This study brings together field observations about the taxonomy, biogeography, palaeontology and biology of corals and presents an alternative evolutionary model proposing that evolution in corals is driven by changing patterns of ocean circulation rather than natural selection. Includes an appendix giving characteristics of family and genera, a glossary, references and an index. The author is senior principal research scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. pp. 321 illusts #0320