Cheilostomatous bryozoa 1
The Cheilostomatous bryozoa 1 Synopsis covers superfamilies Aeteoidea to Cribrilinoidea in the Cheilostomata. Accompanying text discusses classification, biology and ecology. There are identification keys to families, genera and species (where possible). Also included is a key to higher taxa of marine bryozoa.
Bryozoans are a phylum of aquatic, sessile, colonial animals. These predominantly marine animals are common. Overall there are approximately 300 species in Britain. Most of these species are either in Order Cheilostomatida or Order Ctenostomatida. This volume covers 16 superfamilies. Traditionally these superfamilies were assembled under the suborder ‘Anasca’, a classification which is now obsolete.
Epiphytic bryozoans are generally conspicuous and easy to find. Hard substratum species are sometimes harder to recognise without practice. Erect, bushy species grow beneath overhangs and under large stones. Encrusted stones and the holdfasts of seaweeds are also promising sources. Unfortunately only a few species are identifiable using gross morphological characters visible to the naked eye. Preparation of specimens and examination under a microscope are generally necessary.
Synopses of the British Fauna is a series of identification guides. Each volume in the series is a detailed account of a group of animals. They bridge the gap between standard field guides and more specialised monograph or treatise. Since 1993 the the Field Studies Council has published these guides on behalf of the Linnean Society.
These volumes are suitable for the lab or field. The editors aim to keep them as user friendly as possible, with technical terminology at a minimum and a glossary of terms. However the complexity of the subject matter makes the books more suitable for the more experienced practitioner.