Biology and Evolution of the Mollusca

The phylum Mollusca is the second largest group of animals and occur in virtually all habitats. Many non-marine molluscs are threatened with more recorded extinctions than all tetrapod vertebrates combined. This two-volume set will provide the first general account of molluscs in decades and will include hundreds of colour figures. General chapters bring together a diverse and extensive literature, while taxon chapters provide overviews of their evolution, phylogeny and classification as well as more specific and detailed coverage of their biology (reproduction, feeding and digestion, excretion, respiration etc.), their long fossil record, and their natural history.

"? an immensely useful 'go-to resource'? ? on almost any mollusk-related topic.? ? this is a brilliant work that should be on the desk of any serious 'student' of mollusks, at any career level."? American Malacological Bulletin, 38 (1) 2020.

"It is unlikely that the scientific achievement manifested in the publication of this work will be surpassed in the foreseeable future. Whichever field of molluscan study a student or seasoned researcher is contemplating, this publication is the resource to consult first for an authoritative synthesis. Anyone with an interest in living and extinct molluscs will want to own and consult this landmark set of volumes."   The Quartely Review of Biology, Vol 95

"The two-volume set is a treasure trove for anyone lucky enough to be teaching malacology, a reference work for investigators in a multitude of fields, and a true companion for students and advanced researchers.? It will stand for decades, joining immediately the list of classic volumes covering the Mollusca.? A tour d?force that speaks to the knowledge, dedication, and talent of the authors, illustrator, and also the publisher that had the vision to make such an epic possible in today?s publishing world." - Sandra E. Shumway in National Shellfisheries Association Quarterly Newsletter 2020 (2).

"The scholarship and deep thought that the authors bring to this monumental work are beyond staggering... It is unlikely that the scientific achievement manifested in the publication of this work will be surpassed in the foreseeable future. Whichever field of molluscan study a student or seasoned researcher is contemplating, this publication is the resource to consult first for an authoritative synthesis. Anyone with an interest in living and extinct molluscs will want to own and consult this landmark set of volumes." - Geerat J. Vermeij in The Quarterly Review of Biology

"In case the rest of my review is not emphatic enough, Biology and Evolution of the Mollusca (hereafter BEM) is the most wonderful molluscan work I have ever seen. It is an intellectual tour de force, truly astounding in its breadth and depth of subject coverage; the sampling of the literature is comprehensive and up to date; and the figures are works of art while simultaneously being ? like the text ? exceptionally clear and informative. The authors ? writers Winston F. Ponder and David R. Lindberg, together with illustrator Juliet M. Ponder ? reviewers and publisher are all to be congratulated on such an outstanding result. ? [BEM] will be the standard reference work about the Mollusca for years to come. It undoubtedly will, but I changed my mind; it can do better! Instead, I would like to think that BEM will stimulate such a flowering of molluscan research that it will soon be seen as a more foundational document." - Hamish G. Spencer in Molluscan Research

 

 

 

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