Biology of Marine Mammals

by John E. Reynolds (Editor)

Overview

Taking an integrated approach to the biology of marine carnivores, cetaceans, and sirenians, twenty-two prominent researchers compare marine mammals with one another and with terrestrial mammals, providing a framework for fundamental biological and ecological concepts. They describe functional morphology, sensory systems, energetics, reproduction, communication and cognition, behavior, distribution, population biology, and feeding ecology. They also detail the physiological adaptations—for such activities and processes as diving, thermo-regulation, osmoregulation, and orientation—that enable marine mammals to exploit their aquatic environment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781588344205
Publisher:	Smithsonian Institution Press
Publication date:	08/06/2013
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	588
File size:	26 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

DR. JOHN E. REYNOLDS is Senior Scientist and Director of the Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida.

Editorial Reviews

Marine biologists and researchers present ten contributions comparing marine mammals with one another and with terrestrial mammals, providing a framework for fundamental biological and ecological concepts. They describe functional morphology, sensory systems, energetics, reproduction, communication and cognition, behavior, distribution, population biology, and feeding ecology. Also detailed are the creatures' physiological adaptations for such activities as diving, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, and orientation that enable marine mammals to exploit their aquatic environment. Includes information on marine toxicants and their possible effects on marine mammals. 9x11.5<">. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Biology of Marine Mammals belongs on the shelf of every serious student of marine mammalogy. . . . [R]eaders will find chapters in this work up to date and comprehensive. . . . Rush out and get this book!”—Conservation Biology

“I know of no book which covers in comparable detail all the marine mammals, including the sirenia, the sea and marine otters, and the polar bear. Following a general, introductory survey of the 119 species, there are chapters on functional morphology, solutions to the physiological problems of living in the water, sensory systems, energetics, reproduction, communication and cognition, behavior, and distribution, population biology, and feeding ecology.”—International Zoo News

“This is a comprehensive text and critical review of the biology of marine mammals which incorporates, into a single volume, some of the most exciting developments that have taken place in the field over the last 20 years. . . . The style and readability of the book are excellent; many times, I found it difficult to put down. . . . [T]his is an outstanding and informative text that should be made available to students at every level, professionals working in the field and even those that may only have a peripheral interest in marine mammals.”—Environmental Conservation

From the Publisher