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.

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!

The purpose of this book, now in its third edition, is to introduce the morphology of vertebrates in a context that emphasizes a comparison of structire and of the function of structural units. The comparative method involves the analysis of the history of structure in both developmental and evolutionary frameworks. The nature of adaptation is the key to this analysis. Adaptation of a species to its environment, as revealed by its structure, function, and reproductive success, is the product of mutation and natural selection–the process of evolution. The evolution of structure and function, then, is the theme of this book which presents, system by system, the evolution of structure and function of vertebrates. Each chapter presents the major evolutionary trends of an organ system, with instructions for laboratory exploration of these trends included so the student can integrate concept with example.

Let the prince of your dreams sweep you away in these five enchanting fantasies. The Sea Prince Artist Vivian draws endless inspiration from the beaches and waters of her tropical home. When she meets the exotic Haiden, she finds the ultimate muse--the handsome prince of an exotic undersea kingdom where nature always takes its course.... The Prince of Dreams Teacher Juditha Collins finds herself short one prince for a Renaissance fair. While reading a book about that time period, she releases gorgeous Prince Valentin. She has broken the curse that bound him to its pages. He offers his body and all the pleasure he can bring her. To Wed a Prince Professor Juditha Collins found a real-life medieval prince who burst into her life from the pages of a magical book. A year later, the passion she shares with gorgeous Prince Valentin still runs hot, but at this year's fair, her students plan the ultimate Renaissance surprise. Noelle's Nocturne Lord Gerard is a gifted pianist who also happens to be a lord of the night. His lonely life is brightened and transformed when he meets Noelle, a plus-sized, no-nonsense spinster. The two celebrate the holidays with laughter, music and a passionate affair. But can Noelle truly accept and love this creature of the nocturne? Behold the Beauty In the mystical land of Ravenshead, a prince and a healer are drawn together by a passion stronger than fate. The gorgeous, rebellious Prince Beau loves strong-willed healer Agnatha, and with the help of an all-powerful godling, the two may find the happiness each deserves.