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.
“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
