Most undergraduate texts in invertebrate zoology (of which there are many) fall into one of two categories. They either offer a systematic treatment of groups of animals phylum by phylum, or adopt a functional approach to the various anatomical and physiological systems of the better known species. The Invertebrates is the first and only textbook to integrate both approaches, describing the range and diversity of invertebrates and the way they work, thus meeting the modern teaching needs of the subject.
This new edition has been completely revised and updated. The molecular systematics sections have been rewritten and the book now has a strong evolutionary theme throughout, which reflects the importance of molecular techniques.

The first part of the book describes all the known phyla of invertebrates with living representatives, together with their component classes. Rather than outline all the anatomical features of different types of animals, the book distills those essential characteristics of each group with which the student should be familiar. Lists of diagnostic features permit comparison between the phyla; the diversity of body plans illustrated by line figures of different forms.

The second part concentrates on the unifying features of invertebrate functional anatomy, physiology and behavior, describing how the invertebrates display a range of solutions to the problems of living and reproduction. Throughout, form and function are presented from an evolutionary viewpoint, in the light of the selective pressures that have influenced and continue to mold invertebrates biology.

Nature of the first edition:
'Students will like this book. It deserves to succeed.'