further various topics of interest. The only lab manual of its kind, Laboratory and Field Investigations in Marine Life is the ideal complement to any marine biology teaching and learning package!