The Diversity of Fishes

'The second edition of The Diversity of Fishesrepresents a major revision of the world’s most widely adopted ichthyology textbook. Expanded and updated, the second edition is illustrated throughout with striking color photographs depicting the spectacular evolutionary adaptations of the most ecologically and taxonomically diverse vertebrate group. The text incorporates the latest advances in the biology of fishes, covering taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, biogeography, ecology, and behavior. A new chapter on genetics and molecular ecology of fishes has been added, and conservation is emphasized throughout. Hundreds of new and redrawn illustrations augment readable text, and every chapter has been revised to reflect the discoveries and greater understanding achieved during the past decade. Written by a team of internationally-recognized authorities, the first edition of The Diversity of Fisheswas received with enthusiasm and praise, and incorporated into ichthyology and fish biology classes around the globe, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The second edition is a substantial update of an already classic reference and text.'

A textbook intended as a supplement for general biology, animal diversity, and evolutionary biology courses. Gives a basic introduction to the science of ichthyology and discusses issues of extinction and conservation. Anatomic, physiological, behavioral and ecological adaptions and the pressures responsible for these adaptions are discussed with the assumption that the reader has a solid foundation in evolution and a basic understanding of comparative anatomy of the vertebrates.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Two major themes, adaptation and diversity, are examined is this new ichthyology book which covers basic fish anatomy, physiology, and phylogeny, while attempting to understand the adaptive significance of anatomical, physiological, ecological, and behavioral traits. An emphasis is placed on how these traits affect an individual's probability of survival and reproduction.

Fishes, as the largest group of living vertebrates, offer almost unlimited opportunities for the study of evolutionary adaptations to environmental and biotic selection pressures. The book covers basic fish anatomy, physiology and phylogeny, but the major theme of the book is evolution. For example, What has been the effect of evolutionary pressures on the form and function of fishes? Pitched at the undergraduate market, this book will serve as a core text for ichthyology courses offered by wildlife and fishery departments.

The authors have meticulously updated and revised the first volume as well as including a chapter on fish genetics into Part IV. There is also a new co-author Brian Bowen to increase the genetics coverage. There will also be an increased section of illustrations in a colour section.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 471-507) and index.

Preface;.

Part I: Introduction;.

The science of ichthyology;.

Systematic procedures;.

Part II: Form, Function and Ontogeny;.

Skeleton and skin;.

Soft anatomy;.

Oxygen, metabolism and energetics;.

The sensory systems;.

Homeostasis;.

Functional morphology of locomotion and feeding;.

Early life history;.

Juveniles, adults, age and growth;.

Part III: Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Evolution;.

"A history of fishes";.

Chondrichthyes: sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras;.

Living representatives of primitive fishes;.

Teleosts at last I: bonytongues through angler fishes;.

Teleosts at last II: spiny-rayed fishes;.

Part IV: Zoogeography, Habitats and Adaptations;.

Zoogeography;.

Special habitats and special adaptations;.

Part V: Behavior and Ecology;.

Fishes as predators;.

Fishes as prey;.

Fishes as social animals: reproduction;.

Fishes as social animals: aggregation, aggression and cooperation;.

Cycles of activity and behaviour;.

Individuals, populations and assemblages;.

Communities, ecosystems and the functional role of fishes;.

Part VI: The Future of Fishes;.

Conservation.

References;.

Index;