Molecular Approaches to the Study of the Ocean

Marine biological science is now studied at the molecular level and although research scientists depend on information gained using molecular techniques, there is no book explaining the philosophy of this approach. Molecular Approaches to the Study of the Ocean introduces the reasons why molecular technology is such a powerful tool in the study of the oceans, describing the types of techniques that can be used, why they are useful and gives examples of their application. Molecular biological techniques allow phylogenetic relationships to be explored in a manner that no macroscopic method can; although the book deals with organisms near the base of the marine food web, the ideas can be used in studies of macroorganisms as well as those in freshwater environments.

`Most researchers in biological oceanography will find things of value in this well-produced book, and some of the chapters provide for a wider readership an excellent introduction to this critical area of environmental biology.'
Nature
`This excellent book is effectively a series of mini-reviews covering the complete gamut of molecular techniques which have recently become available to the marine biologist or oceanographer. ... The book is beautifully presented and all the contributions are of the highest quality; the editor has done a fine job of maintaining consistency without suffocating the authors' individual styles.'
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 231 (1998)