AuthorLarink, O. & Westheide, W.
Year2006
TitleCoastal Plankton - photo guide for European Seas
ISBN3-89937-062-7
TypeBook/Report
How CompleteA selection of common and characteristic planktonic species from European coasts, including western Mediterranean.
Source143pp, Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil
Illustrations660 macro and microphotographs on 60 plates
Review (by Malcolm Storey)

Almost coffee-table in style, this photo guide covers the full range of planktonic organisms in European seas. A short introduction covers the concept of plankton, ranges of sizes, annual productivity, diversity, ecology, trophic relationships and study methods.

The main body of the work surveys most of the plant and animal kingdoms in 60 plates of beautiful photographs with explanatory text on the facing pages. The subject matter is divided into taxonomic themes each occupying one or more spreads. The text includes an overview of the biology, with the lower portion of the page being the key to the photographs.

Many of the photographs are photomicrographs, others are less highly enlarged and there are some at life-size or less (many of these are of the more familiar adult forms to provide context.) A minor criticism is that it is necessary to read through the captions to ascertain the size of the organisms.

The final plate is of miscellaneous objects that turn up in plankton samples. Among the Copepod faecal pellets, an Eleagnus trichome and Pinus pollen serve as a reminder of the influence of land.

Text in English.

Examine Stereo Microscope ( Compound Microscope is also useful)

Notes & PurposeStatusTaxonEnglishClassification
For identificationCurrentCRUSTACEAcrustaceansAnimalia
For identificationCurrentANNELIDAsegmented worms and leechesAnimalia
For identificationCurrentMOLLUSCAslugs, snails, bivalves, octopus, sea slugsAnimalia
For identificationCurrentCHROMISTAalgae
For identificationCurrentPROTOZOAprotists, single-celled organisms
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