Synopses & Reviews
This is an analysis of how conditions in the oceanic environment differ from those in the familiar terrestrial world, describing the techniques and ingenuity required to reveal the populations inhabiting the colossal volume of the deep oceans and how its inhabitants have adapted to survive and flourish within it. Many issues of deep sea marine life are covered including: surface phytoplankton's roles; chemosynthesis at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps; reduction of biomass with depth and energy conservation; mechanoreception; chemoreception; vision; animal life styles, seasonability, sex and size; and the unique variety of life in the deep ocean both on the sea floor at in midwater.
Review
"Herring's extensive experience on research cruises is evident as he smoothly guides the reader through 'uncharted waters'. There are many excellent diagrams and photo illustrations. . . . strongly recommended."--Biologist
Review
"Herring's extensive experience on research cruises is evident as he smoothly guides the reader through 'uncharted waters'. There are many excellent diagrams and photo illustrations. . . . strongly recommended."--
BiologistTable of Contents
1. The dea-sea dimension
2. Living, growing, and daylight
3. Life at the bottom
4. Patterns and changes
5. On being efficient
6. Feeling and hearing
7. Chemical messages
8. Seeing in the dark
9. Camouflage, colour, and lights
10. Size, sex, and seasonality
11. A wonderful variety of life: biodiversity of the deep-sea fauna
References
Appendix: The marine phyla
Index