Reviews the most important literature on the functional morphology and natural history of molluscs over a period of half a century, from 1925 to the present day, and draws extensively upon authoritative papers published mostly in the English language in a large number of international journals during this period. By these means it is hoped to provide an anthology of what is most interesting in the literature in a number of selected topics. Appendices give some practical assistance for the dissection of selected examples

The Mollusca, Volume 5: Physiology, Part 2 focuses on the biochemistry and physiology of mollusks. The selection first elaborates on the feeding biology of gastropods and feeding and digestion in Bivalvia and cephalopods. Discussions focus on feeding, digestion, feeding and digestive rhythms, feeding behavior, ontogeny of gastropod feeding biology, and feeding mechanisms. The text then examines the circulatory systems of gastropods and bivalves and circulation in cephalopods, including blood vessels and extracellular space, chemical control of the circulation, fluid mechanics of the circulation, and nature and anatomy of the circulatory system. The text takes a look at ionic regulation and water balance, excretion, and molluscan immunobiology. Topics include internal defenses of gastropods, bivalves, cephalopods, and Polyplacophorans, Monoplacophora, Cephalopoda, and Scaphopoda. The selection is a vital reference for researchers interested in the biochemistry and physiology of mollusks.

Updated for 2011, Invertebrates, is one book in the Britannica Illustrated Science Library Series that covers today's most popular science topics, from digital TV to microchips to touchscreens and beyond. Perennial subjects in earth science, life science, and physical science are all explored in detail. Amazing graphics-more than 1,000 per title-combined with concise summaries help students understand complex subjects. Correlated to the science curriculum in grades 5-9, each title also contains a glossary with full definitions for vocabulary.