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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Hydrobiology
How did the elephant seal survive being driven to the brink of extinction in the nineteenth century? What variables determine the lifetime reproductive success of individual seals? How have elephant seals adapted to tolerate remarkable physiological extremes of nutrition, temperature, asphyxia, and pressure? Answering these questions and many more, this book is the result of the author's 50-year study of elephant seals. The chapters cover a broad range of topics including diving, feeding, migration and reproductive behavior, yielding fundamental information on general biological principles, the operation of natural selection, the evolution of social behavior, the formation of vocal dialects, colony development, and population changes over time. The book will be a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers of marine mammal behavior and reproductive life history as well as for amateur naturalists interested in these fascinating animals.
This study explores how the emissions of acidifying gases in the atmosphere have caused the acidification of large freshwater areas in Europe and North America, and induced major changes in the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. It focuses on the causes and consequences of this acidification, the links between terrestrial and aquatic effects, the prospects for reversing the damage and the prognosis for the future.
More than 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, making it an ideal and abundant resource for studying species diversity, faunal communities, and ecosystems. India's massive coastline (5,044 miles) means it plays a major role in housing these faunal communities. Of the 32 animal phyla, 15 are represented in India's marine ecosystem, covering more than 15,000 species. Marine and coastal ecosystems of India provide supporting services in the form of wide range of habitats. Major ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, lagoons, seaweeds and sea grasses serve as nurseries for both inshore and offshore fishes and others, many of which are supposed to be commercially exploited. Marine Faunal Diversity in India describes different marine faunal group ranges from sponges, corals, mollusks, crabs, fishes, reptiles, birds, marine mammals, mangrove fauna and tsunami impact on marine faunal diversity. The chapters, written by reputed experts in their respective fields, illustrate diversity and distribution of marine faunal communities. Key aspects of the ecology and conservation of this important ecosystem are also discussed. Marine Faunal Diversity in India provides marine biologists and related researchers with access to the latest research and field studies from this major region.
The future is uncertain for the world's large marine ecosystems. These relatively narrow ocean zones produce nearly 95% of useable marine biomass, yet are becoming increasingly stressed by both natural and anthropogenic changes. The potential for consequent negative effects on global ecologies and economies has aroused major international concern. This state-of-the-art update on Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) represents a multidisciplinary effort to develop a more holistic approach to the research, monitoring, and management of marine resources. The contributors deal with the various environmental and human impacts of ocean productivity, providing scientific, legal and technological arguments for managing LMEs as multinational units in order to sustain the biomass yields of major coastal areas.
Obituary: Edward Smith Deevey (1914-1988).- Palaeolimnology in the English Lakes - some questions and answers over fifty years.- Accuracy and precision in sediment chronology.- 241Am dating of lake sediments.- Accuracies in Po-210 determination for lead-210 dating.- How long was the Younger Dryas? Preliminary evidence from annually laminated sediments of Soppensee (Switzerland).- Absolute dating of late Quaternary Lacustrine sediments by high resolution varve chronology.- The record of deposition of radionuclides in the sediments of Ponsonby Tarn, Cumbria.- Deposition and transport of radionuclides within an upland drainage basin in mid-Wales.- Progress in understanding the chemical stratigraphy of metals in lake sediments in relation to acidic precipitation.- Spheroidal carbonaceous particles as a marker for recent sediment distribution.- Magnetic spherules in recent lake sediments.- Lake sediment records of erosional processes.- A multidisciplinary study of the lake Bjaresjoesjoen (S Sweden): land-use history, soil erosion, lake trophy and lake-level fluctuations during the last 3000 years.- Paleolimnology of Slapton Ley, Devon, UK.- Sequential inorganic chemical analysis of a core from Slapton Ley, Devon, UK.- Sediment characteristics in relation to cultivation history in two varved lake sediments from East Finland.- The influence of land use on the sedimentation of the river delta in the Kyroenjoki drainage basin.- Heavy metals (Cu and Zn) in recent sediments of Llangorse Lake, Wales: non-ferrous smelting, Napoleon and the price of wheat - a palaeoecological study.- A comparative study of heavy metal contamination and pollution in four Reservoirs in the English Midlands, UK.- Sedimentary diatom concentrations and accumulation rates as predictors of lake trophic state.- The sediment column as a record of trophic status: examples from Bosherston Lakes, SW Wales.- Recent changes to upland tarns in the English Lake District.- Palaeolimnological study of an environmental monitoring area, or, Are there pristine lakes in Finland?.- The eutrophication history of Lake Sarkinen, Finland and the effects of lake aeration.- Are we building enough bridges between paleolimnology and aquatic ecology?.- Weichselian chironomid and cladoceran assemblages from maar lakes.- Stratigraphy of the fossil Chironomidae (Diptera) from Lake Grasmere, South Island, New Zealand, during the last 6000 years.- Modern assemblages of arctic and alpine Chironomidae as analogues for late-glacial communities.- Paleolimnology of Neusiedlersee, Austria: the succession of ostracods.- Palaeolimnology of Neusiedlersee - II: the distribution of nutrients and trace metals.- Paleolimnological investigation of three manipulated lakes from Sudbury, Canada.- Dominant diatoms in the interglacial lake sediments of the Middle Pleistocene in Central and Eastern Poland.- Fossil diatom inferred reconstruction of the pH history of two acidic, clear water lakes from insular Newfoundland, Canada.- Taphonomy and diagenesis in diatom assemblages; a Late Pleistocene palaeoecological study from Lake Magadi, Kenya.- Palaeolimnological aspects of a Late-Glacial shallow lake in Sandy Flanders, Belgium.- Palaeolimnological studies of laminated sediments from the Shropshire-Cheshire meres.- Paleolimnological studies using sequential lipid extraction from recent lacustrine sediment: recognition of source organisms from biomarkers.- Vegetation change and pollen recruitment in a lowland lake catchment: Groby Pool, Leics (England).- Seasonal changes in sedimenting material collected by high aspect ratio sediment traps operated in a holomictic eutrophic lake.- Paleolimnology of a Polar Oasis, Truelove Lowland, Devon Island, N.W.T., Canada.- An environmental history of two freshwater lakes in the Larsemann Hills, Antarctica.- Paleolimnology of Qilu Hu, Yunnan Province, China.- Sedimentary features and the evolution of lake Honghu, central China.- Palaeolakes of the south central Sahara - probl
Theory Instrumentation NIR analysis of sediment samples Uses of NIRS in palaeolimnology Future perspectives Summary References Fly-ash particles. Neil Rose 319 12. Introduction A brief history Methods of extraction and enumeration Temporal distribution Spatial distribution Source apportionment The future Summary Acknowledgements References Part III: Stable Isotope Techniques 13. Application of stable isotope techniques to inorganic and biogenic carbonates. Emi Ito 351 Introduction Nomenclature and systematics of lake-water Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of lake-water of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) Carbonates in lake-sediments Mollusks Ostracodes Charaphytes Isotope analysis Preparation of carbonate samples for isotope analysis Conclusions Summary Acknowledgments References 14. Carbon and oxygen isotope analysis of lake sediment cellulose: methods and applications. Brent B. Wolfe, Thomas W. D. Edwards, Richard J. Elgood & Kristina R. M. Beuning 373 xi Introduction Stable isotope tracers in lake Historical development Methods Key criteria for paleohydrologic reconstruction Applications Future research directions Summary Acknowledgements References Nitrogen isotopes in palaeolimnology. Michael R. Talbot 15. 401 Introduction Nitrogen in lakes: forms and distribution Nitrogen isotopes Nitrogen isotope studies in palaeolimnology: sampling and measurement Some examples Closing remarks Summary Acknowledgments References Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations 441 Index 493 xiii PREFACE The explosive growth of paleolimnology over the past two decades has provided impetus for the publication of this series of monographs detailing the numerous advances and new techniques being applied to the interpretation of lake histories. This is the second volume in the series and deals mainly with physical and geochemical analytical techniques.
This is the sixteenth issue in the FAO series of worldwide annotated and illustrated catalogues of major groups of organisms that enter marine fisheries. It contains the 159 species in 15 genera known from the serranid subfamily Epinephelinae, including one species new to science. There is an introductory section with general remarks on habitat and fisheries of the family, a glossary of technical terms, an illustrated key to each genus and all species, and a detailed account for all species. Species accounts include an illustration of each species, scientific and vernacular names, and information on habitat, biology, fisheries, size, relevant literature, and distribution. Following the species accounts are a list of nominal species in the subfamily, a table of species by major marine fishing areas, and colour plates. A list of all nominal species and their present allocations is given. The work is fully indexed and there is a comprehensive list of references to pertinent literature.
Echinoderms elaborate a calcite skeleton composed of numerous plates with a distinct microstructure (stereom) that can be modelled into different shapes thanks to the use of a transient amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor phase and the incorporation of an intraorganic matrix during biomineralization. A variety of different types of stereom microarchitecture have been distinguished, each of them optimized for a specific function. For instance, a regular, galleried stereom typically houses collagenous ligaments, whereas an irregular, fine labyrinthic stereom commonly bears muscles. Epithelial tissues, in turn, are usually associated with coarse and dense stereom microfabrics. Stereom can be preserved in fossil echinoderms and a wide array of investigating methods are available. As many case studies have shown, a great deal of important paleobiological and paleoecological information can be decoded by studying the stereom microstructure of extinct echinoderms.
Depicts the formation of coral reefs, describes the corals, fish, and other types of animal life on the Red Sea's reefs, and discusses diving in the Red Sea.
The Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, Third Edition covers the ecology, behavior, conservation, evolution, form and function of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, manatees, dugongs, otters and polar bears. This edition provides new content on anthropogenic concerns, latest information on emerging threats such as ocean noise, and impacts of climate change. With authors and editors who are world experts, this new edition is a critical resource for all who are interested in marine mammals, especially upper level undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and managers, and is a top reference for those in related fields, from oceanographers to environmental scientists.
The 5th International Symposium on Inland Saline Lakes was held at Hotel Titikaka on the shores of that lake, 22-29 March 1991 with participants from 16 countries. 23 papers presented by the participants, plus an additional one reporting a microcosm study on salinity effects, constitute the present volume. The papers cover the wide array of subject matters and scales characteristic of our "interdiscipline" and represent the symposium.
This title reveals a shy yet passionate woman more at home in the natural world than in the literary one that embraced her. Souder also writes sensitively of Carson's romantic friendship with Dorothy Freeman, and of her death from cancer in 1964. This biography captures the essence of one of the great reformers of the 20th century.
The oceans contain a great biodiversity of marine organisms. They include a rich variety of unusual genes and biochemistries and hence a diverse array of organic compounds ranging from colourful carotenoids and chlorophylls to lipids with structures ranging from the simple to the complex. This volume brings together ten chapters on the occurrence and identification of the lipid biomarkers and of pigments in marine waters. It describes how they can be used in conjunction with stable isotopes and molecular biology to ascertain the sources and fate of organic matter (both natural and pollutant) in the sea and underlying sediments. The authors are each experts in their field and the chapters provide both an overview of the state-of-the-art and knowledge gaps together with abundant detail to satisfy the needs of specialists and non-specialists alike.
There's so much we don't know about what lies deep beneath the ocean's surface - and the time to find out is growing increasingly precious . . . Professor Alex Rogers is one of the world's leading experts in marine biology and oceanology, and has spent his life studying the deep ocean - and in particular the impact of human activity on the ecosystems of the oceans. In this timely, galvanising and fascinating book - replete with stunning photography of strange and beautiful creatures - Professor Rogers offers a fundamentally optimistic view of humanity's relationship with the oceans - and also a very personal account of his own interaction with the seas.
Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) is one of the most holistic approaches to protecting marine and coastal ecosystems as it recognizes the need to protect entire marine ecosystems instead of individual species. After decades of pollution, habitat degradation and overfishing, now climate change and ocean acidification threaten the health of the ocean in unprecedented way. Environmental Management of Marine Ecosystems illustrates the current status, trends, and effects of climate, natural disturbances and anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems. It demonstrates how to integrate different management tools and models in an up-to-date, multidisciplinary approach to environmental management. This indispensable guide provides several case studies from around the world and creates a framework for identifying management tools and their applications in coral reefs, fisheries, migratory species, marine islands and associated ecosystems such as mangroves and sea grass beds. It discusses the physical and chemical compositions of marine ecosystems along with the threats and actions needed to protect them. The application of model framework to several contemporary management issues include the modelling of harmful algal bloom dynamics, understanding the dispersal of sea lice, and the possible impacts on intertidal communities of the provision of novel offshore habitat. The results of extensive research by an international team of contributors, the Environmental Management of Marine Ecosystems is designed to inform scientists, practitioners, academics, government and non-government policymakers on the particularities of marine ecosystems and assist them in understanding the EBM approaches in means of mitigation and adaptation of human activities that result in sustainability. These practices will help change the current methodologies used for resource assessment and the future regulations of marine resources.
This book describes the underlying water conditions and geologies
that support viable riparia, illustrates the ecological
characteristics of riparia, and discusses how riparia are used by
human cultures as well as how riparia can be used to sustain
environmental quality. In recent years riparian management has been
widely implemented as a means of improving fisheries, water
quality, and habitat for endangered species. This book provides the
basic knowledge necessary to implement successful, long-term
management and rehabilitation programs.
The sea is host to most of the Earth's biodiversity. However, in the case of parasites and their hosts, little is known of the interactions among the organisms. This important volume covers many aspects of these interactions, including the co-evolution and biogeography of different marine systems, and their applied impact on commercially important host species. Topics discussed include species interactions in such well-studied systems as larval trematodes in gastropods and ectoparasites on fish. The effects of parasites in ecosystems extend to commercial, economic concerns, particularly in aquaculture. The volume presents an easy-to-read account of recent advances in this important topic.
This book gives a comprehensive overview of island history, Indian Ocean maritime history and famous shipwrecks of the Maldives. Dive Maldives includes a useful diver information section, resort names and new atoll maps, as well as an index of fish, invertebrates and dive sites that await scuba divers in the Maldives. First published in 1996 and reprinted with updated information in 1998 as the 2nd edition. Translated into English, French, Italian and German. Reprinted with additional information in 2006 and again in 2018 as the 3rd Edition.
In the last 50 years marine conservation has grown from almost nothing to become a major topic of global activity involving many people and organisations. Marine conservation activities have been applied to a huge diversity of species, habitats, ecosystems and whole seas. Many marine conservation actions have focused on human impacts on the marine environment from development and pollution to the impacts of fisheries. Whilst science has provided the backbone of thinking on marine conservation, perhaps the biggest change over this period has been the use of an ever-increasing range of techniques and disciplines to further marine conservation ends. Bob Earll explores what marine conservation involves in practice by providing a synthesis of the main developments from the viewpoints of 19 leading practitioners and pioneers who have helped shape its progress and successes. Their narratives highlight the diversity and richness of activity, and the realities of delivering marine conservation in practice with reference to a host of projects and case studies. Many of these narratives demonstrate how innovative conservationists have been - often developing novel approaches to problems where little information and no frameworks exist. The case studies described are based on a wide range of European and international projects. This book takes an in-depth look at the reality of delivering marine conservation in practice, where achieving change is often a complicated process, with barriers to overcome that have nothing to do with science. Marine conservationists will often be working with stakeholders for whom marine conservation is not a priority. This book aims to help readers describe and understand those realities, and shows that successful and inspirational projects can be delivered against the odds.
Multiple Stressors in River Ecosystems: Status, Impacts and Prospects for the Future provides a comprehensive and current overview on the topic as written by leading river scientists who discuss the relevance of co-occurring stressors for river ecosystems. River ecosystems are subject to multiple stressors that threaten their ecological status and the ecosystem services they provide. This book updates the reader's knowledge on the response and management of river ecosystems to multi-stress situations occurring under global change. Detailing the risk for biodiversity and functioning in a case-study approach, it provides insight into methodological issues, also including the socioeconomic implications.
On 4 June 1629, the Batavia, pride of the Dutch East India Company Fleet, was wrecked on her maiden voyage in a seemingly empty expanse of the Indian Ocean. The question “how did this happen?” led to 300 years of investigation by those curious to solve the enigma: what are corals and how are coral reefs formed?. Relying heavily on primary source material Part 1 traces the sequential evolution of scientific thought and practice as the author explores the way this evolution is reflected in the search for understanding corals. At each stage, answers lead to fresh questions that challenge investigators to solve the riddle and new branches of science emerge. Then, with the first enigma finally understood, a new enigma arose. Why are Reefs dying? Part 2 traces the range of problems that have emerged in the past 50 years as marine, ecological, reef and climate scientists attempt to put the pieces of the jigsaw together. Is there a new “canary in the coal mine” warning of the fate of the world as we know it if man’s impact on his environment continues unchecked?.
The evolution of observational instruments, simulation techniques, and computing power has given aquatic scientists a new understanding of biological and physical processes that span temporal and spatial scales. This has created a need for a single volume that addresses concepts of scale in a manner that builds bridges between experimentalists and theoreticians in aquatic ecology. Handbook of Scaling Methods in Aquatic Ecology: Measurement, Analysis, Simulation is the first comprehensive compilation of modern scaling methods used in marine and freshwater ecological research. Written by leading researchers, it presents a systematic approach to dealing with space and time in aquatic ecology. This is a compendium that analyzes themes related to the response or behavior of organisms to processes occurring over multiple spatial and temporal scales. This book covers: novel techniques for data collection, focusing on processes over a broad range of scales (from bacteria to ocean basins); newly-developed concepts and data analysis algorithms; and innovative computer models and simulations to mimic complex biological processes. The Handbook serves as a reference volume for investigators seeking insight into new experimental approaches and data analysis, as well as the sensor design required for optimal sampling. Many of the algorithms and models provided are directly applicable to your experimental data. This comprehensive treatment of scaling methods and applications can help foster a unified understanding of subject matter among the modeling, experimental, and field research communities.
""Neptune's Ark "takes us on a voyage of discovery into the world
of the enigmatic creatures who evolved in the ocean and the
intrepid individuals who study them. In this moving and majestic
book, David Rains Wallace navigates the mythic dimensions of
humans' and animals' ancient, ambiguous relationship with the
sea."--Adrienne Mayor, author of "The First Fossil Hunters and
Fossil Legends of the First Americans" |
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