Biology and Evolution of the Mollusca, Volume 2 by Ponder, Winston Frank; Lindberg, David R.; Ponder, Juliet Mary;

Short description:

This text will provide the first general account of molluscs in decades and will include hundreds of colour figures.

Long description:

This volume provides individual treatments of the major molluscan taxa. Each chapter provides an overview of the evolution, phylogeny and classification of a group of molluscs, as well as more specific and detailed coverage of their biology (reproduction, feeding and digestion, excretion, respiration etc.), their long fossil record and aspects of their natural history. The book is illustrated with hundreds of colour figures. In both volumes, concepts are summarised in colour-coded illustrations. 

Key selling features:

• Comprehensively reviews molluscan biology and evolutionary history


• Includes a description the anatomy and physiology of anatomical systems


• Up to date treatment with a comprehensive bibliography


• Reviews the phylogenetic history of the major molluscan lineages

"… an immensely useful 'go-to resource' … on almost any mollusk-related topic. … This is a brilliant work that should be on the desk of any serious 'student' of mollusks, at any career level." - American Malacological Bulletin, 38 (1) 2020.

"The two-volume set is a treasure trove for anyone lucky enough to be teaching malacology, a reference work for investigators in a multitude of fields, and a true companion for students and advanced researchers.　 It will stand for decades, joining immediately the list of classic volumes covering the Mollusca.　 A tour d’force that speaks to the knowledge, dedication, and talent of the authors, illustrator, and also the publisher that had the vision to make such an epic possible in today’s publishing world." - Sandra E. Shumway in National Shellfisheries Association Quarterly Newsletter 2020 (2).

"The scholarship and deep thought that the authors bring to this monumental work are beyond staggering... It is unlikely that the scientific achievement manifested in the publication of this work will be surpassed in the foreseeable future. Whichever field of molluscan study a student or seasoned researcher is contemplating, this publication is the resource to consult first for an authoritative synthesis. Anyone with an interest in living and extinct molluscs will want to own and consult this landmark set of volumes." - Geerat J. Vermeij in The Quarterly Review of Biology

"In case the rest of my review is not emphatic enough, Biology and Evolution of the Mollusca (hereafter BEM) is the most wonderful molluscan work I have ever seen. It is an intellectual tour de force, truly astounding in its breadth and depth of subject coverage; the sampling of the literature is comprehensive and up to date; and the figures are works of art while simultaneously being – like the text – exceptionally clear and informative. The authors – writers Winston F. Ponder and David R. Lindberg, together with illustrator Juliet M. Ponder – reviewers and publisher are all to be congratulated on such an outstanding result. … [BEM] will be the standard reference work about the Mollusca for years to come. It undoubtedly will, but I changed my mind; it can do better! Instead, I would like to think that BEM will stimulate such a flowering of molluscan research that it will soon be seen as a more foundational document." - Hamish G. Spencer in Molluscan Research

Table of Contents:

Volume 2: Foreword Acknowledgements About the Authors Chapter 12 - Molluscan Relationships Chapter 13 - Early History and Extinct Groups Chapter 14 - Polyplacophora, Monoplacophora, and Aplacophorans Chapter 15 - The Bivalvia Chapter 16 - The Scaphopoda Chapter 17 - The Cephalopoda Chapter 18 - Gastropoda I – Introduction and the Stem Groups Chapter 19 Gastropoda II – The Caenogastropoda Chapter 20 Gastropoda III – The Heterobranchia Chapter 21 Molluscan Research – Present and Future Directions Appendix References Index