The primary purpose for organizing this book is to promote annelids (segmented worms such as earthworms and leeches) in the sciences. Annelids offer a diversity of experimentally accessible features that are largely overlooked [e.g.,extraordinarily large neurons and embryonic cells (including embryonic stem cells) permitting single cell analyses, relatively simple neuronal circuitry that supports learning and memory, full regeneration capacity in some species, completed genome sequences for several species, hardy and low cost cultures]. Annelids fill a critical niche within the battery of available model systems inbiology, as they occupy a strategic evolutionary position in animal phylogeny. Major model systems in the sciences including D. melanogaster, C. elegans, Mus musculus, Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio have been drawn from two of the three major groups of Metazoa, the Ecdysozoa and Deuterostoma, thereby neglecting the full range of diversity in biological systems. Annelids are the best characterized members of the third group, the Lophotrochozoa or bilaterian group,which exhibit the greatest diversity of body plans within the Metazoa. Ignoring a major taxonomic group runs the risk of missing biological principles and novelties and a growing consortium of scientists are becoming aware of this problem and are eager to increase the diversity of research subjects in the sciences. This volume intorduces the Annelids and their utility in evolutionary developmental biology, neurobiology, and environmental/ecological studies, including extreme environments.
- ISBN: 978-0-470-34421-7
- Editorial: John Wiley & Sons
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 359
- Fecha Publicación: 29/04/2009
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés