Marine Biology for the Non Biologist: 1

Discover the extraordinary world beneath the waves - no biology degree required. Marine Biology for the Non-Biologist takes readers on an accessible journey through the fascinating animals, environments and biological processes that make our oceans work. Written for anyone with an interest in marine life, this book explains marine biology in clear, engaging language while retaining the science behind the subject. From the microscopic plankton that support ocean food webs to the remarkable creatures inhabiting coral reefs, polar seas and hydrothermal vents, complex ideas are brought to life without assuming specialist knowledge. Explore the biology of jellyfish, corals and anemones; discover the extraordinary diversity of marine worms; investigate molluscs including sea slugs, shellfish, squid and octopuses; and meet crabs, lobsters, shrimps, starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Journey across some of the ocean's most remarkable environments, including coral reefs, the freezing polar seas and the strange ecosystems surrounding deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Along the way, discover how marine animals feed, reproduce, move, defend themselves and survive - and encounter some of the extraordinary toxins and survival strategies found beneath the surface. This extensively illustrated Third Edition includes: - Marine food webs and plankton- Jellyfish, corals and anemones- Marine worms and their remarkable adaptations- Molluscs, shellfish, squid and octopuses- Crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans- Starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers- Coral reef biology and architecture- Marine venoms and toxins- Hydrothermal vents and chemosynthetic life- Life and survival in the polar seas- Numerous scientific diagrams and illustrations Whether you're a student beginning to explore marine biology, a diver or snorkeller wanting to understand what you see underwater, an aquarium enthusiast, or simply someone fascinated by ocean life, Marine Biology for the Non-Biologist provides an entertaining and informative introduction to the living world of the sea. The ocean is full of extraordinary life. This book explains how it works, for anyone and everyone.