Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #805650 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 578 pages

Synopsis
Taking an integrated approach to the biology of marine carnivores, cetaceans and sirenians, 22 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, behaviour, distribution, population biology and feeding ecology. They also detail the physiological adaptations - for such activities and processes as diving, thermoregulation, osmoregulation and orientation - that enable marine mammals to exploit their aquatic environment. The book also includes information on marine toxicants and their possible effects on marine mammals. Scienfitic advances in the study of marine mammals such as whales, seals, manatees, otters, polar bears and dolphins have increased exponentially in recent decades, yet few books have fully surveyed the biology of this group. As an introduction for students, a reference for professionals in related fields, and a comprehensive resource for marine mammals biologists and managers, "Biology of Marine Mammals" provides a wealth of information that can be broadly applied.