In this 1991 book, Professor Jamieson masterfully brings together the literature on fish spermatozoa and voluminous work on the evolutionary history of fishes to provide a detailed synthesis of the two fields of fish spermatology and fish systematics. The author begins by considering invertebrate phyla related to the chordates, and goes through the lower chordates and early fishes to the line leading to amphibians and to highest teleosts. His treatment provides a review of fish systematics based on the classical evidence of gross morphology in a cladistic framework and a critical integration of this with information on the degree to which spermatozoa support of conflict with the various hypotheses of relationship. Additionally, Professor Jamieson is joined by Luke K. -P. Leung to give a review of the principles of biological cryopreservation and of the live preservation of fish gametes.

Sequenced biological macromolecules have revitalized systematic studies of evolutionary history. Molecular Systematics of Fishes is the first authoritative overview of the theory and application of these sequencing data to fishes. This volume explores the phylogeny of fishes at multiple taxonomic levels, uses methods of analysis of molecular data that apply both within and between fish populations, and employs molecule-based phylogenies to address broader questions of evolution. Targeted readers include ichthyologists, marine scientists, and all students, faculty, and researchers interested in fish evolution and ecology and vertebrate systematics. - Focuses on the phylogeny and evolutionary biology of fishes - Contains phylogenies of fishes at multiple taxonomic levels - Applies molecule-based phylogenies to broader questions of evolution - Includes methods for critique of analysis of molecular data

"This book addresses the current need for a holistic approach in comparative and evolutionary biology and offers numerous applications of the modern methods of phylogenetic systematics and historical ecology, using the North American fish fauna as its case study. This major synthesis, the first published work of its kind, provides a theoretical and methodological foundation for future studies in ichthyology, evolutionary biology, and other fields of comparative biology." "Several introductory pieces present major statements of general principles, detailed examinations of the diversity and distributions of North American freshwater fishes, and what is known of their systematic relationships. The rest of the volume's 30 papers then contribute new phylogenetic hypotheses for a significant number of taxa. Along the way, the reader is introduced to the principles, first, of phylogenetic systematics - the reconstruction of evolutionary or ancestor-descendant relationships of groups of organisms on the basis of heritable traits - and, second, of historical ecology - a comprehensive research program that links systematics with many areas of comparative biology. Together, the two allow for the formulation of direct and testable hypotheses regarding the evolution of species and their attributes, interspecies interactions, and the formation and persistence of biotic communities. Without these methods that incorporate "historical controls," our estimates of history for all areas of biology are inefficient, indirect, and worst of all, untestable." "This book focuses on North American freshwater fishes not only because the 42 contributors know them so well but also because this highly diverse fauna is well known in so many important aspects (diversity, species distributions, life histories) relevant to evaluating general applications of the new paradigms of systematics and historical ecology. Many other faunas present interesting biotas appropriate for the preparation of a similar piece of work, but no other fauna can claim as complete a knowledge base." "The theme articulated throughout the book underscores the Darwinian proposition of descent with modification. The biological information particular to the North American freshwater fish fauna establishes an invaluable foundation for understanding diversification and advancing education and research. Moreover, the methods, theories, and empirical data presented serve as essential resources for comparative and evolutionary research programs applicable to any biota or taxonomic grouping." "The book includes some 200 illustrations, 60 tables, 10 appendixes, and comprehensive taxonomic and subject indexes."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

World-class palaeontologists and biologists summarise the state-of-the-art on fish evolution and development.

The history of biology is populated by numerous model species or organisms. But few vertebrate groups have aided evolutionary and ecological research more than the live-bearing fishes of the family Poeciliidae. Found throughout tropical and subtropical waters, poeciliids exhibit a fascinating variety of reproductive specializations, including viviparity, matrotrophy, unisexual reproduction, and alternative mating strategies, making them ideal models for research on patterns and processes in ecology, behavior, and evolution. Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes is a much-needed overview of the scientific potential and understanding of these live-bearing fishes. Chapters by leading researchers take up a wide range of topics, including the evolution of unisexual reproduction, life in extreme environments, life-history evolution, and genetics. Designed to provide a single and highly approachable reference, Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes will appeal to students and specialists interested in all aspects of evolutionary ecology.

Comprising by far the largest and most diverse group of vertebrates, fishes occupy a broad swathe of habitats ranging from the deepest ocean abyss to the highest mountain lakes. Such incredible ecological diversity and the resultant variety in lifestyle, anatomy, physiology and behavior, make unraveling the evolutionary history of fishes a daunting task. The successor of a classic volume by the same title, Interrelationships of Fishes, provides the latest in the "state of the art" of systematics and classification for many of the major groups of fishes. In providing a sound phylogenetic framework from leading authorities in the field, this book is an indispensable reference for a broad range of biologists, especially students of fish behavior, anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, genetics and ecology--in fact, anyone who wishes to interpret their work on fishes in an evolutionary context. - Provides thorough and comprehensive treatment of the Phylogency of fishes - Assembles an International team of expert contributors - Useful to a wide variety of fish biologists

Annotation Tuna are biologically fascinating, with many specializations such as endothermy (warm-bloodedness), aerobic capacity, and migratory abilities. The primary focus of this book is the physiology of tuna with respect to biomechanics, thermoregulation, and morphology. An evolutionary and phylogenetic backdrop illustrates the importance of comparative perspectives. Because of the economic importance of tuna, a secondary focus of the book is tuna aquaculture and conservation.

Biology and Physiology of Freshwater Neotropical Fish is the all-inclusive guide to fish species prevalent in the neotropical realm. It provides the most updated systematics, classification, anatomical, behavioral, genetic, and functioning systems information on freshwater neotropical fish species. This book begins by analyzing the differences in phylogeny, anatomy, and behaviour of neotropical fish. Systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, reproductive, muscular, and endocrine are described in detail. This book also looks at the effects of stress on fish immune systems, and how color and pigmentation play into physiology and species differentiation. Biology and Physiology of Freshwater Neotropical Fish is a must-have for fish biologists and zoologists. Students in zoology, ichthyology, and fish farming will also find this book useful for its coverage of some of the world’s rarest and least-known fish species. Features chapters written by top neotropical fish researchers and specialists Discusses environmental effects on neotropical fishes, including climate change and pollution Details the phylogenetic occurrence of electroreceptors and electric organs in fish