Return to the Sea: The Life and Evolutionary Times of Marine Mammals

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Synopsis
Return to the Sea portrays the life and evolutionary times of marine mammals--from giant whales and sea cows that originated 55 million years ago to the deep diving elephant seals and clam-eating walruses of modern times. This fascinating account of the origin of various marine mammal lineages, some extinct, others extant but threatened, is for the non-specialist. Set against a backdrop of geologic time, changing climates, and changing geography, evolution is the unifying principle that helps us to understand the present day diversity of marine mammals and their responses to environmental challenges. Annalisa Berta explains current controversies and explores patterns of change taking place today, such as shifting food webs and predator-prey relationships, habitat degradation, global warming, and the effects of humans on marine mammal communities.
Copyright:
2012

Book Details

Book Quality:
Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:
9780520951440
Related ISBNs:
9780520270572
Publisher:
University of California Press
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
The Regents of the University of California
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
History, Nonfiction, Science, Animals
Submitted By:
Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

Reviews

5 out of 5

By on

Excellent introduction and review of the evolution, diversity and adaptation of seals, walrus, whales and dolphins, manatees, polar bears and sea otters. Written by an evolutionary biologist for a non-scientific audience, this book is very accessible to the lay reader. So many fascinating facts and ideas, I was often left craving for more. There is also a broad section on conservation. The illustrations are wonderful.


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