Marine Mammals

Zusatztext

This comprehensive book provides new insights into the physiological and behavioral adaptations of marine mammals for an aquatic life. It presents a detailed discussion of the anatomical, metabolic, thermoregulatory, locomotory, diving and behavioral adaptations of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and walrus), sirenians (manatees and dugongs) and sea otters. The results are based on past and recent research including the use of new techniques technology during the past 25 years. Readers will gain an understanding of the remarkable adaptations that enable marine mammals to spend months at sea and make deep, long dives in pursuit of prey.

Autorenportrait

Randall William Davis is an educator and researcher who studies the physiology and behavioral ecology of marine mammals and other aquatic vertebrates. His physiological research focuses on adaptations of marine mammals for deep, prolonged diving. Davis has continually emphasized the importance of studying aquatic animals in their natural environment and has spent many years developing animal-borne instruments that record video and monitor three-dimensional movements, swimming performance and environmental variables to better understand their behavior and ecology. His academic endeavors and 95 research expeditions have taken him to 64 countries and territories on seven continents and all of the worlds oceans.

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