Echinoderm Research and Diversity in Latin America

This book compiles for the first time the development of echinoderm research in Latin America. The book contains 17 chapters, one introductory, 15 country chapters, and a final biogeographic analysis. It compiles all the investigations published in international and local journals, reports, theses and other gray literature. Each chapter is composed of 7 sections: introduction describes the marine environments, and main oceanographic characteristics, followed by a history of research account divided by specific subjects. The next section addresses patterns of distribution and diversity. A specific section would explain fishery or aquaculture activities. The next sections deal with environmental and anthropogenic threats that are affecting echinoderm, and any conservation or management action. Finally, a section with conclusions, needs and new lines of research. The book will include two appendixes with species lists of all echinoderms with bathimetric data, habitat and distribution.

Foreword.- Preface.- Acknowledgments.- Echinoderm Research and Diversity in Latin America.- Echinoderms from Mexico: Biodiversity, distribution and current state of knowledge.- Central America Echinoderms: diversity, ecology and future perspectives.- Echinoderm diversity in Panama: 146 years of research across the isthmus.- Echinoderms of Colombia.- .- Echinoderms of Ecuador.- Echinoderms from Venezuela: scientific account, diversity and distribution.- Echinoderms of Peru.- Echinoderm from Brazil: Historical research and the current state of biodiversity knowledge .- Echinoderm Research in Uruguay.- Echinoderms from Argentina: Biodiversity, distribution and current state of knowledge.- Echinoderms of the Cuban Archipelago.- Recent echinoderms from Hispaniola Island.- Review of echinoderm research in Puerto Rico, with focus on biological and ecological aspects.- Echinoderms of the Canary Islands.- Latin America echinoderm biodiversity and biogeography: patterns and affinities.- Index.- Appendix.