Description

This is an analysis of how conditions in the oceanic environment differ from those in the familiar terrestrial world, describing the techniques and ingenuity required to reveal the populations inhabiting the colossal volume of the deep oceans and how its inhabitants have adapted to survive and flourish within it. Many issues of deep sea marine life are covered including: surface phytoplankton's roles; chemosynthesis at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps; reduction of biomass with depth and energy conservation; mechanoreception; chemoreception; vision; animal life styles, seasonability, sex and size; and the unique variety of life in the deep ocean both on the sea floor at in midwater.

Features

• Describes the largest ecosystem on the planet
• Deals with the hidden 'aliens' of Earth's inner space
• Includes all oceanic organisms, from viruses to whales
• Highlights the extraordinary survival strategies of the deep-sea fauna
• Founded on the author's unique deep-sea esperience in all the world's oceans, based on more than 60 research cruises and submersible dives

Reviews

"Herring's extensive experience on research cruises is evident as he smoothly guides the reader through 'uncharted waters'. There are many excellent diagrams and photo illustrations. . . . strongly recommended."--Biologist

Product Details

330 pages; 62 line illus & 29 halftones; ISBN13: 978-0-19-854956-7ISBN10: 0-19-854956-3

About the Author(s)