Bücher von Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa

This section of the Handbook of Zoology is intended as a comprehensive and exhaustive account of the biology of the taxa Gastrotricha, Nematoda, Nematomorpha, Priapulida, Kinorhyncha, Loricifera, Gnathostomulida, Micrognathozoa, Rotifera, Seisonida and Acanthocephala, covering all relevant topics such as morphology, ecology, phylogeny and diversity. The series is intended to be a detailed and up-to-date account of these taxa. As was the case with the first edition, the Handbook is intended to serve as a reliable resource for decades. Many of the taxa of this volume are comparatively unknown to many biologists, despite their diversity and importance for example in meiofaunal communities (Gastrotricha, Rotifera, Gnathostomulida), their fascinating recent discoveries (Loricifera and Micrognathozoa), their importance as parasites (many nematodes, Nematomorpha, Acanthocephala) and their importance for evolutionary questions (e.g. Priapulida, Gastrotricha). The groups covered range from those poor in species (such as Micrognathozoa with 2 known species) to the species-rich and diverse Nematoda and their ca. 20.000 described species. While each taxon is covered by one chapter, nematodes are treated in several chapters dedicated to their structural, taxonomic and ecological diversity.

Marine meiofauna, the community of smallest animals in marine sediments, is a fascinating and important part of the marine ecosystem. In this book, 53 authors introduce the 32 animal groups that occur in the meiofauna. Chapters contain information on where and how to sample meiofaunal animals as well as how to identify them. Keys help in the identification. This book complements existing literature on meiofauna and may serve as a fascinating introduction into meiofaunal taxa as well as a practical guide to work with meiofauna in the field or in the laboratory.The rich illustration of the book and the expertise of specialists make this book suitable for beginners as well as experienced researchers on meiofauna.