Fauna of Australia Volume 5
The most comprehensive and authoritative treatment yet of Australia's marine, freshwater and terrestrial molluscs.
This title is out of print.
The Phylum Mollusca is a significant component of biodiversity throughout the world. Internationally, molluscs are an important economic resource and increasingly they are used as environmental indicators. The cost of controlling diseases transmitted via molluscs and of minimising crop destruction by pest species is measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
+ Full description
Mollusca: The Southern Synthesis is the most comprehensive and authoritative treatment yet of Australia's marine, freshwater and terrestrial molluscs. It is a significant international reference, with contributions from 70 authors, and in which some 7700 papers in the primary literature are cited. Most molluscan families described in the book are also found in the Northern Hemisphere, making this title an essential reference for malacologists worldwide.
Mollusca: The Southern Synthesis provides a series of overviews at one or more levels for the phylum and six classes, introducing accounts for the 423 molluscan families presently recognised in the region.
At each level, details are presented on:- morphology and physiology;
- natural history;
- biogeography and phylogeny;
- history of discovery; and
- economic significance.
There is also a comprehensive coverage of the fossil record. The glossary will assist readers less familiar with special terms, and the 30 000 entries in the comprehensive index will ensure ready access to information in the text and figures.
- Short descriptionReviews
"The presentation and scope of the volume are unusually excellent. It is a comprehensive reference to all that is currently known about Australian molluscs and a fundamental starting point for new research on this major biological topic."
Don Anderson, Emeritus Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney.
"Stupendous! Magnifique! Incredible!"
Philippe Bouchet, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris
"...This effort is certain to be one of the most cited publications of our era. The review of the literature and the high quality of the illustrations make the volumes indispensable."
Robert Bulock, Professor of Biological Sciences, The University of Rhode Island, New York
"…I am sure it will become a classic reference, not just for Australians, but for all those interested in molluscs around the world because of the comprehensive treatment at family level. …I only wish I had something like this when I first started off thirty years ago."
Tom Darragh, Museum of Victoria, Melbourne.
"Breathtakingly beautiful, graphically & technically; its breadth makes it one of the best encyclopedias (if not the best) on mollusca today. My volumes will be treasured and used."
Mel Harte, Berkeley, California
"…I regard it as the best review of what is currently written on Molluscan morphology, systematics and anatomy in general."
Gerhard Haszprunar, Zoologische Staatssammlung Munchen, Munchen
"...Mollusca: the southern synthesis says it all…this work is readable, understandable and sensibly designed to become a valuable tool for biology and zoology students, environmental educationists, staff attached to environment centres, and those not au fait with scientific terminology."
Phil Coleman, Australian Museum
"Mollusca: the southern synthesis" will be used throughout the world for many years to come, as the best available reference work on Mollusca in general, and Australian ones in particular. Everyone interested in Mollusca at any level will find a copy richly rewarding.
Alan Beu, New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 1998, Vol. 32
“To date, the work represents the most comprehensive review of what is currently written on Molluscan morphology, systematics and anatomy in general.
T Kothe (Spixiana v.25 no.3 Nov 2002)
Contents
Part A
Preface
Contributors
Authors' Contributions
Chapter 1. Phylum Mollusca
Chapter 2. Class Aplacophora
Chapter 3. Class Polyplacophora
Chapter 4. Class Bivalvia
Chapter 5. Subclass Protobranchia
Chapter 6. Subclass Pteriomorphia
Chapter 7. Subclass Palaeoheterodonta
Chapter 8. Subclass Heterodonta
Chapter 9. Subclass Anomalodesmata
Chapter 10. Class Scaphopoda
Chapter 11. Class Cephalopoda
Chapter 12. Subclass Nautiloidea
Chapter 13. Subclass Coleoidea
Part B
Authors' Contributions
Chapter 14. Class Gastropoda
Chapter 15. Prosobranchs
Chapter 16. Opisthobranchia
Chapter 17. Pulmonata
Glossary
Index
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