Invertebrate Zoology

This text is the most comprehensive yet easy to read book on invertebrates out there. Using an evolutionary approach, it begins with the simplest organisms and ends with the most complex. Reproduction, organ systems, and lifestyle are discussed in detail giving the reader a functional view of a continuum of simple to complex nervous systems, digestive systems and locomotive and reproductive life styles. This book explains invertebrate zoology using techniques and concepts that can be used to study most biology topics in a systematic fashion. It is a must own for any undergraduate or post graduate!!!

A modern replacement of Libby Hyman's classic series, but, even so, is now beoming out of date because of the rapid advances in molecular biology. Dr. Barnes is deceased and I understand that Dr. Ruppert has no plans to update the book, a horrendous undertaking. Nevertheless, I know of no substitute for this fine text. Readers should also refer to Margulis & Schwartz "Five Kingdoms".

Ruppert and Barnes' text, now in its 6th edition sets the standard for invertebrate zoology texts. The authors provide adequate depth for undergraduate courses in invertebrate zoology, and good fodder for graduate students starting in the discipline as well. There are outstanding collections of line drawings in the text -- a method of illustration I prefer to photographs for most instructional purposes. There is good coverage of invertebrate animal groups, but, since it's published in 1994, there are a few places where the book is becoming dated. There is, for example, no information about the Cycliophora, the latest invertebrate phyla to be proposed. I hope that there will continue to be new editions of this text produced. I cut my teeth on the 3rd edition, and other editions have figured prominently as I have worked through my graduate and professional careers.Top-notch material. If you are considering which text to select for an invertebrate zoology course, I urge you to give this book a look.

The text of choice for my marine invertebrates field course, I have referred back to the worn pages of this book again and again in numerous courses. Even after finishing my degree, this book remains my favourite while my copies of Brusca & Brusca and Pechenick remain untouched.It should be noted that in these days of daily advances and discoveries, especially in the realm of molecular biology, that textbook phylogenies should generally not be trusted. Ruppert and Barnes is no different, and relationships should be found in the most recent literature (and still taken with a huge grain of salt :) ).

This 1994 edition contains references and drawings of Burgess shale organisms. Some cladograms reflect RNA nucleotide sequencing; however, reference should be made to Raven's "The Biology of Plants" for most recent evolutionary relationships.-F.M. Sturtevant, PhD