FAQ About Submissions to Invertebrate Biology
1. What are the aims and scope of Invertebrate Biology? Invertebrate Biology publishes original research that makes a meaningful contribution to our understanding of the biology of invertebrate metazoan animals. The journal focuses on studies that either explore the natural biology of metazoan invertebrates or use laboratory methods to understand the performance, diversity, and adaptations of metazoan invertebrates. Areas of study include: • Morphology and ultrastructure • Genetics, phylogenetics, and evolution • Physiology and ecology • Neurobiology and behavior • Biomechanics • Reproduction and development • Cell and molecular biology Studies involving invertebrates used in medicine, agriculture, or aquaculture are welcome only if they include substantial research on the organisms’ natural biology and adaptations for survival in the wild.
2. Are taxonomic studies published by Invertebrate Biology? Yes, but only as a secondary component of a larger research project. The primary focus of the research must be on the biology of the organisms rather than their classification.
3. What types of studies are outside of the journal’s scope? The journal does not publish papers that focus solely on: • Applied research (e.g., behavior or physiology in agricultural settings) • Local phenomena (e.g., range shifts or first records) unless they reveal new biological features or interactions • Alpha taxonomy (e.g., reports of classification without a broader biological context)
4. What manuscript formats may be submitted for publication in Invertebrate Biology? • Research Articles • Review Articles • Book Reviews • In Memoriam tributes
5. Can I submit a manuscript describing a new method? Yes, as a Research Article, if it meets two criteria: 1. The method must be demonstrated to work. 2. The new method must either: • Solve a problem broadly applicable to research on invertebrates, or • Enable a substantive biological advance for the organism(s) under study Authors must explain in their cover letter how their manuscript meets these criteria.
6. What are the guidelines for Review Articles? Review Articles may be of any length and scope. The journal especially welcomes short or mini-reviews that highlight recent discoveries or new directions by early-career researchers. Authors are encouraged to consult the Editor-in-Chief before submitting a review.
7. Can Book Reviews and In Memoriam tributes be submitted to Invertebrate Biology? Yes, both are welcome. Authors should consult the Editor-in-Chief before submitting either a Book Review or an In Memoriam tribute.
8. Who qualifies for authorship? Each author must have made substantial contributions to the study and manuscript, including: • Taking public responsibility for the content of the manuscript • Being accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the work • Reviewing the manuscript and ensuring the validity of results before submission Authors are encouraged to submit their ORCID IDs to ensure proper credit.
9. How should contributions from non-authors be handled? Individuals who contributed but do not meet authorship criteria (e.g., technical help, data collation, writing assistance, funding acquisition) should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section, with their permission.
10. How is author order determined? All co-authors need to agree on the order of the authors’ names. Any changes to authorship or order during review or revision must be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief. No changes are allowed after acceptance.
11. Can AI tools be listed as authors? No! AI tools (e.g., language models, machine learning systems) cannot be authors because they cannot take responsibility for the work. Their use should be disclosed appropriately, but they do not qualify for authorship.
12. What disclosures are required regarding AI use? Following Resnik & Hosseini (2025), authors must disclose: • Use of AI in the design of the research project • Use of AI to produce text, data, or images in the manuscript • Use of AI in the analysis and interpretation of results Resnik, D. B., & Hosseini, M. (2025). Disclosing artificial intelligence use in scientific research and publication: When should disclosure be mandatory, optional, or unnecessary? Accountability in Research, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/08989621.2025.2481949
13. How are manuscripts submitted? Manuscripts must be submitted by one of the authors (the corresponding author) through the journal’s manuscript tracking system (https://ams.kriyadocs.com/submission/ams/ivb). The corresponding author must: • Confirm the manuscript is original and not under consideration elsewhere • Ensure all co-authors approve the submission • Provide any necessary institutional approvals or permits • Accept that the manuscript may be edited for style, clarity, and readability, with final approval before publication • Complete and submit the Copyright Transfer Agreement before publication Also see “How to submit a manuscript to Invertebrate Biology”
14. Can I upload my manuscript to a preprint server? Yes. Invertebrate Biology supports the use of preprint servers (e.g., bioRxiv) and does not consider preprint posting to compromise novelty. Manuscripts based on preprints, theses, dissertations, or institutional repositories are eligible for submission. The preprint should be cited in the manuscript.
15. What is the peer review process for submitted manuscripts? All manuscripts undergo editorial assessment and peer review: • Initial screening by the Editor-in-Chief for editorial appropriateness and scope • Assignment to an editor for peer review • Ideally, review by at least two external experts • Single-blind review: reviewer identities are anonymous to authors Final decisions are based on: • Fit with the journal’s scope • Quality and originality of the research • Significance to the field and the journal’s readership • The assigned editor makes the final decision.
16. How quickly must authors return final proofs? Authors must return corrected proofs within two days of receipt. During production, figures may be enhanced for clarity and quality. If enhancements do not improve the figure, authors may request that the original versions be used.
17. What are protected copyrights, and who handles permissions? • Use of descriptive names, trade names, and trademarks does not imply they are unprotected. • The corresponding author is responsible for obtaining permissions to reuse any copyrighted material. • This includes figures, tables, or excerpts from previously published works.
18. Disclaimer of Responsibility While the advice and information in this journal are believed to be true and accurate on the date of its going to press, the editors, Invertebrate Biology, and the American Microscopical Society cannot accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, for the material contained in each issue.