Introduction To The Biology Of Marine Life

Written in a conversational tone, the Eleventh Edition of Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life, continues to provide students with a clear and engaging introduction into the exciting world of marine organisms and the extraordinary environments in which they live. Assuming no prior knowledge to marine biology, the text uses selected groups of marine organisms to develop an understanding of biological principles and processes that are basic to all forms of life in the sea, including phytoplankton, marine plants, microbial heterotrophs and invertebrates, fishes and reptiles, as well as seabirds and marine mammals. Building on the biological basics of these groups, the text progresses to discuss the taxonomy, evolution, ecology, behavior, and physiology. Additional topics include the ocean as a habitat, patterns of associations, estuaries, coastal seas, coral reefs, the open sea, the deep sea floor, and harvesting living marine resources.