Marine Mammals: Evolutionary Biology by Kovacs (hardcover)

Description: About this productProduct InformationBerta and Sumich have succeeded yet again in creating superior marine reading This book is a succinct yet comprehensive text devoted to the systematics, evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, and behavior of marine mammals. The first edition, considered the leading text in the field, is required reading for all marine biologists concerned with marine mammals. Revisions include updates of citations, expansion of nearly every chapter and full color photographs. This title continues the tradition by fully expanding and updating nearly all chapters. Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the biology of all marine mammals Provides a phylogenetic framework that integrates phylogeny with behavior and ecology Features chapter summaries, further readings, an appendix, glossary and an extensive bibliography Exciting new color photographs and additional distribution mapsProduct IdentifiersPublisherElsevier Science & TechnologyISBN-100120885522ISBN-139780120885527eBay Product ID (ePID)46867301Product Key FeaturesAuthorJames L. Sumich, Annalisa Berta, Kit M. KovacsPublication NameMarine Mammals : Evolutionary BiologyFormatHardcoverLanguageEnglishFeaturesRevisedPublication Year2005TypeTextbookNumber of Pages560 PagesDimensionsItem Length10inItem Height0.5inItem Width6.9inAdditional Product FeaturesLc Classification NumberQl713.2Edition DescriptionRevised EditionEdition Number2ReviewsPRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION: "... an excellent introduction to the whole spectrum of marine mammal evolution, anatomy, behavior, ecology and life hisotry...valuable to anyone interested in mammals." Quarterly Review of Biology, 2001 "In our most recent offering of an undergraduate course in marine mammalogy, we chose Berta's and Sumich's volume for two reasons. We believe their evolutionary approach was an appropriate way to teach the subject, and we felt that the consistency of authorship would be preferable for undergraduates...We look forward to a second edition as we intend to keep using the book in our courses. Its up-to-date bibliography is a tremendous contribution, and indeed the book will also succeed nicely as "a source book" for professionals in the field." Marine Mammal Science Jan. 2001, "...successfully highlights the current state of knowledge on the diverse assemblage of mammals that utilise the marine environment. These authors have combined their expertise to produce a comprehensive treatise....an excellent textbook for advanced courses in marine mammalogy. Indeed, all scientists and students who study marine mammals should read it...the books major strength lies in the sections on the anatomy and physiology of marine mammals. The early chapters on evolution and systematics of the three primary groups of marine mammals (pinnipeds, cetaceans and sirenians) are highly detailed with respect to anatomical features...This book is an important resource and it should not be merely viewed as a classroom textbook. It contains a wealth of information. In addition to the biological aspects of marine mammals, the book also provides the history of exploitation and political attempts to manage and regulate hunting. Even though this review is presented in an unbiased manner, the conclusions are that current practices of overfishing may lead in the end to the demise of a number of species. Berta, Sumich and Kovacs present a hopeful plea that we can make future political decisions based on a sense of stewardship of the oceans and its inhabitants." - Frank E. Fish, Department of Biology, West Chester University in ANIMAL BIOLOGY "...Berta et al have provided us with a crucial resource spanning many disparate research venues...Each chapter provides extensive references for further research. In the appendix are listed the living species (as discussed in the book) with information such as diagnosis, definition, distribution, fossil history and content. A glossary, a substantial index and several pages of color photos completes the rest of the book...certainly, this book is appropriate for any academic library supporting marine science, marine ecology, environmental science, evolutionary biology and similar programs." - Peggy Dominy in E-STREAMS "This update to the original version of this basic book originally published in 1999 is highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students. The strength of the book is its integrative presentation of adaptiveness to the marine environment (e.g. in terms of anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology, all in an explicit phylogenetic context) as opposed to isolated tales of evolutionary adaptations. As such, the reader can always follow functional aspects of convergent evolution in the various non-related marine-mammal groups. Consequentially, the book starts with a (classical) introduction to phylogenetic systematics in general followed by specific chapters on pinniped, cetacean and sirenian evolution and systematics. Different and even highly contradicting views of the relationships of each group are clearly presented, and the authors do an excellent job (especially for students) of not trying to conceal these disagreements, but instead in leaving the discussion open. Part I finishes with an especially nice chapter on 'evolutionary biogeography'. The bulk of the book deals with solutions in all the various systems to cope with the (for mammals) new marine environment. The changes in each of these systems, especially when viewed together, represent a powerful, outstanding and underused piece of evidence of evolution. Following the descriptions of loss, restructuring and 'inventing' of structures in almost all systems is a pleasure in itself, but even more so because of many instructive illustrations by Pieter Arend Folkens and Peter J. Adam. We should thank the authors for the great effort they have made to gather all the diverse information available and to present it in a highly comprehensive book, and one that can only be recommended to all readers interested in this challenging field." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RES, "...Berta et al have provided us with a crucial resource spanning many disparate research venues...Each chapter provides extensive references for further research. In the appendix are listed the living species (as discussed in the book) with information such as diagnosis, definition, distribution, fossil history and content. A glossary, a substantial index and several pages of color photos completes the rest of the book...certainly, this book is appropriate for any academic library supporting marine science, marine ecology, environmental science, evolutionary biology and similar programs." - Peggy Dominy in E-STREAMS "This update to the original version of this basic book originally published in 1999 is highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students. The strength of the book is its integrative presentation of adaptiveness to the marine environment (e.g. in terms of anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology, all in an explicit phylogenetic context) as opposed to isolated tales of evolutionary adaptations. As such, the reader can always follow functional aspects of convergent evolution in the various non-related marine-mammal groups. Consequentially, the book starts with a (classical) introduction to phylogenetic systematics in general followed by specific chapters on pinniped, cetacean and sirenian evolution and systematics. Different and even highly contradicting views of the relationships of each group are clearly presented, and the authors do an excellent job (especially for students) of not trying to conceal these disagreements, but instead in leaving the discussion open. Part I finishes with an especially nice chapter on 'evolutionary biogeography'. The bulk of the book deals with solutions in all the various systems to cope with the (for mammals) new marine environment. The changes in each of these systems, especially when viewed together, represent a powerful, outstanding and underused piece of evidence of evolution. Following the descriptions of loss, restructuring and 'inventing' of structures in almost all systems is a pleasure in itself, but even more so because of many instructive illustrations by Pieter Arend Folkens and Peter J. Adam. We should thank the authors for the great effort they have made to gather all the diverse information available and to present it in a highly comprehensive book, and one that can only be recommended to all readers interested in this challenging field." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, " Marine Mammals is an excellent introduction to the whole spectrum of marine mammal evolution, anatomy, behaviour, ecology, and life history...valuable to anyone interested in marine mammals." --Philip D. Gingerich, Museum of Paleontology, University of Michgan, in THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY "The text is written clearly and enhanced by black and white photos and illustrations. The result is a thoroughly researched up-to-date book that will be invaluable to anyone interested in marine mammals and the how's and why's of their existence." --MARINE CONNECTION (Fall/Winter 2000), "All scientists and students who study marine mammals should read it...the book contains a wealth of information. - Frank E. Fish, Department of Biology, West Chester University in ANIMAL BIOLOGY .,."a crucial resource spanning many disparate research venues...Each chapter provides extensive references for further research." - Peggy Dominy in E-STREAMS .,."highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH .,."will certainly be popular with students, because it is clearly and concisely written, and intelligently illustrated." - in CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS .,."it is a thorough, precise and clearly written reference that will admirably serve those interested in the evolution of marine mammals." - Corey J.A. Bradshaw, School for Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, in POLAR RESEARCH, "This update to the original version of this basic book originally published in 1999 is highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students. The strength of the book is its integrative presentation of adaptiveness to the marine environment (e.g. in terms of anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology, all in an explicit phylogenetic context) as opposed to isolated tales of evolutionary adaptations. As such, the reader can always follow functional aspects of convergent evolution in the various non-related marine-mammal groups. Consequentially, the book starts with a (classical) introduction to phylogenetic systematics in general followed by specific chapters on pinniped, cetacean and sirenian evolution and systematics. Different and even highly contradicting views of the relationships of each group are clearly presented, and the authors do an excellent job (especially for students) of not trying to conceal these disagreements, but instead in leaving the discussion open. Part I finishes with an especially nice chapter on 'evolutionary biogeography'. The bulk of the book deals with solutions in all the various systems to cope with the (for mammals) new marine environment. The changes in each of these systems, especially when viewed together, represent a powerful, outstanding and underused piece of evidence of evolution. Following the descriptions of loss, restructuring and 'inventing' of structures in almost all systems is a pleasure in itself, but even more so because of many instructive illustrations by Pieter Arend Folkens and Peter J. Adam. We should thank the authors for the great effort they have made to gather all the diverse information available and to present it in a highly comprehensive book, and one that can only be recommended to all readers interested in this challenging field." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, "All scientists and students who study marine mammals should read it...the book contains a wealth of information. - Frank E. Fish, Department of Biology, West Chester University in ANIMAL BIOLOGY "...a crucial resource spanning many disparate research venues...Each chapter provides extensive references for further research." - Peggy Dominy in E-STREAMS "...highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH "...will certainly be popular with students, because it is clearly and concisely written, and intelligently illustrated." - in CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS "...it is a thorough, precise and clearly written reference that will admirably serve those interested in the evolution of marine mammals." - Corey J.A. Bradshaw, School for Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, in POLAR RESEARCH, ..."highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, .,."a crucial resource spanning many disparate research venues...Each chapter provides extensive references for further research." - Peggy Dominy in E-STREAMS .,."highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, "All scientists and students who study marine mammals should read it...the book contains a wealth of information. - Frank E. Fish, Department of Biology, West Chester University in ANIMAL BIOLOGY "...a crucial resource spanning many disparate research venues...Each chapter provides extensive references for further research." - Peggy Dominy in E-STREAMS "...highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students." - M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, "Marine Mammals is an excellent introduction to the whole spectrum of marine mammal evolution, anatomy, behavior, ecology, and life history. ...well-organized and very readable book. References are extensive and up to date, and provide a valuable gateway to a much broader literature." -Philip D. Gingerich, Museum of Paleontology, Univ. of Michigan, in THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY (March 2001) "This book is clearly useful as a reference, being thoroughly documented and relatively comprehensive. ...Highly recommended." -CHOICE (September 2000) "This is great need for a text that takes a strongly evolutionary approach to the study of marine mammals. This book fills that niche. It will be useful for both upper-level undergraduates and graduates and for researchers in marine mammal science. It is well researched, lucidly written and bang up-to-date. I was also impressed by the informed and balanced treatment of current debates..." -Axel Meyer, University of Konstanz, Germany, in NATURE (August 2000) "This remarkable book gives an overview of the biology of marine mammals with emphasis on their evolution, anatomy, behaviour and their ecology. ...Readers, who want a modern, extensive, clear, well-organised and illustrated introduction into the evolutionary biology of marine mammals, as well as those mammalogists who need a comprehensive source of information and reference to accompany them through their own studies of the fascinating world of marine Mammalia will be well served by the broad approach of Annalisa Berta and James L. Sumich." -P. Langer in INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN BIOLOGY (2000) "I find this book timely and an important contribution. I certainly would use it as a required text in my Biology of Marine Mammals course." --Bernd Wursig, Texas A&M University At Galveston "...covers most of the topics one might address in a general course on marine mammals... chapters are strong, detailed, coherent, and up to date... a reasonable foundation for a comprehensive text in marine mammalogy." --Burney J. Le Boeuf, University of California, Santa Cruz "This is a well-researched treatment written in a plain, no-nonsense style that I think is very effective. ...there is nothing like this summary in print. It brings together a prodigious volume of information, when coupled with the extensive bibliography, making this a valuable addition to any natural history library. It could serve as a basis for an interesting course, or source of seminar topics, etc. I think it will have a wide audience." --Richard H. Tedford, American Museum of Natural History, New York "I have looked forward to the fruition of this book from its inception. ...a valuable and timely text for school use, and I can't think of anyone who would be better qualified to produce it." --Clayton E. Ray, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. "I admire their willingness to undertake a task as daunting as a summary and synthesis of a rapidly growing field. The scope is broad and inclusive enough to satisfy most users in both undergraduate and graduate courses." --Daryl P. Domning, Howard University, Washington, D.C. "...all topics that should be covered in a mammal text are discussed here. ...well-written and illustrated...a good summary of cetacean diversity and all or most of the major events in cetacean evolution. ...I am sure that this book will be used in courses on marine mammalogy." --Han Thewissen, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, RootstownTable of ContentPART I: EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY Systematics and Classification Pinniped Evolution and Systematics Cetacean Evolution and Systematics Sirenians and Other Marine Mammals: Evolution and Systematics Evolutionary Biogeography PART II: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY, AND BEHAVIOR Integumentary and Sensory Systems Musculoskeletal System and Locomotion Energetics Respiration and Diving Physiology Sound Production for Communication, Echolocation, and Prey Capture Diet, Foraging Structures, and Strategies Reproductive Structures, Strategies, and Patterns Population Structure and Population Dynamics Conservation and Protection References Appendix: Classification of Marine Mammals Glossary IndexCopyright Date2006Target AudienceCollege AudienceTopicLife Sciences / Ecology, Environmental Conservation & Protection, Animals / Marine Life, Life Sciences / Zoology / GeneralDewey Decimal599.5Dewey Edition21IllustratedYesGenreNature, Science

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