Marine Mammals: Evolutionary Biology
- Book Review,
by Annalisa Berta, et al
From Book News, Inc.
Designed both as an advanced text and as a reference for professionals, this book employs a comparative phylogenic approach to marine mammal diversity. By establishing an evolutionary framework for the principal lineages, it provides a phylogenic context for chapters on major organ systems, diving physiology, diet, sound production and echolocation, reproductive behavior, and conservation. Berta teaches biology at San Diego State University. Sumich teaches biology at Grossmont College.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR
Bernd Wursig, Texas A&M University at Galveston
"I find this book timely and an important contribution. I certainly would use it as a required text in my Biology of Marine Mammals course."
Review
PREPUBLICATION REVIEWS
"I find this book timely and an important contribution. I certainly would use it as a required text in my Biology of Marine Mammals course."
-BERND WURSIG, Texas A&M University
"...covers most of the topics one might address in a general course on marine mammals...chapters are strong, detailed, coherent, and up to date...a reasonable foundation for a comprehensive text in marine mammalogy."
-BURNEY J. LE BOEUF, University of California, Santa Cruz
"This is a well-researched treatment written in a plain, no-nonsense style that I think is very effective. ...there is nothing like this summary in print. It brings together a prodigious volume of information, when coupled with the extensive bibliography, making this a valuable addition to any natural history library. It could serve as a basis for an interesting course, or source of seminar topics, etc. I think it will have a wide audience."
-RICHARD H. TEDFORD, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
"I have looked forward to the fruition of this book from its inception. ...a valuable and timely text for school use, and I can't think of anyone who would be better qualified to produce it."
-CLAYTON E. RAY, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
"I admire their willingness to undertake a task as daunting as a summary and synthesis of a rapidly growing field. The scope is broad and inclusive enough to satisfy most users in both undergraduate and graduate courses."
-DARYL P. DOMNING, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
"...all topics that should be covered in a mammal text are discussed here. ...well-written and illustrated...a good summary of cetacean diversity and all or most of the major events in cetacean evolution. ...I am sure that this book will be used in courses on marine mammalogy."
-HAN THEWISSEN, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio
Richard H. Tedford, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
"This is a well-researched treatment written in a plain, no-nonsense style that I think is very effective. ...there is nothing like this summary in print. It brings together a prodigious volume of information, when coupled with the extensive bibliography, making this a valuable addition to any natural history library. It could serve as a basis for an interesting course, or source of seminar topics, etc. I think it will have a wide audience."
Clayton E. Ray, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
"I have looked forward to the fruition of this book from its inception. ...a valuable and timely text for school use, and I can't think of anyone who would be better qualified to produce it."
Daryl P. Domning, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
"I admire their willingness to undertake a task as daunting as a summary and synthesis of a rapidly growing field. The scope is broad and inclusive enough to satisfy most users in both undergraduate and graduate courses."
Han Thewissen, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH
"...all topics that should be covered in a mammal text are discussed here. ...well-written and illustrated...a good summary of cetacean diversity and all or most of the major events in cetacean evolution. ...I am sure that this book will be used in courses on marine mammalogy."
Philip D. Gingerich, Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, in The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2001
"...excellent introduction to the whole spectrum of marine mammal evolution, anatomy, behavior, ecology, and life history. ...well-organized and very readable."
Choice, September 2000
"This book is clearly useful as a reference, being thoroughly documented and relatively comprehensive. ...Highly recommended."
Axel Meyer, University of Konstanz, Germany, in Nature, August 2000
"...well researched, lucidly written and bang up-to-date. I was also impressed by the informed and balanced treatment of current debates."
Review
PREPUBLICATION REVIEWS
"I find this book timely and an important contribution. I certainly would use it as a required text in my Biology of Marine Mammals course."
-BERND WURSIG, Texas A&M University
"...covers most of the topics one might address in a general course on marine mammals...chapters are strong, detailed, coherent, and up to date...a reasonable foundation for a comprehensive text in marine mammalogy."
-BURNEY J. LE BOEUF, University of California, Santa Cruz
"This is a well-researched treatment written in a plain, no-nonsense style that I think is very effective. ...there is nothing like this summary in print. It brings together a prodigious volume of information, when coupled with the extensive bibliography, making this a valuable addition to any natural history library. It could serve as a basis for an interesting course, or source of seminar topics, etc. I think it will have a wide audience."
-RICHARD H. TEDFORD, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
"I have looked forward to the fruition of this book from its inception. ...a valuable and timely text for school use, and I can't think of anyone who would be better qualified to produce it."
-CLAYTON E. RAY, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
"I admire their willingness to undertake a task as daunting as a summary and synthesis of a rapidly growing field. The scope is broad and inclusive enough to satisfy most users in both undergraduate and graduate courses."
-DARYL P. DOMNING, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
"...all topics that should be covered in a mammal text are discussed here. ...well-written and illustrated...a good summary of cetacean diversity and all or most of the major events in cetacean evolution. ...I am sure that this book will be used in courses on marine mammalogy."
-HAN THEWISSEN, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio
Book Description
This book, by two leading marine mammalogists, is a succinct yet comprehensive text devoted to the systematics, evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, and behavior of marine mammals. With chapters on the evolutionary history of the principle lineages, major organ systems, diving physiology, diet, sound production and echolocation, reproductive behavior, and conservation biology, this book will be required reading for all marine biologists concerned with marine mammals.
Key Features
* 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, extensive bibliography, and many figures and photos
Book Info
Introduces the reader to the tremendous breadth of topics that comprise the rapidly expanding interdisciplinary field of marine mammal science today.
From the Back Cover
Whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, walruses, sea otters, dugongs, manatees, and even polar bears live significat parts of their lives miles from terra firma. Marine Mammals: Evolutionary Biology reviews many of the adaptations that enable them to live so successfully.
Written by two leading marine mammalogists, this comprehensive text employs a comparative phylogenic approach to marine mammal diversity. By establishing an evolutionary framework for the principal lineages, the authors provide a phylogenetic context for chapters on major organ systems, diving physiology, diet, sound production and echolocation, reproductive behavior, and conservation. Designed both as an advanced text and as a reference for professionals, this book will be required reading for all biologists concerned with marine mammals.
About the Author
Annalisa Berta is currently a Professor in the Department of Biology at San Diego State University. She received her Ph.D. in Paleontology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1979, and has been the author of numerous publications in her field.
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