Cephalopods Present and Past New Insights and Fresh Perspectives [Paperback]

This book brings together international scientists who focus on present-day and fossil cephalopods, ranging broadly from Paleozoic ammonoids to today's octopods. It covers systematics and evolution; hard- and soft part morphology; and ecology, biogeography, and taphonomy. The book also includes new evidence for the existence of an ink sac in fossil ammonoids and features the first record of an in-depth study of octopus ecology in Alaska.

Cephalopods are diverse, highly developed molluscs capable of swimming and jet propulsion. These animals are an important component of present-day marine ecos- tems throughout the world and comprise approximately 900 species. They also have an extraordinary fossil record, extending back to the Cambrian Period, with as many as 10,000 extinct species. Throughout their long history, they have experienced sp- tacular radiations and near-total extinctions. Because of their superb fossil record, they also serve as ideal index fossils to subdivide geologic time. This book touches on many of these themes, and it treats both fossil and present-day cephalopods. The chapters are outgrowths of presentations at the Sixth International Symposium Cephalopods  Present and Past, at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, September 1619, 2004. The Symposium was organized principally by Walter L. Manger of the Department of Geology, University of Arkansas. The editors gratefully acknowledge Walter for his terrific job in putting together this symposium and for making it such an intellectual, and social, success. Other publications related to this Symposium include the abstract volume, assembled by W. L. Manger, and two fie- trip guidebooks, one written by W. L. Manger, and the other by R. H. Mapes. Because this symposium was held in North America, it honored four cephalopod workers from this continent: William A. Cobban (US Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado), Brian F. Glenister (University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa), Williaml“m