From the gregarious sea otter and playful dolphins to the sociable narwhal and iconic polar bear, sea mammals are a large, diverse, and increasingly precious group. In this book, Annalisa Berta, a leading expert on sea mammals and their evolution, presents an engaging and richly illustrated introduction to past and present species of these remarkable creatures, from the blue whale and the northern fur seal to the extinct giant sperm whale, aquatic sloth, and walking sea cow.
The book features more than 50 individual species profiles, themed chapters, stunning photographs, and specially commissioned paleo-illustrations of extinct species. It presents detailed accounts of these mammals’ evolutionary path, anatomy, behavior, habitats, and conservation. And because these are key species that complete many food chains and have the widest influence of all sea life, the book also offers insights into a broad variety of marine worlds today and in the future.
Annalisa Berta is professor emerita of biology at San Diego State University. A specialist in the anatomy and evolutionary biology of marine mammals, especially baleen whales, she formally described a skeleton of the early pinniped Enaliarctos. She is the author of Return to the Sea: The Life and Evolutionary Times of Marine Mammals and the editor of the award-winning Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises: A Natural History and Species Guide.
"The name Annalisa Berta is synonymous with expertise in, and deep knowledge of, sea mammals and their role in our oceans. . . . In this book [Berta] projects facts, informed science and connects cetaceans and other sea mammals to the entire oceanic ecosystem in which they exist, yet she wears her heart on her sleeve too."—David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds
"I came away from reading this book with a better understanding of marine events and a deeper feeling that it would be good to know even more."—Mark Avery, Mark Avery blog
"An enjoyable and informative read."—Steve Weinman, Divernet
"There is plenty to enjoy in this delightful book. Plenty to learn too. As the cold dark nights draw in, I can see myself delving into this book time and time again. This is a perfect gift for anyone that loves the ocean and its inhabitants."—Caroline Robertson-Brown, Scubaverse
"This is a great book to own to augment your more typical field guides as it goes way beyond."—Geoff Carpentier, North Durham Nature Newsletter
"Another inspiring contribution from Annalisa Berta. . . . This book is an example of how often complicated and elusive topics can be distilled into approachable and engaging tales."—Oliver Hampe, Marine Mammal Science
"Offers a fresh perspective on [sea] mammals and how they came to be the way they are."—Marina Wells, H-Environment
"This book is a testament to the beauty and complexity of sea mammals that not only enhances our knowledge of these incredible creatures but also underscores the urgent need for their conservation. It would make a wonderful addition to the library of any marine enthusiast."—Tanya Riley, Marine Biological Association
