Work is well advanced on a new text book on molluscan biology and evolution written by Dr Winston Ponder and Professor David Lindberg (University of California, Berkeley) and illustrated by Julie Ponder.
The book includes chapters on the main organ systems (see list below) and all the main taxon groups, as well as more general chapters on physiology, ecology and 'natural history', research directions and human interactions (including conservation). Its strong evolutionary focus incorporates the latest ideas in all relevant areas of molluscan research including palaeontology. A few examples of the art work are shown here.
Using colour throughout the book provides opportunities not available when using black and white illustrations. These include colour-coding organs to allow easy recognition of differences between groups and changes over time.
Tree-based comparisons of morphology and anatomy.
Each taxon chapter is provided with a detailed summary of the classification of the group, with illustrations of members of each superfamily.
Summaries of fossil history and diagrams of the relative diversity of groups through time.
Comprehensive bibliography and glossary
Body morphology (including shells and musculature)
Mantle cavity and respiration
Digestive system and feeding
Reno-pericardial system (excretion and blood system)
Nervous system and sense organs
Reproduction and development
Early history, and extinct groups
"Placophoran" groups (Polyplacophora, Monoplacophora, "aplacophora")
BivalviaCephalopoda
Scaphopoda
Gastropoda - introduction and the lower groups
Gastropoda - the Caenogastropoda
Gastropoda - the Heterobranchia
Natural history (behaviour, ecology, etc.)
Man and molluscs
Research on molluscs - history, present and future
References
Glossary
Resources
