Mollusks have been important to humans since our earliest days. Initially, when humans were primarily interested in what they could eat or use, mollusks were important as food, ornaments, and materials for tools. Over the centuries, as human knowledge branched out and individuals started to study the world around them, mollusks were important subjects for learning how things worked. In this volume, the editors and contributors have brought together a broad range of topics within the field of malacology. It is our expectation that these topics will be of interest and use to amateur and professional malacologists.

The definitive resource on the biology and evolution of freshwater mollusks. There are more species of freshwater mollusks—well over 5,000—than all the mammal species of the world. Freshwater mollusks are also arguably the most endangered fauna on the planet. Yet few references exist for researchers, shell enthusiasts, and general readers who are interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures. In Freshwater Mollusks of the World, Charles Lydeard and Kevin S. Cummings fill that void with contributions from dozens of renowned mollusk experts. Touching on 34 families of freshwater gastropods (snails) and 9 families of freshwater bivalves (mussels and clams), each chapter provides a synthesis of the latest research on the diversity and evolutionary relationships of the family. The book also includes • a look at how evolving DNA sequencing data techniques help shed light on mollusk taxonomy • distribution maps of each family's biogeographic locales • a representative photo and distribution map for each of the freshwater mollusk families • the latest information on each family's conservation status—and how to reverse the habitat destruction, modification, and pollution that threatens it • a discussion of the ecological and economic damages caused by invasive mollusk species, as well as their role as disease vectors Mollusks provide us with amazing biogeographical insights: their ancient fossil record goes back over 500 million years, and their distribution patterns are a reflection of past continental and climate changes. The only comprehensive summary of systematic and biodiversity information on freshwater mollusk families throughout the world, this reference is a must for malacologists, limnologists, ichthyologists, stream ecologists, biogeographers, and conservation biologists. Contributors: Christian Albrecht, Rüdiger Bieler, Bert Van Bocxlaer, David C. Campbell, Stephanie A. Clark, Catharina Clewing, Robert H. Cowie, Kevin S. Cummings, Diana Delicado, Hiroshi Fukuda, Hiroaki Fukumori, Matthias Glaubrecht, Daniel L. Graf, Diego E. Gutiérrez Gregoric, Kenneth A. Hayes, Yasunori Kano, Taehwan Lee, Charles Lydeard, Nathaniel T. Marshall, Paula M. Mikkelsen, Marco T. Neiber, Timea P. Neusser, Winston Ponder, Michael Schrödl, Alena A. Shirokaya, Björn Stelbrink, Carol A. Stepien, Ellen E. Strong, Maxim V. Vinarski, Amy R. Wethington, Thomas Wilke

Introduces the reader to an incredible group of animals, from the common garden snail to the giant squid.

"An introduction to marine invertebrates and their physical characteristics, life cycle, behaviors, and adaptations to various habitats. Features include diagrams, fun facts, glossary, resource list, and index"--Provided by publisher.

Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks: From Molecule to Behavior provides an extensive overview of the latest research on the various ecophysiological effects of ocean acidification on marine mollusks. This book synthesizes historical information and recent findings on the effects of environmental change, ocean warming, and acidification on key mollusks and their life-history. It also discusses the underlying mechanisms underpinning the effects of ocean warming and acidification. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field of marine biology, this book systematically examines the effects of ocean acidification on the reproduction, growth and development, physiological metabolism, immunity, and behavior of marine mollusks. The book concludes by discussing the implications of current research, acknowledging data limitations in the field, and proposing future research directions, providing a better understanding of the potential impacts of ocean acidification on mollusks and the global aquaculture industry and inspiring new thinking for future research practices. It will be an indispensable resource for researchers, practitioners, undergraduate and graduate students, conservationists, and aquaculturists alike who are interested in marine environmental change, ecology, physiology, and marine biology. Describes the causes and consequences of ocean acidification in the marine environment Summarizes our modern understanding of the impact of ocean acidification on the physiology and behavior of marine mollusks Discusses the limitations of existing studies Proposes future research directions on ocean acidification and marine mollusks

Looks at the physical characteristics and behavior of various unusual mollusks.