An Introduction to Marine Ecology, Third Edition

Description

This established textbook continues to provide a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to marine ecological concepts and processes. Based on a wealth of international teaching expertise, An Introduction to Marine Ecology is written to be the basis for an entire undergraduate course in marine biology or ecology. It covers the trophic, environmental and competitive interactions of marine organisms, and the effects of these on the productivity, dynamics and structure of marine systems. The strength of the book lies in its discussion of core topics which remains at the heart of the majority of courses in the subject, despite an increasing emphasis on more applied aspects. The authors maintain the tradition of clarity and conciseness set by previous editions, and the text is extensively illustrated with colour plates, photographs and diagrams. Examples are drawn from all over the world. In this edition, the scientific content of the text has been fully revised and updated. An emphasis has been placed on human impacts, and completely new chapters have been added on fisheries, marine ecosystems, and human interference and conservation. Completely revised and updated with a twofold increase in the number of illustrations. Adopts a more applied approach in keeping with current teaching. New chapters on fisheries, the marine ecosystem, conservation and pollution. Based on a proven and successful course structure.Content: Chapter 1 The Nature and Global Distribution of Marine Organisms, Habitats and Productivity (pages 1–29): Chapter 2 The Planktonic System of Surface Waters (pages 30–53): Chapter 3 The Benthos of Continental Shelf and Littoral Sediments (pages 54–76): Chapter 4 Salt?Marshes, Mangrove?Swamps and Sea?Grass Meadows (pages 77–84): Chapter 5 Rocky Shores and Kelp Forests (pages 85–116): Chapter 6 Coral Reefs (pages 117–141): Chapter 7 Pelagic and Benthic Systems of the Deep Sea (pages 142–149): Chapter 8 Fish and Other Nekton (pages 150–179): Chapter 9 Ecology of Life Histories (pages 180–206): Chapter 10 Speciation and Biogeography (pages 207–221): Chapter 11 The Marine Ecosystem as a Functional Whole (pages 222–237): Chapter 12 Human Interference and Conservation (pages 238–255):