Invertebrates

The textbook “Invertebrates” is intended for first-cycle Biology students and is designed in accordance with the curriculum and study programme, providing a systematic and comprehensive overview of the content covered in the course Zoology of Invertebrates. The textbook combines classical zoological systematics with a modern phylogenetic approach, enabling students to understand evolutionary relationships and affinities among the major taxonomic groups.

Particular attention is devoted to the morphology, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, development, systematics, and evolution of invertebrates, with emphasis on their main characteristics and adaptations to different environmental conditions. The taxonomic groups are considered within a broader ecological and evolutionary context, including their roles in ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and interactions with other organisms.

The textbook integrates fundamental knowledge of invertebrate zoology with contemporary scientific findings, providing students with a foundation for understanding the diversity, organization, evolution, and ecological significance of this exceptionally diverse and important group of organisms. As a teaching resource, it is primarily intended for Biology students, but it may also be useful to students of related natural and biotechnical sciences.