The authors call your attention to these special features 



of GENERAL ZOOLOGY 



1. As an introduction to the discussion of both invertebrate and 

 vertebrate types there is a chapter on the principles of compara- 

 tive physiology (pp. 78-112). This points up the similarities in 

 the problems w'hich both types of animals have had to solve to 

 survive. Although they differ widely in structure they have many 

 functions in common. 



2. The evolutionary origins of the lower invertebrates and their 

 relationships to higher animals are discussed in an excellent 

 chapter (pp. 236-243) . This includes a discussion of spiral cleav- 

 age and certain larval types of evolutionary interest. 



3. There is a unique chapter on the physiology and beha\ior of 

 arthropods (pp. 326-350). 



4. The discussion of vertebrates opens with a presentation of the 

 anatomy and physiology of the frog as a representative vertebrate 

 (pp. 393-423) . 



5. There are three chapters on the evolution of the se\'eral classes 

 of vertebrates. Following these chapters the structure, function 

 and development of each organ system of the vertebrates are con- 

 sidered in detail. 



6. The chapters on genetics explain not only the simple aspects of 

 heredity, but also such interesting topics as population genetics 

 (p. 681) and biochemical genetics (p. 683) . 



7. There is a critical discussion of the theories of the origin of life 

 (pp. 710-713). 



8. A discussion of ecological principles and their practical implica- 

 tions, such as conservation, makes up the final section, four chap- 

 ters, of the book. 



9. The line drawings were especially prepared for this book. The 

 illustrations of animals and their parts are realistic and generally 

 include the outline of whole organisms for orientation. There has 

 been a conscious attempt to provide uncluttered pictures that are 

 clear without distorting the material described. 



A laboratory manual well suited in organization and 

 content for use with this book is 



LABORATORY EXERCISES IN GENERAL ZOOLOGY by 

 FISHER AND KITZMILLER (W. B. Saunders Co., 1958) 



