Marine Mammal Biology: An Evolutionary Approach - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0632052325 ISBN 13: 9780632052325

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2002

Synopsis

This book provides a general introduction to the biology of marine mammals, and an overview of the adaptations that have permitted mammals to succeed in the marine environment. Each chapter, written by experts in their field, will provide an up-to-date review and present the major discoveries and innovations in the field. Important technical advances such as satellite telemetry and time-depth-recorders will be described in boxes.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This volume brings together some of the best known and respected experts in the field of marine mammal biology to provide a cohesive and accessible text. A very broad scope of topics and examples are classified as marine mammals; the whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans), seals, sea lions, fur seals and walruses (pinnipeds), manatees and dugongs (sirenians), and the sea otter and polar bear (carnivores). Topics covered include diversity, distribution and evolutionary patterns, anatomical and physiological adaptations, vocal and social behaviour, problem solving and memory, feeding ecology and energetics, life history and reproductive strategies, patterns of movement and population genetics, and conservation and management. Chapters are fully cross-referenced and illustrated, and the citations are numerous and current. All chapters are united by the theme of evolutionary context, addressing the question of how these diverse mammalian species have adapted to life in the oceans. The intended audience includes students of marine biology, ecology and evolution, as well as professionals with an interest in marine mammals, evolutionary pattern and process, zoology and ecology.

About the Author:

Rus Hoelzel is a molecular ecologist who has studies marine mammal populations for over 20 years, including work in the field with various species in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and the South Atlantic. Currently at the University of Durham, he has also worked at Cambridge University, Imperial College and the US National Cancer Institute. He has edited four other books and is editor-in-chief of the journal Conservation Genetics. His research interests include conservation and population genetics, evolution, behavioural ecology and feeding ecology. His work with marine mammals has included studies on vocal behaviour, feeding ecology, reproductive strategy, population genetic structure and the impact of population bottlenecks on genetic diversity.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0632052325
• ISBN 13: 9780632052325
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 448
• Editor: Hoelzel A. Rus