Animal Evolution: Interrelationships of the Living Phyla

Animal Evolution presents a complete phylogenetic analysis of all animal species. Using the most up-to-date cladistic techniques available, author Claus Nielsen first analyzes each phylum to determine its appropriate ancestral group, then identifies sister phyla to construct a complete phylogenetic tree of extant metazoa. Throughout, reviews of phyla anatomy, ultrastructure, and embryology are expertly presented. This book marks the first time that a systematic cladistic analysis of phylogenetic relationships has been integrated into a text which also describes the main features of the various groups. With its copious illustrations and extensive coverage of the literature, Animal Evolution will be the standard against which to compare the results of traditional and molecular phylogenetic methods. It will be eagerly read by students and researchers in evolutionary and systematic zoology.