. Edited by Demitrio Boltovskoy.
1999. xvi and 1706 pages, with 705 pages depicting 228 figs., and
138 pages listing 63 tables (large format 19,5 x 26 cm, text double column). Hardbound set
in 2 volumes. ISBN 90-5782-035-8. $500.00.
This fascinating work consists of 1700 pages (with 700 pages of illustrations) and is bound in two volumes. It includes a taxonomic index and ca. 3500 bibliographic references. A comprehensive tool for the specific identification of 27 zooplankton groups. South Atlantic Zooplankton is a general reference volume and guide to the identification and geographic distribution of the zooplanktonic organisms of the South Atlantic Ocean (0 to 60 S, coast to coast). Even though the region does not extend to the Antarctic coasts, since this also encompasses water south of the Polar Front, most Antarctic zooplankton is also included. South Atlantic Zooplankton represents a comprehensive tool for the specific identification of 27 zooplanktonic groups, offering detailed reviews of both the geographic and vertical distribution patterns of the species present in the area. This edition covers all formal literature, as well as the very abudant "grey literature" produced in the last decades, much of which is in the form of unpublished dissertations, internal reports, and articles in local journals of restricted distribution. Coverage is not restricted to species actually recorded in the South Atlantic, but also includes taxa whose presence in the area is likely, but has not been confirmed yet. This, combined with coverage including equatorial to antarctic waters, resulted in a volume that includes very significant proportions (up to 100% in some cases) of the known species within each group. The usefulness of the volume is not restricted to South Atlantic waters. Because no comparable recent works exist for other major oceanic areas of the world, the value of this book extends beyond the South Atlantic, serving a s a world-wide zooplanktonic guide. In all cases data presented are not merely compilations of previous reports, but represent critical reviews of the knowledge of each group, often with substantial original information by highly qualified specialists.
South Atlantic Zooplankton Each chapter
is structured along the following guidelines:
(a) A brief introduction with general remarks on biological traits of the group
(reproduction and life-histories, salient cytological and anatomical features, trophic
relationships, etc.).
(b) Group-specific methodological recommendations on collection, preservation, preparation
and observation of the specimens.
(c) Horizontal and vertical distribution patterns in the South Atlantic, with remarks on
world-wide distribution in appropriate cases. Distributional data for each of the species
treated are provided in tables or maps. Where the information available is adequate,
overall geographic ranges are illustrated; otherwise no extrapolations are attempted but
the isolated confirmed records are provided.
(d) Taxonomy and identification. This includes profusely illustrated and detailed reviews
of diagnostic characters, including an illustrated glossary of specific terms. Discussions
of the current status of classification systems, a general outline classification of the
group, and diagnoses and/or keys for species and suprageneric categories.
For all the species included, diagnoses
and/or keys for identification are provided. All species are illustrated with
line-drawings and/or photographs (macro, light microscope and scanning electron
microscope) of superb quality. In many instances more than one illustration is given for
each taxon, stressing diagnostic features. Two introductory chapters: "Currents and
water masses in the South Atlantic" and "General biological features of the
South Atlantic Ocean" provide the necessary framework and an in-depth overview of
pelagic biological patterns (seasonality, nutrients, primary production, biomass,
diversity, etc.) in the area covered. With increasing global awareness of the need for
more data on biodiversity, this volume will certainly be a most valuable contribution to
current knowledge on the biota of a large area of the earth's surface. Furthermore,
taxonomic information needs to be dispersed as widely as possible, not the least because
the number of new taxonomists being trained world-wide has been declining consistently
over the past many years. A treatise which covers a defined geographic area and contains
up-to-date systematic and nomenclatural information on such a large number of taxa is a
major contribution and often has far wider impact than originally intended, In this
context, the volume establishes a useful updated baseline of current knowledge of the
diversity, distribution and abundance of zooplankton in the South Atlantic, highlighting
gaps in available information, increasing awareness of the need for taxonomics, and
hopefully stimulating work in these areas.
The groups covered in South Atlantic Zooplankton are: Foraminifera, Acantharia,
Radiolaria Polycystina, Radiolaria, Phaeodaria, Ciliophora ("naked" ciliates),
Tintinnoinea, Hydromedusae, Siphonophorae, Cubomedusae and Scyphomedusae, Ctenophora,
Nemertina, Polychaeta, Heteropoda, Pteropoda
Cephalopoda, Ctenopoda and Onychopoda, Ostracoda, Copepoda, Mysidacea, Amphipoda,
Euphausiacea, Larval Decapoda (Brachyura), Chaetognatha
Appendicularia, Pyrosomatida, Doliolida, Salpida, Fish larvae. Table of Contents: General
biological features of the South Atlantic, Zooplankton groups, Foraminifera, Acantharia,
Radiolaria Polycystina, Radiolaria, Phaeodaria, Ciliophora, Tintinnoinea,
Hydromedusae, Siphonophorae, Cubomedusae and Scyphomedusae, Ctenophora, Nemertina,
Polychaeta, Heteropoda, Pteropoda, Cephalopoda, Ctenopoda and Onychopoda, Ostracoda,
Copepoda, Mysidacea, Amphipoda, Euphausiacea, Larval Decapoda, (Brachyura), Chaetognatha,
Appendicularia, Pyrosomatida, Doliolida, Salpida, Fish larvae, Bibliography, Taxonomic
index