Biology of Marine Mammals

About this book

Taking an integrated approach to the biology of marine carnivores cetaceans and sirenians twenty-two prominent researchers compare marine mammals with one another and with terrestrial mammals providing a framework for fundamental biological and ecological concepts. They describe functional morphology sensory systems energetics reproduction communication and cognition behavior distribution population biology and feeding ecology. They also detail the physiological adaptationsfor such activities and processes as diving thermo-regulation osmoregulation and orientationthat enable marine mammals to exploit their aquatic environment.