Bryozoan Evolution - Paperback

by Frank K. McKinney (Author), Jeremy B. C. Jackson (Author)

The authors argue that the growth pattern and form of the colony in many bryozoans is an adaptive strategy rather than a stable genetic character.

"Bryozoan Evolution is profusely illustrated and has a bibliography of over 400 titles. It will find an appreciative audience of paleontologists, invertebrate zoologists, and ecologists thanks to its innovative and detailed evaluations of the roles of ecology, adaptive and functional morphology, life histories, biomechanics, developmental constraints, and chance on the evolution of the marine taxa of this speciose group."--Russel L. Zimmer, Science

"This book is an excellent source of information on the functional morphology and variety of colonial architecture in bryozoans, very well illustrated, and worth reading at least twice."-Robert L. Anstey, Paleobiology

"Even as one of the converted, I found the book a stimulating combination of paleobiology and ecology. In many ways it is a 'teaser'-the authors suggest a number of interesting hypotheses, and can test only some of them. Perhaps most important, McKinney and Jackson provide a plethora of fascinating ideas and examples that demonstrate the potential of this group of animals, and that should stimulate more work."-Michael S. Keough, TREE

"This stimulating book is sure to promote further interest in bryozoans. It will appeal to biologists and paleontologists alike."-Paul Taylor, Times Higher Education Supplement

Back Jacket

In this richly illustrated book, Frank McKinney and Jeremy Jackson argue that the growth pattern and form of a bryozoan colony is more an expression of its ecological niche than of its phylogenetic history, pointing out that similar forms have evolved in similar situations throughout the history of the phylum.