Containing proceedings of the VIIIth International Rotifer Symposium which was held in Collegeville, Minnesota, USA, on June 22-27 1997, this volume includes review papers and reports of recent research findings along with the presentation of new methods in rotifer biology. The publications contained in this volume reflect the wide diversity of approaches, methods of analysis and conclusions that characterize research on the Rotifera. Some of the topics addressed are: rotifer distribution, responses to biotic and abiotic factors, genetic profile of individuals and populations, rotifer feeding and mating behavior, morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy.

Jellyfish', a group that includes scyphomedusae, hydromedusae, siphonophores and ctenophores, are important zooplankton predators throughout the world's estuaries and oceans. These beautiful creatures have come to public attention as featured exhibits in aquaria and in news headlines as invaders and as providers of genes used in biomedical research. Nevertheless, jellyfish are generally considered to be nuisances because they interfere with human activities by stinging swimmers, clogging power plant intakes and nets of fishermen and fish farms, and competing with fish and eating fish eggs and larvae. There is concern that environmental changes such as global warming, eutrophication, and over-fishing may result in increased jellyfish populations. The literature reviews and research papers in this volume explore the interactions between jellyfish and humans. Papers cover the medical aspects of jellyfish stings, jellyfish as human food and jellyfish fisheries, interactions of jellyfish and fish, effects of environmental changes on jellyfish, effects of introduced ctenophores on the Black Sea ecosystem, factors causing increases or concentrations of jellyfish, and others aspects of jellyfish ecology. This is an important reference for students and professional marine biologists, oceanographers, fishery scientists, and aquarists.

This book aims at providing students and researchers an advanced integrative overview on zooplankton ecology, covering marine and freshwater organisms, from microscopic phagotrophic protists, to macro-jellyfishes and active fish larvae. The first book section addresses zooplanktonic organisms and processes, the second section is devoted to zooplankton spatial and temporal distribution patterns and trophic dynamics, and the final section is dedicated to emergent methodological approaches (e.g., omics). Book chapters include comprehensive synthesis, observational and manipulative studies, and sediment-based analysis, a vibrant imprint of benthic-pelagic coupling and ecosystem connectivity. Most chapters also address the impacts of anticipated environmental changes (e.g., warming, acidification).

In 1961, neurobiologists found that the conduction velocity of the nerve impulse in the giant nerve fiber of the" Penaeus "shrimp abdominal nerve cord was over 200 m/s, the highest speed of information transmission ever observed in the animal kingdom. The peculiar myelin sheath with its unique nodal structure and the electrical properties of the nerve fibers of the shrimp have continued to be investigated for a quarter of century and are now fully described in this book. The investigation dispels the commonly held belief that the fastest recorded impulse conduction is about 120 m/s in the thickest vertebrate myelinated nerve fibers. In the shrimp, researchers found a completely novel type of functional node in the giant fiber which they designated as the fenestration node. In portions of the myelinated fiber, the fenestration node furnished the sites of excitation. Also discovered was a new strategy for increasing impulse conduction in the shrimp. The book includes a section on the formation of the fenestration node and the discovery of a strategy that allows the shrimp to escape its predators by an action of the fastest velocity. The data presented in this volume on the myelin sheath of invertebrates present a new direction for this field and a rich source of information for neurobiologists worldwide.

About 95 per cent of all known animal species are invertebrates. A knowledge of their sexual, reproductive, and developmental biology is essential for the effective management of species that are economically useful to man or are harmful to him, his crops, and livestock. This treatise is the first to cover all aspects of reproduction and development of the entire spectrum of invertebrates -- terrestrial, marine, freshwater, brackish-water, free-living, and parasitic. The chapters, by leading world experts in their fields, are up-to-date and informative, and suggest a number of problems for future research. Asexual Propagation and Reproductive Strategies, issued in two parts, is the sixth volume in the series. Part A: Porifera through Mollusca Contents Series Preface; Preface to Volume VI; Systematic Resume of the Invertebrates; Porifera, Paul E. Fell; Cnidaria, Stanley Shostak; Platyhelminthes-Turbellaria, Mario Benazzi and Giuseppina Benazzi Lentati; Platyhelminthes-Trematoda, Roy M. Anderson; Platyhelminthes-Eucestoda, Larry S. Roberts and C. R. Kennedy; Mesozoa, Bayard H. McConnaughey; Rotifera, John J. Gilbert; Gastrotricha, M. R. Hummon and W. D. Hummon; Acanthocephala, C. R. Kennedy; Sipuncula, Mary E. Rice and John F. Pilger, Mollusca, N. W. Runham; Species Index; Subject Index. Part B: Annelida-Clitellata through Cephalochordata Contents Series Preface; Preface to Volume VI; Systematic Resume of the Invertebrates; Annelida-Clitellata, B. Christensen; Tardigrada, Roberto Bertolani; Arthropoda-Crustacea, T. J. Pandian; Arthropoda-lnsecta, J. Muthukrishnan; Pentastomida, J. Riley; Bryozoa Entoprocta, C. Nielsen; Brachiopoda, S. H. Chuang; Chaetognatha, A. Alvarino; Echinodermata: Asexual Propagation, Philip V. Mladenov and R. D. Burke; Hemichordata, J. A. Petersen; Cephalochordata, Jaypaul Azariah; Species Index; Subject Index.

The book by K. V. Galaktionov and A. A. Dobrovolskij maintains the tra- tion of monographs devoted to detailed coverage of digenetic tr matodes in the tradition of B. Dawes (1946) and T. A. Ginetsinskaya (1968). In this - spect, the book is traditional in both its form and content. In the beginning (Chapter 1), the authors provide a consistent analysis of the morphological features of all life cycle stages. Importantly, they present a detailed char- terization of sporocysts and rediae whose morphological-functional orga- zation has never been comprehensively described in modern literature. The authors not only list morphological characteristics, but also analyze the functional significance of different morphological structures and hypothesize about their evolution. Special attention is given to specific features of m- phogenesis in all stages of the trematode life cycle. On this basis, the authors provide several original suggestions about the possible origins of morp- logical evolution of the parthenogenetic (asexual) and the hermaphroditic generations. This is followed by a detailed consideration of the various m- phological-biological adaptations that ensure the successful completion of the complex life cycles of these parasites (Chapter 2). Life cycles inherent in different trematodes are subject to a special analysis (Chapter 3). The authors distinguish several basic types of life cycles and suggest an original interpretation of their evolutionary origin. Chapter 4 features the analysis of structure and the dynamics of trematode populations and is unusual for a monograph of this type.

This book addresses the needs of professional and amateur taxonomists on the subject of ascidians in Asia. This is the first book of its kind and features color illustrations done by the authors in Asia. This book provides a brief overview of ascidians in addition to both the taxonomy and distribution of ascidians along India's southern coast. It also opens a new arena for marine researchers in the field of ascidians in Asia. This book is the outcome of the authors' 15 years of research experience in the field of ascidians, making it very helpful for researchers, coastal planners, port authorities and the proper management of coastal thermal plants and atomic power plants.

Annelida is a diverse group of animals, commonly referred to as segmented worms and currently comprising around 14000 described species. Found in most marine and freshwater areas, annelids have also successfully occupied many subterranean habitats. This volume documents annelid reproduction in the context of their phylogenetic relationships. It presents an introduction and overview to the current systematics of annelids and provides reviews to broad aspects of reproduction across Annelida. The chapters cover oogenesis, sperm, mating, early development, larval development and larval ecology. The book also covers some of the major clades (or purported clades) of annelids and addresses similar issues. The final chapter covers some of the more problematic annelid groups in terms of their phylogenetic placement.

Reprinted from "The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma" in 1927, Harding and Moore's illustrated compendium describes the biology, anatomy and sub species of the parasitic leech family that is the Suborder Rhynchabdellae predominantly found in south Asia.

Since the publication of the highly-successful first edition of Earthworm Ecology, there were two international symposia and an increased number of publications on the subject, demanding a revision of the book that addresses the most rapidly developing areas of earthworm research. Earthworm Ecology, Second Edition updates the most comprehensive work available on earthworm ecology with extensive revisions of the original chapters. This well-illustrated, expansive study examines the important, and often overlooked, impact earthworms have on the environment. It discusses the impact of climate, soil properties, predation, disease and parasitism, and competition upon earthworm ecology. New chapters analyze the history of earthworm research, the importance of earthworms as representatives of soil fauna and how they affect plant growth, the effects of the invasion of exotic earthworms into North America and other regions, and vermiculture and vermicomposting in Europe and Asia. This new material makes this volume an essential reference work for soil scientists, agronomists, and others with a great interest in earthworms.

Jellyfish are one of the most conspicuous animals in our oceans and are renowned for their propensity to form spectacular blooms. The unique features of the biology and ecology of jellyfish that enable them to bloom also make them successful invasive species and, in a few places around the world, jellyfish have become problematic. As man increasingly populates the world s coastlines, interactions between humans and jellyfish are rising, often to the detriment of coastal-based industries such as tourism, fishing and power generation. However we must not lose sight of the fact that jellyfish have been forming blooms in the oceans for at least 500 million years, and are an essential component of normal, healthy ocean ecosystems. Here many of the world s leading jellyfish experts explore the science behind jellyfish blooms. We examine the unique features of jellyfish biology and ecology that cause populations to bloom and bust, and, using case studies, we show why jellyfish are important to coastal and ocean ecosystem function. We outline strategies coastal managers can use to mitigate the effects of blooms on coastal industries thereby enabling humans to coexist with these fascinating creatures. Finally we highlight how jellyfish benefit society; providing us with food and one of the most biomedically-important compounds discovered in the 20th century. "

Experts offer the most sweeping reference available on the subject of North American beetles. Their rigorous standards for the presentation of data create a concise, useful format that is consistent throughout the book. This is the resource of choice for quick, accurate, and easily accessible information.

This study is part of a series dedicated to the publication of reviews by experts of important topics in all areas of echinoderm studies, from molecular biology to ecology, palaeontology, biology and taxonomy. It addresses a range of topics in depth. The reviews seek to provide access to the field and to give direction to further study and research.

Arnett and Thomas offer the most sweeping text available on the subject of North American beetles. Each section is presented in the same concise format, and the organization of the information is bt family. The editors have chosen the most respected of specialists to contribute the entries.

The phylum Platyhelminthes is constituted of about 50,000 species of flatworms, most of which are parasites of vertebrates, but many living freely in a wide variety of habitats from the deep-sea to the damp soils of tropical forests. They are, at least superficially, morphologically simple and have been considered the most primitive of multi-cellular animals. This book elucidates the position of the flatworms in the animal kingdom and the radiation of free-living and parasitic groups, by the use of established and modern systematic techniques.

Heteropterans regularly cause a wide variety and large number of problems for humans - at times on a catastrophic scale. The 37,000 described species of this suborder including many pests, disease transmitters, and nuisances exist worldwide, inflicting damage on crops, forests, orchards, and human life. Inspired by the widespread economic impact of this activity, Heteroptera of Economic Importance presents the most thorough, detailed account of true bugs to date, from the bloodsucking bed bug to the dreaded assassin bug. It is the definitive source for biological information not only on true bugs of economic importance, but on the general biology of the major families of Heteroptera as well.

Heteroptera of Economic Importance integrates the best of insect-focused and crop-oriented references, synthesizing the biology, behavior, and ecology of the true bugs. Each entry includes a detailed life history, helping you to evaluate the impact of harmful and useful Heteroptera. The thorough, comprehensive bibliographies support further research. Separate indices to insects and plants let you adapt the book to your use. It covers the physiology of plant damage and predation by this cosmopolitan group. This coverage, along with information on control measures and natural enemies, helps you evaluate and compare the best methods of management.

Heteroptera can be serious crop pests, harmful to humans, or can be valuable as biological control agents. This work discusses them individually, with expert presentation of the biology, distribution, damage, and control of each economically significant insect. As a resource that lets you easily access information and research on related bugs globally, Heteroptera of Economic Importance lends itself to sharing of ideas and information across geographical boundaries which will inevitably yield more research, new ideas, and better control.

Zooplankton is a major work of reference for researchers in plankton biology, physiology and behavior, which combines behavioral and psychological approaches to the study of plankton on present and interdisciplinary investigation of sensory processes in pelagic environments. The breadth of perspective thus achieved provides valuable insights into the larger scale ecological processes of biological productivity, community structure and population dynamics.
Technological advances in almost all aspects of biological research have opened up opportunities for a re-examination of the sensory ecology of planktonic organisms. In this wide-ranging collection, leading researchers in planktonic behavior and physiology address the rapidly developing interface between these two major areas. The studies presented range from the laboratory to the field and from the cell to the whole organism, but share the common goal of understanding the special sensory world of organisms that live in pelagic environments and how their behavior and physiology relate to it.

Part of a biennial series in which surveys of selected topics are presented, this volume discusses: velatida and spinulosida; adhesion in echinoderms; biological activities and biological role of triterpene glycosides from holothuroids (echinodermata); mass mortality of echinoderms from abiotic factors; mutable collagenous tissue; and extracellular matrix as mechano-effector.

Echinoderm Studies is a biennial series in which comprehensive surveys of selected topics are presented. A guiding principle of the series is to cover all aspects of echinoderm biology so as to promote a better comprehension of this group of animals.

Ecotoxicology of Metals in Invertebrates reviews the state of the art in research concerning metal exposure of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial invertebrates. The book focuses on the uptake and accumulation of essential and non-essential trace metals by invertebrates, metal detoxification and involved mechanisms, adaptations to metal stress, metal regulation and elimination, distribution and speciation of metals in different organs and tissues, and interaction of metals with biotic and abiotic factors. Toxicological studies involve histopathological, electron microscopic, physiological, and biochemical methods. The book emphasizes the ecological and ecotoxicological implications that can be derived from metal exposure of invertebrates in the field. The significance of background concentrations, the evaluation of critical concentrations, and the establishment of environmental quality criteria are discussed as well. Ecotoxicology of Metals in Invertebrates is an excellent reference for ecologists, ecotoxicologists, environmental scientists, ecophysiologists, and students.

The 300 known viruses that affect invertebrates, mostly insects, are important for research and for pest control. Twelve studies review the advances in the knowledge and use of these viruses made possible by biotechnological processes. Special attention is given to the baculoviridae family, but othe

Jellyfish form spectacular population blooms and there is compelling evidence that jellyfish blooms are becoming more frequent and widespread. Blooms have enormous ecological, economic, and social impacts. For example, they have been implicated in the decline of commercial fisheries, they block the cooling water intakes of coastal industries and ships, and reduce the amenity of coastal waters for tourists. Blooms may be caused by overfishing, climate change, and coastal pollution, which all affect coastal waters around the world.Jellyfish Blooms: Causes, Consequences and Recent Advances presents reviews and original research articles written by the world 's leading experts on jellyfish. Topics covered include the evolution of jellyfish blooms, the impacts of climate change on jellyfish populations, advances in acoustic and molecular methods used to study jellyfish, the role of jellyfish in food webs and nutrient cycles, and the ecology of the benthic stages of the jellyfish life history. This is a valuable resource for students and professional marine biologists, fisheries scientists, oceanographers, and researchers of climate change.

This work consists of seven plenary lectures read at an international conference in Tampa, USA.

The purpose of this book is to present the state of knowledge concerning nutrition and point out directions for future work for the Echinodermata, an ancient group which shows great diversity in form and function, and whose feeding activities can have great environmental impact.

Great Salt Lake is an enormous terminal lake in the western United States. It is a highly productive ecosystem, which has global significance for millions of migrating birds who rely on this critical feeding station on their journey through the American west. For the human population in the adjacent metropolitan area, this body of water provides a significant economic resource as industries, such as brine shrimp harvesting and mineral extraction, generate jobs and income for the state of Utah. In addition, the lake provides the local population with ecosystem services, especially the creation of mountain snowpack that generates water supply, and the prevention of dust that may impair air quality. As a result of climate change and water diversions for consumptive uses, terminal lakes are shrinking worldwide, and this edited volume is written in this urgent context. This is the first book ever centered on Great Salt Lake biology. Current and novel data presented here paint a comprehensive picture, building on our past understanding and adding complexity. Together, the authors explore this saline lake from the microbial diversity to the invertebrates and the birds who eat them, along a dynamic salinity gradient with unique geochemistry. Some unusual perspectives are included, including the impact of tar seeps on the lake biology and why Great Salt Lake may help us search for life on Mars. Also, we consider the role of human perceptions and our effect on the biology of the lake. The editors made an effort to involve a diversity of experts on the Great Salt Lake system, but also to include unheard voices such as scientists at state agencies or non-profit advocacy organizations. This book is a timely discussion of a terminal lake that is significant, unique, and threatened.