Animal Evolution. Genomes, Fossils, And Trees -

: It highlights how molecular biology—specifically molecular phylogenetics and developmental biology—provides the "objective source of data" needed to test evolutionary scenarios that once seemed unsolvable.

: Several chapters explore how the influx of genomic data has allowed researchers to move beyond just anatomical characters to refine the "Animal Tree of Life".

: It contains specialized chapters on controversial topics, such as the evolution of the mouth and anus (the "questionable openings") by researchers like Andreas Hejnol and Mark Martindale . Accessing the Content Animal Evolution. Genomes, Fossils, and Trees

: Rather than relying solely on genes, it emphasizes using the fossil record to date molecular trees and interpret the evolution of body plans.

Published in 2009 by Oxford University Press, it serves as a major synthesis of three traditionally separate fields: , molecular systematics , and developmental biology (evo-devo). Core Themes and Utility Accessing the Content : Rather than relying solely

: A summary and review of the book are available through Oxford Academic .

: You can find individual chapters and editorial introductions on ResearchGate . Animal Evolution: Genomes, Fossils, and Trees : You can find individual chapters and editorial

The book is designed to address fundamental "big questions" about the origins and relationships of multicellular animals (metazoans). Key contributions include: