Terminology; Preparation of specimens; Range and distribution of the productoidea; External mophology of the productoidea; Internal morphology of the productoidea; Life habits of the productoidea; Origin of the productoidea; Classification of the productoidea; Systematic descriptions.

Scholarly work with lengthy entries followed by references for further reading. Many illustrations. Indexed.

This collection of conference papers presents information on the molecular genetics, biomineralization, growth and ecology of extant brachiopod stocks (extrapolated back to the Cambrian), and the shell microstructure, taphonomy, paleogeography, evolution, and taxonomy of fossil brachiopods.