Whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, walruses, sea otters, dugongs, manatees, and even polar bears live significat parts of their lives miles from terra firma. Marine Mammals: Evolutionary Biology reviews many of the adaptations that enable them to live so successfully.

Written by two leading marine mammalogists, this comprehensive text employs a comparative phylogenic approach to marine mammal diversity. By establishing an evolutionary framework for the principal lineages, the authors provide a phylogenetic context for chapters on major organ systems, diving physiology, diet, sound production and echolocation, reproductive behavior, and conservation. Designed both as an advanced text and as a reference for professionals, this book will be required reading for all biologists concerned with marine mammals.

Designed both as an advanced text and as a reference for professionals, this book employs a comparative phylogenic approach to marine mammal diversity. By establishing an evolutionary framework for the principal lineages, it provides a phylogenic context for chapters on major organ systems, diving physiology, diet, sound production and echolocation, reproductive behavior, and conservation. Berta teaches biology at San Diego State University. Sumich teaches biology at Grossmont College.
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tory, 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, Rootstown, Ohio

be used in courses on marine mammalogy."

-HAN THEWISSEN, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio

This is a succinct yet comprehensive text devoted to the systematics, evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, and behaviour of marine mammals.

This book, by two leading marine mammalogists, is a succinct yet comprehensive text devoted to the systematics, evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, and behavior of marine mammals. With chapters on the evolutionary history of the principle lineages, major organ systems, diving physiology, diet, sound production and echolocation, reproductive behavior, and conservation biology, this book will be required reading for all marine biologists concerned with marine mammals.

Key Features

* 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, extensive bibliography, and many figures and photos

Annalisa Berta is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at San Diego State University. She received her Ph.D. in Paleontology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1979, and has been the author of numerous publications in her field.James Sumich is an Instructor of Marine Biology and Zoology at Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, California. He received his Ph.D. from Oregon State University in 1986.

gies and Patterns.

Population Structure and Population Dynamics.

Exploitation and Conservation.

Appendix.

Literature Cited.

Glossary.

Index.