Sharks and their Relatives II Biodiversity, Adaptive Physiology, and Conservation

About this book

Since the award-winning first volume, "The Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives", published in 2004, the field has witnessed tremendous developments in research, rapid advances in technology, and the emergence of new investigators beginning to explore issues of biodiversity, distribution, physiology, and ecology in ways that eluded more traditional studies.

As an entirely new companion volume, "Sharks and Their Relatives II: Biodiversity, Adaptive Physiology, and Conservation" brings you up to speed on these significant changes, specifically examining how elasmobranch fishes - the sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras - successfully survive in a wide range of habitats. It emphasizes conservation of threatened species. With contributions from an international group of investigators, this multidisciplinary volume begins by examining elasmobranch biodiversity patterns and their integrated sensory systems.

It then explores the physiological adaptations - from unique sensory modalities to compensatory mechanisms for physiological and environmental stress - that make these animals particularly well suited for the range of habitats where they are found, in both oceanic and freshwater realms. The book then considers the human interactions and anthropogenic effects on worldwide elasmobranch populations and the potential extinction risks posed by increasing threats from changes in habitat, changes in water chemistry, and growing commercial exploitation.

Contents

PHYLOGENY AND ZOOGEOGRAPHYThe Origin and Relationships of Early Chondrichthyes, Eileen D. Grogan and Richard LundHistorical Zoogeography of the Selachii, John A. Musick, Melanie M. Harbin, and Leonard .J.V. CompagnoPhylogeny of Batoidea, John D. McEachran and Neil AschlimanPhylogeny and Classification of Extant Holocephali, Dominique A. DidierFORM, FUNCTION, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSESBiomechanics of Locomotion in Sharks, Rays, and Chimeras, Cheryl A.D. Wilga and G. LauderPrey Capture Behavior and Feeding Mechanics of Elasmobranchs, Philip J. MottaMetabolism, Energetic Demand, and Endothermy, John K. Carlson, Kenneth J. Goldman, and Christopher G. LoweFood Consumption and Feeding Habits, Bradley M. Wetherbee and Enric Cortes Homeostasis: Osmoregulation, pH Regulation, and Nitrogen Excretion, David H. Evans, Peter M. Piermarini, and Keith P. ChoeReproductive Biology of Elasmobranchs, Jeffrey C. Carrier, Harold L. Pratt, Jr., and Jose I. CastroHormonal Regulation of Elasmobranch Physiology, James GelsleichterSensory Biology of Elasmobranchs, Robert E. Hueter, David A. Mann, Karen P. Maruska, Joseph a. Sisneros, and Leo S. DemskiThe Immune System of Sharks, Skates, and Rays, Carl A. Luer, Catherine J. Walsh, and Ashby B. BodineECOLOGY AND LIFE HISTORYAge Determination and Validation in Chondrichthyan Fishes, Gregor M. Cailliet and Kenneth J. GoldmanLife History Patterns, Demography, and Population Dynamics, Enric CortesGenetics of Sharks, Skates, and Rays, Edward J. HeistPredator-Prey Interactions, Michael R. HeithausElasmobranchs as Hosts of Metazoan Parasites, Janine N. Caira and Claire J. HealyAssessing Habitat Use and Movement, Colin I. Simpfendorfer Michelle R. HeupelSubject IndexAnimal Index

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Biography

Under the editorial guidance of Jeffrey C. Carrier, Ph.D., John A. (Jack) Musick, Ph.D., and Michael R. Heithaus, Ph.D., this book includes much of the team's original research along with keen insights from their combined nearly 80 years of teaching in higher academia. Dr. Carrier's current research is focused on the reproductive biology and mating behaviors of nurse sharks in a long-term study from an isolated region of the Florida Keys. Dr. Musick has published more than 150 scientific papers and co-authored or edited 16 books focused on the ecology and conservation of sharks, other marine fishes, and sea turtles. Dr. Musick served as co-chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group for nine years, and is currently the vice chair for science. Dr. Heithaus' current work is centered on predator--prey interactions and the factors influencing behavioral decisions, especially of large marine taxa including marine mammals, sharks and rays, and sea turtles.