Rotifera VIII: A Comparative Approach is a record of the proceedings o f the VIIIth International Rotifer Symposium which was held in College ville, Minnesota, USA, on June 22-27, 1997. It contains review papers and reports of recent research findings along with the presentation of new methods in rotifer biology. The publications contained in this vo lume reflect the wide diversity of approaches, methods of analysis and conclusions that characterize research on the Rotifera. Some of the t opics addressed are: rotifer distribution, responses to biotic and abi otic factors, genetic profile of individuals and populations, rotifer feeding and mating behavior, morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy.