Deep-Sea Biology: A Natural History of Organisms at the Deep-Sea Floor

ISBN-13: 9780521336659 / Angielski / Miękka / 1992 / 524 str.

John D. Gage; Paul A. Tyler; Paul A. Tyler

Opis

This timely volume provides a comprehensive account of the natural history of the organisms associated with the deep-sea floor and examines their relationship with this inhospitable environment--perhaps the most remote and least accessible location on the planet. The authors begin by describing the physical and chemical nature of the deep-sea floor and the methods used to collect and study its fauna. Then they discuss the ecology of the deep sea by exploring spatial patterns, diversity, biomass, vertical zonation, and large-scale distribution of organisms. Subsequent chapters review current knowledge of feeding, respiration, reproduction, and growth processes in these communities. The unique fauna of hypothermal vents and seeps are considered separately. Finally, there is a pertinent discussion of human exploitation of deep-sea resources and potential use of this environment for waste disposal.

Recenzje

'Researchers will cherish this book for its broad coverage and superb reference lists. Teachers will find its state-of-the-art reviews invaluable for preparing lectures and students for preparing essays … Highly recommended.' Biologist

Spis treści

Introduction; Part I. The Development of Deep-Sea Biology, The Physical Environment and Methods of Study: 1. Historical aspects; 2. The physical environment of the deep-sea; 3. Methods of study of the organisms of the deep-sea floor; Part II. Organisms of the Deep-Sea Benthic Boundary: 4. The megafauna; 5. Smaller animals; Part III. Patterns in Space: 6. Small-scale spatial patterns; 7. Abundance and size structure of the deep-sea benthos; 8. The diversity gradient; 9. Depth-related patterns in community composition; 10. Zoogeography, speciation and the origins of deep-sea fauna; Part IV. Processes Patterns in Time: 11. Food resources, energetics and feeding strategies; 12. Metabolic processes: microbial ecology at the deep-sea bed; 13. Reproduction, recruitment and growth of deep-sea organisms; 14. Animal sediment relations in the deep-sea; Part V. Parallel Systems and Anthropogenic Effects: 15. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps; 16. Anthropogenic impacts: man's effects on the deep-sea.