United States
£ GBP
Studies of shark biology have flourished over the last several decades. An explosion of new research methods is leading to a fascinating era of oceanic discovery. Shark Biology and Conservation is an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the diversity, evolution, ecology, behaviour, physiology, anatomy, and conservation of sharks. Written in a style that is detailed but not intimidating by world-renowned shark specialists Dan Abel and Dean Grubbs, it relays numerous stories and insights from their exciting experiences in the field. While explaining scientific concepts in terms that non-specialists and students can understand, Abel and Grubbs reveal secrets that will illuminate even the experts.
The text provides readers with a robust and wide range of essential knowledge as it
- introduces emerging as well as traditional techniques for classifying sharks, understanding their behaviour, and unraveling the mysteries of their evolution;
- draws on both established shark science and the latest breakthroughs in the field, from molecular approaches to tracking technologies;
- highlights the often-neglected yet fascinating subject of shark physiology, including heart function, sensory biology, digestion, metabolic performance, and reproduction;
- addresses big picture ecological questions like "Which habitats do sharks prefer?" and "Where do sharks migrate and for what purpose?";
- describes the astonishing diversity of sharks' adaptations to their environment;
- discusses which shark conservation techniques do and don't work; and
- comments on the use and misuse of science in the study of sharks.
Enhanced by hundreds of original colour photographs and beautifully detailed line drawings, Shark Biology and Conservation will appeal to anyone who is spellbound by this wondrous, ecologically important, and threatened group, including marine biologists, wildlife educators, students, and shark enthusiasts.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I. Overview
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Evolution of Sharks
Chapter 3. Diversity of Sharks
Part II. Adaptational Biology: How Sharks Work
Chapter 4. Functional Anatomy of Sharks
Chapter 5. Sensory Biology
Chapter 6. Reproduction
Chapter 7. Circulation, Respiration, and Metabolism
Chapter 8. Thermal Physiology, Osmoregulation, and Digestion
Part III. Ecology and Behavior
Chapter 9. Ecology
Chapter 10. Behavior and Cognition
Part IV. Human Impacts
Chapter 11. Fisheries
Chapter 12. Climate Change and Other Human Impacts
Appendix Conservation: Efforts to Protect Sharks and Rays
Index
Daniel C. Abel is a professor of marine science and Distinguished Honors Faculty Fellow at Coastal Carolina University. He is the coauthor of Environmental Oceanography: Topics and Analysis, Environmental Issues: Looking Towards a Sustainable Future, and Environmental Geology Today. R. Dean Grubbs is the associate director of research and a full research faculty member at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory. Elise Pullen is a marine biologist and freelance scientific illustrator. Marc Dando is a freelance scientific illustrator who specializes in marine life. He is the illustrator of the field guide Sharks of the World.
"My shelves are crammed with shark literature, from classic scientific texts to children's books, tall stories from fishermen, identification guides, and more, but none of these volumes are as comprehensive, accessible, and amusing as this book. It is hard to stop reading long enough to write: 'This is a classic – order your first edition copy NOW!'"
– Sarah Fowler, OBE, Save Our Seas Foundation, coauthor of Sharks of the World: A Fully Illustrated Guide
"The latest book on shark biology and conservation, written by two of the most experienced shark biologists in the business. Covering a wide range of topics, this book is both highly entertaining and informative. I was surprised at how much I learned despite my many years of shark research."
– Yannis P. Papastamatiou, Florida International University
"Abel and Grubbs have produced a fine contemporary account of shark biology. Written in an accessible, conversational style, this book will be of keen interest to shark enthusiasts, students, and scientists alike."
– John A. Musick, Co-chair (retired), IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, coeditor of Sharks and Their Relatives II: Biodiversity, Adaptive Physiology, and Conservation
"Written in a disarming, jargon-free style, this book is highly accessible to a broad audience. At the same time, this is an authoritative, carefully researched text. It builds on the substantial experience of two highly regarded research biologists with a passion for elasmobranchs, and for communicating what they know about these animals in a straightforward way."
– Gavin J. P. Naylor, Florida Program for Shark Research / Curator, Florida Museum of Natural History
"Authors write for two reasons: an overwhelming compulsion to tell a story, or to fill a void. Abel and Grubbs are uniquely motivated by both factors. They have written a much-needed story that they have been presenting to classes for more than twenty years. Read this story. It is flawless."
– John F. Morrissey, Sweet Briar College, coauthor of Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life
"Dan and Dean are not only experienced shark scientists, but also experienced shark educators, as readers can easily tell from their latest book – their knowledge of and enthusiasm for this subject shines through on every page! This book includes science, policy, and personal stories of the authors' own adventures with these amazing and misunderstood animals. It would make a great textbook, but is also suitable for shark enthusiasts who want to learn more about sharks outside of a classroom setting."
– David Shiffman, Postdoctoral Researcher, Arizona State University
"This is not a book that relishes in the gore of shark attack tales, or one that recycles psychological fears of monsters in the brine; instead, as its subtitle suggests, it offers an educational overview [...] The book's ultimate goal, which it succeeds at, is to illustrate how integral to the ecosystem sharks are, how intertwined our lives are, and how the human threat has pushed sharks into perilous straits."
– Jason Motz – The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals
"The more awareness surrounding sharks and their ecological importance the better. What Daniel Abel and Dean Grubbs have managed to do, is present big picture questions while introducing you to shark species in an exacting and undaunting way."
– Dean Honey – Save Our Seas Foundation
"This book represents a comprehensive in-depth reference for the world of Sharks."
– Michael Scholl Blog
"This new book is indeed what I refer to as a Goldilocks book – not too hard, not too soft, but just right [...] There is one thing, however, I feel compelled to warn my readers about this book: once you open its cover and begin reading, it is very, very difficult to stop reading and set it down – so plan accordingly."
– Johannes Riutta – The Well-Read Naturalist
