Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach [Hardcover]

Edward E. Ruppert (Author), Richard S. Fox (Author), Robert D. Barnes (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0030259827 | ISBN-13: 978-0030259821 | Publication Date: August 7, 2003 | Edition: 7

Ruppert/Barnes' best-selling introduction to the biology of invertebrates is highly regarded for its accuracy and strong research base. This thorough revision provides a survey by animal group, emphasizing evolutionary origins, adaptive morphology and physiology, while covering anatomical ground plans and basic developmental patterns. New co-author Richard Fox brings to the revision his expertise as an ecologist, offering a good balance to Ruppert's background as a functional morphologist. Lavish illustrations and extensive citations make the book extremely valuable as a teaching tool and reference source.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Professor Edward E. Ruppert attended University of North Carolina for both his undergraduate and graduate education, was a North Carolina Board of Technology Postdoctoral Fellow, Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellow, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Senior Postdoctoral Fellow, and a Smithsonian Institution Senior Postdoctoral Fellow. Professor Ruppert has received the Smithsonian Visiting Investigator Award.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1008 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 7 edition (August 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0030259827
• ISBN-13: 978-0030259821
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #238,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Zoology > Invertebrates

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sets the standard for Invertebrate Zoology texts, May 3, 2000

By 

Alan R. Holyoak - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invertebrate Zoology (Hardcover)

Ruppert and Barnes' text, now in its 6th edition sets the standard for invertebrate zoology texts. The authors provide adequate depth for undergraduate courses in invertebrate zoology, and good fodder for graduate students starting in the discipline as well.

There are outstanding collections of line drawings in the text -- a method of illustration I prefer to photographs for most instructional purposes.

There is good coverage of invertebrate animal groups, but, since it's published in 1994, there are a few places where the book is becoming dated. There is, for example, no information about the Cycliophora, the latest invertebrate phyla to be proposed.

I hope that there will continue to be new editions of this text produced. I cut my teeth on the 3rd edition, and other editions have figured prominently as I have worked through my graduate and professional careers.

Top-notch material. If you are considering which text to select for an invertebrate zoology course, I urge you to give this book a look.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ""Bible" of Invertebrate Zoology, July 12, 2001

By 

Dr. Frank M. Sturtevant - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invertebrate Zoology (Hardcover)

A modern replacement of Libby Hyman's classic series, but, even so, is now beoming out of date because of the rapid advances in molecular biology. Dr. Barnes is deceased and I understand that Dr. Ruppert has no plans to update the book, a horrendous undertaking. Nevertheless, I know of no substitute for this fine text. Readers should also refer to Margulis & Schwartz "Five Kingdoms".

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Repeat: The Bible of Invertebrate Zoology, June 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Invertebrate Zoology (Hardcover)

The text of choice for my marine invertebrates field course, I have referred back to the worn pages of this book again and again in numerous courses. Even after finishing my degree, this book remains my favourite while my copies of Brusca & Brusca and Pechenick remain untouched.

It should be noted that in these days of daily advances and discoveries, especially in the realm of molecular biology, that textbook phylogenies should generally not be trusted. Ruppert and Barnes is no different, and relationships should be found in the most recent literature (and still taken with a huge grain of salt :) ).