includes bibliographical reference, glossary and index

This book is about the evolutionary and functional morphology of vertebrate animals. A first characteristic of the book is breadth and placement of emphasis. Description of structure is included because knowledge must precede interpretation. Interpretation of structure as an expression of phylogeny is stressed because organic evolution is one of the greatest stories biology has to tell, and the lineages of vertebrate animals illustrate the story with more continuity and persuasion than do the known lineage of other animals or plants.Moreover, this book presents vertebrate morphology as an active discipline. Furthermore, the book is profusely illustrated with artwork of high quality and uniform style.