Synopses & Reviews
Berta 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 maps
Review
"...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
Review
ctrum 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
Review
"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
About the Author
Annalisa Berta is Associate Chair and Professor of Biology at San Diego State University. She is an evolutionary biologist who has studied fossil and modern marine mammals for over 20 years. She is President of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and Associate Editor of Marine Mammal Science.James L. Sumich is Professor Emeritus of Biology at Grossmont College. He has studied gray whales for nearly three decades and taught college courses on marine mammals for nearly as long. His research has focused on the ecological physiology of baleen whales, particularly the energetics of their seasonal fasting migrations.Kit M. Kovacs is the Biodiversity Programme Leader for the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø, Norway and Professor of Biology at University Studies on Svalbard (UNIS). She has worked with Arctic marine mammal ecology for the past 20 years, focusing on behavioral ecology and population biology. She is President of the Society for Marine Mammalogy and Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Zoology.
Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromso, Norway
Table of Contents
PART 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
Index