The Ancestry of the Vertebrates

The origin of vertebrates from their invertebrate ancestors is a very controversial subject and many theories have been put forward to account for this quantum leap in evolution. The author solves the problem of the origin of vertebrates by deriving them from a group of fossils called chalcichordates (550-350 million years old) which have many chordate features. The book discusses the methodology of phylogenetic reconstruction, outlines the anatomy and embryology of present-day primitive vertebrates and discusses the calcichordates in detail. Essential reading for those with a professional interest in vertebrate comparative anatomy, lower chordates or echinoderms. Copyright © British Museum (Natural History).