For over 110 years, the Kükenthal has been used in the education of students in biology and related fields. In the latest editions, many new findings have been incorporated, with an increased focus on functional aspects. A number of illustrations have been replaced with more appealing ones to emphasize the aesthetic component. Content streamlining has allowed for the overall scope to be largely maintained. Specifically, first-year students face the challenge of categorizing the diversity of organisms into a system that is still unfamiliar to them. The systematic overview at the end of the book has been significantly expanded in the 27th edition and is illustrated in full color. The histology of animals, an important aspect of teaching, has been supplemented. Improved detailed, colored site drawings of the most important preparation animals enhance the clarity of the book.