Perspectives in Animal Phylogeny and Evolution

Alessandro Minelli (University of Padova, Italy)

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English

Oxford University Press
18 December 2008

Taxonomy & systematics; Evolution; Developmental biology; Molecular biology; Zoology & animal sciences

Animal phylogeny is undergoing a major revolution due to the availability of an exponentially increasing amount of molecular data and the application of novel methods of phylogenetic reconstruction, as well as the many spectacular advances in palaeontology and molecular developmental biology. Traditional views of the relationships among major phyla have been shaken and new, often unexpected, relationships are now being considered. At the same time, the emerging discipline of evolutionary developmental biology, or 'evo-devo', has offered new insights into the origin and evolvability of major traits of animal architecture and life cycle. All these developments call for a revised interpretation of the pathways along which animal structure and development has evolved since the origin of the Metazoa.

Perspectives in Animal Phylogeny and Evolution takes on this challenge, successfully integrating morphological, fossil and molecular evidence to produce a novel reinterpretation of animal evolution. Central to the book's approach is an 'evo-devo' perspective on animal evolution (with all the fresh insights this has given into the origin of animal organization and life cycles), complementary to the more traditional perspectives of pattern (cladistics, comparative anatomy and embryology), mechanisms (developmental biology) and adaptation (evolutionary biology). The author advocates the need to approach the study of animal evolution with a critical attitude towards many key concepts of comparative morphology and developmental biology. Particular attention in the book is paid to the evolution of life cycles and larval forms.

By: Alessandro Minelli (University of Padova Italy)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 254mm, Width: 194mm, Spine: 22mm
Weight: 1g
ISBN: 9780198566205
ISBN 10: 0198566204
Pages: 360
Publication Date: 18 December 2008
Audience: Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , Undergraduate , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Alessandro Minelli is a professor of zoology at the University of Padova, Italy. Until the mid 90s his main scientific interests have been myriapod phylogeny and taxonomy as well as the principles and methods of biological systematics. During the last decade his main research interests have turned towards evolutionary developmental biology, with special regards to the origin and evolution of appendages and segmentation.

Reviews for Perspectives in Animal Phylogeny and Evolution

`Minelli sheds an innovative light on topics such as complexity, body axes or germ layers. This book is a firework of ideas...it is impressive, how sure and well informed Minelli navigates through the different topics he talks about.' Acta Zoologica