The Biology and Physiology of the Living Coelacanth (Classic Reprint)

A landmark collection exploring the living coelacanth’s biology and physiology, with clear, evidence‑based insights for curious readers and students alike.This 1979 Occasional Paper gathers a broad range of studies on Latimeria chalumnae, a living fossil whose discovery reshaped our view of vertebrate evolution. Edited by John E. McCosker and Michael D. Lagios, the volume builds on tissue data from major field expeditions and a 1977 AAAS symposium, offering a cohesive look at how this extraordinary fish lives, feeds, and regulates its body chemistry.Readers will encounter a careful synthesis of topics from osmoregulation and tissue composition to endocrine features and comparative anatomy. The book presents both classic and contemporary perspectives, highlighting methods that illuminate the coelacanth’s place among early vertebrates without overpromising on final answers.Detailed examination of gill structure, blood chemistry, and fluid balance in a living fossil.Discussion of evolutionary relationships with sharks and other fishes, based on multiple lines of evidence.Insights into how field discoveries and laboratory analyses inform our understanding of primitive vertebrate biology.Context on the coelacanth’s natural history, supported by figures, tables, and illustrations.Ideal for students, researchers, and general readers with an interest in evolution, marine biology, and the science of living fossils. Read more