Diversity Of Living Organisms

Such is the pressure on teaching time in schools and universities that students are taught less and less of the diversity that is life on this planet. Most students, and indeed most professional biologists that these students become, know far more of cell function than of biodiversity. This text is a profusely illustrated, quick-reference guide to all types of living organisms, from the single-celled prokaryotes and eurkaryotes to the multicellular fungi, plants and animals. All surviving phyla and their component classes are characterised and described, as are their lifestyles, ecology, relationships, and within-group diversity (with orders displayed in list form). Overall, the book's aim is to provide biologists and others with a clear, concise picture of the nature of all groups of organisms with which they may be unfamiliar.

* Essential reference for anyone connected with life science study or research. * Provides a succinct overview of the five kingdoms. * Contributions from key figures in the field (including Lynn Margulis, author of the best selling Five Kingdoms). * Profusely illustrated account of all known groups of living organisms down to the taxonomic level of class, with the various component orders listed but not described. * Standard structure makes it very easy to understand taxonomic relationships. * Full taxon index allowing reference to all levels included in the phylum trees. * Emphasis placed on clarity and brevity to produce a readable, user-friendly text.

List of Contributors.

Preface.

Introduction.

PART I: SUPERKINGDOM PROKARYA.

1. Kingdom Bacteria (M.J. Chapman, L. Margulis, D. Sagan).

PART II: SUPERKINGDOM EUKARYA.

2. Kingdom Protoctista (M.J. Chapman, L. Margulis, D. Sagan).

3. Kingdom Fungi (K.A. Pirozynski).

4. Kingdom Plantae (A. Hemsley).

5. Kingdom Animalia (R.S.K. Barnes).

6. Further Sources of Information.

Index to Groups of Organisms.