Marine Mammals: Evolutionary Biology / Edition 3

by Annalisa Berta, James L. Sumich, Kit M. Kovacs

Overview

Marine Mammals has succeeded yet again in creating a superior synthesis of marine mammal reading in this second edition! This book is a succinct yet comprehensive text devoted to the systematics, evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, and behavior of marine mammals. The first edition, considered the leading text in the field, is required reading for all marine biologists concerned with marine mammals. By establishing an evolutionary framework for the principal marine mammal lineages, the authors provide a context for chapters on major organ systems including diving physiology, diet and feeding, sound production and echolocation, energetics, reproductive behavior, and conservation. This book is designed as both a text and as a reference for students and professionals and the general reader with an interest in marine mammal biology. This second edition continues the tradition by fully expanding and updating all chapters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780123970022
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	04/23/2015
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	738
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Annalisa Berta is Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at San Diego State University, San Diego, California and a Research Associate at the San Diego Natural History Museum in San Diego, California and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. She is an evolutionary biologist who for the last 30 years has been studying the anatomy, evolution and systematics of fossil and living marine mammals, especially pinnipeds and whales. She is a past President of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and former Senior Editor of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology and Associate Editor of Marine Mammal Science. She has written 100 scientific papers and several books for the specialist as well as non-scientist including Return to the Sea: The Life and Evolutionary Times of Marine Mammals, 2012, (University of California Press) and the forthcoming book (summer, 2015) Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: a natural history and species guide (University of Chicago Press).

James Sumich is Professor Emeritus of Biology at Grossmont College and is the author of a popular book on gray whales. He has conducted research on gray whales from British Columbia to Baja California for four decades and has taught marine mammal course for nearly that long. His research has focused on the ecological physiology of baleen whales, especially the energetics of their seasonal fasting migrations.

Kit M. Kovacs is the Biodiversity Research Program Leader for the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø Norway and a Professor of Biology at University Studies on Svalbard (UNIS). She has worked with marine mammals in Polar Regions for the past 30 years, focusing primarily on studies in the fields of behavioral ecology and population biology. The impact of climate change on ice-associated species has been a topic of principal concern in recent years in her research projects. She is author/co-author of more than 200 primary publications and the author/editor of ten books and numerous popular articles.

Table of Contents

	Preface	ix
	Acknowledgments	x
1	Introduction	1
1.1	Marine Mammals-"What Are They?"	1
1.2	Adaptations for Aquatic Life	1
1.3	Scope and Use of This Book	2
1.4	Time Scale	2
1.5	Early Observations of Marine Mammals	3
1.6	Emergence of Marine Mammal Science	7
1.7	Further Reading and Resources	9
	References	9
Part I	Evolutionary History
2	Systematics and Classification	12
2.1	Introduction: Systematics-What Is It and Why Do It?	12
2.2	Some Basic Terminology and Concepts	13
2.3	How Do You Do Cladistics?	17
2.4	Testing Phylogenetic Hypotheses	19
2.5	Going Beyond the Phylogenetic Framework: Elucidating Evolutionary and Ecological Patterns	21
2.6	Taxonomy and Classification	22
2.7	Summary and Conclusions	24
2.8	Further Reading	24
	References	24
3	Pinniped Evolution and Systematics	27
3.1	Introduction	27
3.2	Origin and Evolution	27
3.3	Summary and Conclusions	46
3.4	Further Reading	47
	References	47
4	Cetacean Evolution and Systematics	51
4.1	Introduction	51
4.2	Origin and Evolution	51
4.3	Summary and Conclusions	81
4.4	Further Reading	81
	References	82
5	Sirenians and Other Marine Mammals: Evolution and Systematics	89
5.1	Introduction	89
5.2	Origin and Evolution of Sirenians	89
5.3	The Extinct Sirenian Relatives-Desmostylia	98
5.4	The Extinct Marine Bear-Like Carnivoran, Kolponomos	100
5.5	The Extinct Aquatic Sloth, Thalassocnus natans	102
5.6	The Sea Otter, Enhydra lutris	102
5.7	The Polar Bear, Ursus maritimus	105
5.8	Summary and Conclusions	105
5.9	Further Reading	107
	References	107
6	Evolutionary Biogeography	111
6.1	Introduction-What Is Biogeography and Why Is It Important?	111
6.2	Ecological Factors Affecting Distributions of Marine Mammals	111
6.3	Present Patterns of Distribution	117
6.4	Reconstructing Biogeographic Patterns	119
6.5	Past Patterns of Distribution	121
6.6	Summary and Conclusions	127
6.7	Further Reading and Resources	128
	References	129
Part II	Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, And Behavior
7	Integumentary and Sensory Systems	132
7.1	Introduction	132
7.2	Integumentary System	132
7.3	Nerves and Sense Organs	148
7.4	Summary and Conclusions	156
7.5	Further Reading	157
	References	157
8	Musculoskeletal System and Locomotion	165
8.1	Introduction	165
8.2	Pinnipeds	165
8.3	Cetaceans	178
8.4	Sirenians	195
8.5	Sea Otter	200
8.6	Polar Bear	203
8.7	Summary and Conclusions	203
8.8	Further Reading	205
	References	206
9	Energetics	213
9.1	Introduction	213
9.2	Metabolic Rates	213
9.3	Thermoregulation	217
9.4	Energetics of Locomotion	223
9.5	Osmoregulation	229
9.6	Summary and Conclusions	231
9.7	Further Reading	232
	References	232
10	Respiration and Diving Physiology	237
10.1	Introduction	237
10.2	Problems of Deep and Prolonged Dives for Breath-Holders	237
10.3	Pulmonary and Circulatory Adaptations to Diving	239
10.4	Diving Response	252
10.5	Diving Behavior and Phylogenetic Patterns	254
10.6	Summary and Conclusions	262
10.7	Further Reading	262
	References	262
11	Sound Production for Communication, Echolocation, and Prey Capture	270
11.1	Introduction	270
11.2	Sound Propagation in Air and Water	270
11.3	Anatomy and Physiology of Sound Production and Reception	272
11.4	Functions of Intentionally Produced Sounds	284
11.5	Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate and Low-Frequency Military Sonars	302
11.6	Summary and Conclusions	303
11.7	Further Reading	304
	References	305
12	Diet, Foraging Structures, and Strategies	312
12.1	Introduction	312
12.2	Seasonal and Geographical Patterns of Prey Abundance	313
12.3	Adaptations for Foraging in Pinnipeds	314
12.4	Feeding Specializations of Cetaceans	324
12.5	Feeding Specializations of Sirenians	344
12.6	Feeding Specializations of Other Marine Mammals	350
12.7	Summary and Conclusions	354
12.8	Further Reading	355
	References	355
13	Reproductive Structures, Strategies, and Patterns	363
13.1	Introduction	363
13.2	Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System	365
13.3	Mating Systems	377
13.4	Lactation Strategies	395
13.5	Reproductive Patterns	402
13.6	Summary and Conclusions	405
13.7	Further Reading	406
	References	407
14	Population Structure and Dynamics	416
14.1	Introduction	416
14.2	Abundance and Its Determination in Marine Mammals	417
14.3	Techniques for Monitoring Populations	419
14.4	Population Structure and Dynamics	432
14.5	Summary and Conclusions	444
14.6	Further Reading	445
	References	445
15	Exploitation and Conservation	456
15.1	Introduction	456
15.2	Commercial Exploitation of Marine Mammals	456
15.3	Legal Framework for Marine Mammal Conservation and Protection	460
15.4	Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals	466
15.5	Environmental Contaminants	472
15.6	Single Beachings vs Mass Strandings	475
15.7	Ecotourism	478
15.8	Progress and the Future	480
15.9	Summary and Conclusions	483
15.10	Further Reading	483
	References	484
Appendix	Classification of Marine Mammals	491
	Glossary	513
	Index	521

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

The must-have reference on marine mammals

Editorial Reviews

Designed both as an advanced text and as a reference for professionals, this book employs a comparative phylogenic approach to marine mammal diversity. By establishing an evolutionary framework for the principal lineages, it provides a phylogenic context for chapters on major organ systems, diving physiology, diet, sound production and echolocation, reproductive behavior, and conservation. Berta teaches biology at San Diego State University. Sumich teaches biology at Grossmont College. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

There is great need for a text that takes a strongly evolutionary approach to the study of marine mammals. This book fills that niche. It will be useful for both upper level undergraduates and graduates and for researchers in marine mammal science. It is well researched, lucidly written and bang up to date. I was also impressed by the informed and balanced treatment of current debates, such as that on the phylogenetic relationships within and among cetaceans.
— Nature Magazine

Axel Meyer

"...successfully highlights the current state of knowledge on the diverse assemblage of mammals that utilise the marine environment. These authors have combined their expertise to produce a comprehensive treatise....an excellent textbook for advanced courses in marine mammalogy. Indeed, all scientists and students who study marine mammals should read it...the book’s major strength lies in the sections on the anatomy and physiology of marine mammals. The early chapters on evolution and systematics of the three primary groups of marine mammals (pinnipeds, cetaceans and sirenians) are highly detailed with respect to anatomical features...This book is an important resource and it should not be merely viewed as a classroom textbook. It contains a wealth of information. In addition to the biological aspects of marine mammals, the book also provides the history of exploitation and political attempts to manage and regulate hunting. Even though this review is presented in an unbiased manner, the conclusions are that current practices of overfishing may lead in the end to the demise of a number of species. Berta, Sumich and Kovacs present a hopeful plea that we can make future political decisions based on a sense of stewardship of the oceans and its inhabitants." —Frank E. Fish, Department of Biology, West Chester University in ANIMAL BIOLOGY "...Berta et al have provided us with a crucial resource spanning many disparate research venues...Each chapter provides extensive references for further research. In the appendix are listed the living species (as discussed in the book) with information such as diagnosis, definition, distribution, fossil history and content. A glossary, a substantial index and several pages of color photos completes the rest of the book...certainly, this book is appropriate for any academic library supporting marine science, marine ecology, environmental science, evolutionary biology and similar programs." —Peggy Dominy in E-STREAMS "This update to the original version of this basic book originally published in 1999 is highly welcome...the authors succeed again in presenting a book that is simultaneously challenging and easily readable for students. The strength of the book is its integrative presentation of adaptiveness to the marine environment (e.g. in terms of anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology, all in an explicit phylogenetic context) as opposed to isolated tales of evolutionary adaptations. As such, the reader can always follow functional aspects of convergent evolution in the various non-related marine-mammal groups. Consequentially, the book starts with a (classical) introduction to phylogenetic systematics in general followed by specific chapters on pinniped, cetacean and sirenian evolution and systematics. Different and even highly contradicting views of the relationships of each group are clearly presented, and the authors do an excellent job (especially for students) of not trying to conceal these disagreements, but instead in leaving the discussion open. Part I finishes with an especially nice chapter on 'evolutionary biogeography'.

The bulk of the book deals with solutions in all the various systems to cope with the (for mammals) new marine environment. The changes in each of these systems, especially when viewed together, represent a powerful, outstanding and underused piece of evidence of evolution. Following the descriptions of loss, restructuring and 'inventing' of structures in almost all systems is a pleasure in itself, but even more so because of many instructive illustrations by Pieter Arend Folkens and Peter J. Adam.

We should thank the authors for the great effort they have made to gather all the diverse information available and to present it in a highly comprehensive book, and one that can only be recommended to all readers interested in this challenging field." —M. S. Fischer, Jena, in JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH "...deals with the evolution of marine mammals in detail, and the remainder of the book is a good, solid guide to their complex biology. That said, Marine mammals: evolutionary biology will certainly be popular with students, because it is clearly and concisely written, and intelligently illustrated." —CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS "...the book does represent a good reference source that I will certainly use myself, and it will serve those who teach these themes extremely well. Berta et al. deserve to be congratulated for this comprehensive tome - it is a thorough, precise and clearly written reference that will serve admirably those interested in the evolution of marine mammals." —Corey J.A. Bradshaw, School for Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, in POLAR RESEARCH

From the Publisher