The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 04 (of 10)

"The Cambridge Natural History, Vol. 04 (of 10)" by Geoffrey Smith, along with other contributors, is a scientific exploration of Crustacea, a vital group of aquatic animals. The book, originating from the early 1900s, details the anatomy, classification, and ecological importance of these animals, as well as their role in marine ecosystems. The preface introduces the collaborative effort behind the volume, particularly crediting Smith and the late W. F. Weldon for their contributions. Acting as an introduction to Crustacea as a whole, it explains their ecological significance as the ocean's equivalent to land-based insects. The text presents detailed explanations of their physical structures, including their segmented bodies and jointed limbs, and discusses their positioning within the broader Arthropoda phylum, focusing on their evolutionary relationships.