Animal Evolution. Genomes,: Fossils, And Trees

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

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 Animal Evolution. Genomes, Fossils, and Trees

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

: 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". 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.