Taxonomy of the Conoidea (Tucker & Tenorio, 2009)

The Taxonomy of the Conoidea (Tucker & Tenorio, 2009) is a significant work in the field of malacology, specifically focused on the systematics and classification of the Conoidea, a large and diverse superfamily of marine gastropod mollusks commonly known as cone snails and their allies. Published by John K. Tucker and Manuel J. Tenorio, this publication represents a comprehensive review and proposed revision of the existing taxonomic framework for this complex group.

The book details the historical perspectives on the classification of Conoidea, acknowledging the challenges inherent in studying a group with considerable morphological diversity and a history of taxonomic instability. It utilizes a combination of morphological and molecular data (though emphasis is on morphology) to delineate genera and families within the superfamily.

A key contribution of the work is its proposed classification scheme, which divides the Conoidea into distinct families, subfamilies, and genera. This scheme is based on a detailed analysis of shell characters, radular morphology, and other anatomical features. The publication provides descriptions of the various taxa, often including diagnostic characteristics and discussions of taxonomic relationships.

It is important to note that the Taxonomy of the Conoidea (Tucker & Tenorio, 2009), while influential, is not universally accepted. Subsequent research, particularly utilizing molecular phylogenetics, has challenged some aspects of the proposed classification. However, the book remains a valuable resource for researchers studying the Conoidea and provides a solid foundation for ongoing taxonomic investigations. It is considered a benchmark publication for understanding the evolution and classification of these venomous marine snails.