Systema Porifera


Book Description

Research whilst compiling this book has uncovered a fauna about twice the size as that previously published in the literature and consequently Systema Porifera revises and stabilizes the systematics of the phylum to accommodate this new knowledge in a contemporary framework. Practical tools (key illustrations, descriptions of character) are provided to facilitate the assignment of approximately 680 extant and 100 fossil genera. Systema Porifera is unique making sponge taxonomy widely available at the practical level of classification (genera, families, order). It is a taxonomic revision of sponges and spongiomorphis (such as sphinctozoans and archaeocyathans) based on re-evaluation of type materials and evidence. It is also a practical guide to sponge identification providing descriptions and illustrations of characters and interpretation of their importance to systematics. Systema Porifera addresses many long standing nomenclatural problems and provides a sound baseline for future debate on sponges and their place in time and space. Systema Porifera describes 3 classes, 7 subclasses, 24 orders, 127 families and 682 valid genera of extant sponges (with over 1600 nominal generic names and an additional 500 invalid names treated). Treatment of the fossil fauna is less comprehensive or critical, although 6 classes, 30 orders, 245 families and 998 fossil genera are mentioned. Keys to all recent and many fossil taxa are provided.













"Spongy, slimy, cosy & more"


Book Description

This volume contains papers presented in part at a symposium held in May 2012 at Göttingen University, to honour Professor Joachim Reitner for his numerous contributions to the fields of geobiology, geology, and palaeontology. Our present volume reflects the breadth of Reitner’s interests and accomplishement with tributes and research or review papers by his students, former students, collaborators, and friends. The symposium was held in conjunction with Joachim Reitner’s 60th birthday.







Beaufortia


Book Description




Sponge Sciences


Book Description

The sponge has attracted attention as one of the first animals to evolve multicellular organization. The sponge also interests scientists because it provides excellent research material in molecular phylogeny, allowing the process of animal diversification to be probed at the molecular level. Additionally, researchers have discovered in sponges certain bioactive substances with unique antibacterial and anticancer properties of great interest in medical and pharmaceutical science. Sponge Sciences presents the most up-to-date information on all areas of sponge research, with emphasis on taxonomy, molecular evolution, developmental biology, and natural products chemistry, as well as the biology of freshwater sponges. It also provides new findings in the morphology, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and biogeography of sponges. The papers compiled here are contributed by world-renowned sponge scientists.




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