Frontiers in Invertebrate Physiology: A Collection of Reviews: Volume 3: Annelida and Echinodermata

This new 3-volume set provides informative reviews on the physiology of sponges, cnidarians, round and flat worms, annelids, echinoderms, and crustaceans, advancing our knowledge of the physiology of these major invertebrate groups (Phyla). Invertebrates exhibit the largest number of species and occupy virtually every conceivable ecological niche. They are economically important in food chains, they recycle organic waste, and they are crucial pollinators of plants and sources of food. They are also medically relevant as parasites that cause major diseases of both humans and livestock.

Echinoderms and annelids are covered in Volume 3. The volume looks at temporary adhesion and regeneration as two important areas in echinoderm biology. It includes an important review of juxtaligamental cells, which may regulate the mechanical properties of connective tissue. Annelid physiology is discussed (neurobiology of locomotion in leeches, regeneration, reproduction) as is neuro-endocrine-immune response.

Volume 1 looks at non-bilaterians (sponges, cnidarians, placozoans), while Volume 2 focuses on crustacean physiology, covering diverse physiological topics ranging from moulting, respiration, water balance, biomineralization, bioreceptors, and temperature regulation to the land adaptation of terrestrial crustaceans.

Saber Saleuddin, PhD, is a University Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biology, York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He has published extensively in international journals and co-edited seven books on molluscan physiology. He served as co-editor of the Canadian Journal of Zoology for 18 years and was president of the Canadian Society of Zoologists, from whom he received a Distinguished Service Medal.

Sally P. Leys, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada. She was also a Canada Research Chair Tier II in Evolutionary and Developmental Biology at the University of Alberta. Dr. Leys has authored over 100 journal articles, book chapters and advisory reports. She has also received several fellowships and awards for her work.

Robert D. Roer, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA, where he served as Dean of the Graduate School and Research and Chief Research Officer. Dr Roer was Treasurer of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology and President of the NC Conference of Graduate Schools. He is on the executive board of the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools. Dr. Roer conducted research in the fields of biomineralization and ion transport and is the author of many journal articles and book chapters.

Iain C. Wilkie, PhD, is an Affiliate Researcher in the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow Scotland. He held a faculty position at Glasgow Caledonian University for over 30 years. He has published over 90 papers and, is on the editorial board of Zoomorphology and is Chief Editor of The Glasgow Naturalist. In 2006 he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology by the University of Milan, Italy.