Thesaurus of sponge morphology

Abstract

Boury-Esnault, Nicole, and Klaus Rutzler, editors. Thesaurus of Sponge Morphology. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 596, 55 pages, 305 figures, 1997.—This is a vade mecum of terms for describing all aspects of sponge morphology, such as habit, surface structure, consistency, and anatomy. Definitions of microscopic features include aquiferous system, cytology, reproductive structures, skeletal architecture, and calcareous and siliceous spicules. Terms were selected and reviewed by an international group of 10 experts in sponge systematics, during several workshops. Each entry is accompanied by a precise diagnosis and an illustration. Terms listed as rejected are those judged unsuitable, redundant, or preoccupied. The thesaurus will aid descriptions in future systematic papers, computerized data banks, and identification keys. The literature cited presents a historical perspective on similar attempts to create a precise terminology of sponge morphology and helps to further clarify the selected terms. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Annals of the Smithsonian Institution. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Thesaurus of sponge morphology / Nicole Boury-Esnault and Klaus Rutzler. p. cm.—(Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 596) Includes bibliographical references (p. ). I. Sponges—Morphology—Terminology. I. Boury-Esnault, Nicole. II. Rutzler, Klaus. III. Series. QLl.S54no. 596 [QL374] 57l.3'I4'014-dc21 97-20213 © The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials Z39.48—1984.