Three major aspects that distinguish this book are that (1) it contains the most detailed analysis of the sexual reproduction (oogenesis, fertilization and embryonic incubation) in a particular phylum of the aquatic invertebrates (Bryozoa) ever made; this analysis is based on an exhaustive review of the literature on that topic published over the last 260 years, as well as extensive original histological, anatomical and morphological data obtained during studies of both extant and extinct species; (2) this broad analysis has made it possible to reconstruct the major patterns, stages and trends in the evolution of sexual reproduction in various bryozoan clades, showing numerous examples of parallelisms during transitions from broadcasting to embryonic incubation, from planktotrophic to non-feeding larvae and from lecithotrophy to placentation; corresponding shifts in oogenesis, fertilization and embryonic development are discussed in detail; and (3) the key evolutionary novelties acquired by Bryozoa are compared with similar innovations that have evolved in other groups of marine invertebrates, showing the general trends in the evolution of their sexual reproduction. Ecological background of these innovations is considered too. Altogether these aspects make the monograph an “Encyclopedia of bryozoan sexual reproduction,” offering an integral picture of the evolution of this complex phenomenon.

Invertebrate Embryology and Reproduction deals with the practical and theoretical objectives of the descriptive embryology of invertebrates, along with discussions on reproduction in these groups of animals. It explains several morphological and anatomical expressions in the field and covers the embryology of invertebrate animals, starting from the Protozoa, to the Echinodermata, the Protochordate and Tunicates. These groups include economically important aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, as well as medically important invertebrates and economic arthropods. Each chapter is preceded by the taxonomy of the discussed phylum and/or the species to enable the reader to locate the systematic position. - Covers phylum definition, general characteristics, classification, reproduction, agametic reproduction, gametic reproduction, spawning, fertilization, development and embryogenesis - Includes recent findings in the area, along with detailed figures and photos that illustrate important concepts - Brings together difficult-to-obtain research data from the field, not only in Egyptian libraries, but globally, and previously only found through specialized references not widely available - Clarifies descriptions with striking photos and electron microscopical studies of different species

"More than seventy percent of the earth's surface is covered by the ocean which is home to a staggering and sometimes overwhelming diversity of organisms, the majority of which reside in pelagic form. Marine invertebrate larvae are an integral component of this pelagic diversity and have stimulated the curiosity of researchers for centuries. This accessible, upper-level text provides an important and timely update on the topic of larval evolution and ecology, representing the first major synthesis of this interdisciplinary field for more than 20 years. The content is structured around four major areas: evolutionary origins and transitions in developmental mode; functional morphology and ecology of larval forms; larval transport, settlement, and metamorphosis; larval ecology in extreme and changing environments. This novel synthesis integrates traditional larval ecology with life history theory, evolutionary developmental biology, and modern genomics research to provide a research and teaching tool for decades to come." -- from the rear cover.

This reference work is designed to provide background information on an array of northeastern Pacific marine invertebrate species so that they can be more easily included in comparative studies of morphology, cell biology, reproduction, embryology, larval biology, and ecology. It is meant to serve biologists who are new to the field as well as experienced investigators who may not be familiar with the invertebrate fauna of the northern Pacific Coast. The species discussed in this volume are mostly from the cold temperate waters of the San Juan Archipelago, near Puget SOund and the Strait of Georgia, but the information and methods given will be useful in laboratories from Alaska to central California and applicable to some extend in other coastal or inland facilities. An introductory chapter discusses basic prodcedures for collecting and maintaining mature specimens, for initiating spawning, and for culturing embryos and larvae in the laboratory. Subsequent chapters summarize reproduction and development in thirty different invertebrate groups and provided ercent references through which additional information can be traced, cite monographs or keys needed to identify species, and give methods useful for studying an array of selected species. Available information on habitat, diet, reproductive mode, egg size, developmental pattern, developmental times, larval type, and conditions for settlement and metamorphosis is reported for over 450 species.

This is the first book to provide a detailed treatment of the field of larval ecology. The 13 chapters use state-of-the-art reviews and critiques of nearly all of the major topics in this diverse and rapidly growing field. Topics include: patterns of larval diversity, reproductive energetics, spawning ecology, life history theory, larval feeding and nutrition, larval mortality, behavior and locomotion, larval transport, dispersal, population genetics, recruitment dynamics and larval evolution. Written by the leading new scientists in the field, chapters define the current state of larval ecology and outline the important questions for future research.

Understanding where and how invertebrates live, reproduce, and develop continues to be a growing fascination to those in scientific, economic, environmental, and health-related fields. The Invertebrate Reproduction and Development fills the need for an updated reference that outlines essential information concerning all of the generally recognized phyla. It provides readers with an overview of the major reproductive and developmental strategies employed throughout the animal kingdom. Invertebrate Reproduction and Development, covers the reproductive and developmental biology of invertebrates in a manner that is straightforward and comprehensible. Researchers and instructors in the fields of morphology, developmental biology, and invertebrate biology will all be reminded of how the study of invertebrates has led the way in attempting to understand the mechanisms by which life is defined and propagated. After a brief historical overview that identifies the conceptual underpinnings of invertebrate zoology and embryology, the book discuss oogenesis, spermatogenesis, fertilization, and embryonic development. Besides this book also depicts about phylogenetically to encompass annelids, priapulans, molluscs, bryozoans, and echinoderms-covers larval morphology and evolution.

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 that identifies the conceptual underpinnings of twentieth-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. Reproduction and Development of Marine Invertebrates is the first book of its kind to be published since 1978. Extensivelyillustrated with more than a hundred line drawings and photos--including sixty high-resolution electron micrographs--it will be of interest to professionals and students in evolutionary biology, invertebrate zoology, developmental biology, and functional morphology.