Vertebrates : comparative anatomy, function, evolution / Kenneth V. Kardong, Ph.D., Washington State University

Includes index.

Origin of Chordates -- The Vertebrate Story -- Biological Design -- Life History -- Integument -- Skeletal System: The Skull -- Skeletal System: The Axial Skeleton -- Skeletal System:The Appendicular Skeleton -- The Muscular System -- The Respiratory System -- The Circulatory System -- The Digestive System -- The Urogenital System -- The Endocrine System -- The Nervous System -- Sensory Organs

This one-semester text is designed for an upper-level majors course. Vertebrates features a unique emphasis on function and evolution of vertebrates, complete anatomical detail, and excellent pedagogy. Vertebrate groups are organized phylogenetically, and their systems discussed within such a context. Morphology is foremost, but the author has developed and integrated an understanding of function and evolution into the discussion of anatomy of the various systems. --Amazon.co.uk