Sealife: Guide to the Marine Environment - Hardcover

Burchett, Michael; Dando, Marc

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1873403267 ISBN 13: 9781873403266

Publisher: Pica Press, 2000

Synopsis

This guide to the marine environment covers all forms of sea-life. It describes colenterates, molluscs, crustacea, urochordates, fish, reptiles, seabirds, cetaceans and sea mammals. The book opens with a section on oceanography and marine biology which explains the complex and fascinating processes that created the oceans as we know them today. Part I covers the invertebrates. As they are a diverse group, typical regional invertebrate habitats are described which give an insight into the complex niches and relationships that exist. Part II covers the vertebrates. It opens with 48 plates illustrating the majority of species likely to be encountered on the oceans. In the fish plates, some species are illustrated for the first time. The seabirds, cetaceans, sea reptiles and sea mammals are also comprehensively illustrated. The plate section is followed by a systematic section on each group. The book should prove useful to the seafarer, and provide information to anyone interested in the marine environment.

About this title

Review

"Very occasionally there comes to a reviewer a book as comprehensive in its range, as encyclopedic in its detail, as soundly based on scientific research and as profusely illustrated as SeaLife."--Seafarer

"Edited by a research fellow at the University of London, this comprehensive treatise on marine biology is written for the nonscientist with a serious interest in the subject and could also serve as a college text. Introductory sections summarize oceanographic voyages and explorations, the origin of life in the sea, the physical and chemical nature of the oceans, and water movement and ocean circulation. A description of marine ecological zones and animal distribution among them precedes detailed chapters on marine vertebrates and invertebrates, marine reptiles, seabirds, cetaceans, and polar bears. . . . A useful reference source for academic and public libraries."--Library Journal

From the Back Cover

Brimming with illustrations and descriptions of more than six hundred species, SeaLife is the most comprehensive reference available in a single volume to the vast panorama of vertebrate and invertebrate creatures inhabiting the world's oceans and shores. Topics covered include oceanography and marine biology; biology of marine environments; marine invertebrates; marine fishes; marine reptiles; seabirds; whales, dolphins and porpoises; dugong and manatees; seals, sea lions and walrus; and marine otters and polar bear. With 56 color plates, 1,000 black-and-white illustrations, 75 maps and an extensive reference section, this book is an essential companion for all marine enthusiasts.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pica Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1873403267
• ISBN 13: 9781873403266
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Hull Richard, Dando Marc
• Number of pages: 360
• Editor: Waller Geoffrey