Sharks and Their Relatives II: Biodiversity, Adaptive Physiology, and Conservation

ISBN-13: 9781420080476 / Angielski / Twarda / 2010 / 746 str.

Jeffrey C. Carrier; Michael R. Heithaus; John A. Musick

Opis

Since the award-winning first volume, The Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives, published in 2004, the field has witnessed tremendous developments in research, rapid advances in technology, and the emergence of new investigators beginning to explore issues of biodiversity, distribution, physiology, and ecology in ways that eluded more traditional studies. As an entirely new companion volume, Sharks and Their Relatives II: Biodiversity, Adaptive Physiology, and Conservation brings you up to speed on these significant changes, specifically examining how elasmobranch fishes - the sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras - successfully survive in a wide range of habitats. Emphasizes Conservation of Threatened Species
This multidisciplinary volume begins by examining elasmobranch biodiversity patterns and their integrated sensory systems. It then explores the physiological adaptations - from unique sensory modalities to compensatory mechanisms for physiological and environmental stress - that make these animals particularly well-suited for the range of habitats where they are found, in both oceanic and freshwater realms. Features Established Researchers and Introduces New Pioneers in the Field
The book then considers the human interactions and anthropogenic effects on worldwide elasmobranch populations and the potential extinction risks posed by increasing threats from changes in habitat, changes in water chemistry, and growing commercial exploitation. This text truly is unrivaled in terms of coverage and readability, and it is a must-have reference for marine biologists, fishery scientists, oceanographers, and also marine, zoo, and aquarium veterinarians. To address subject areas and subdisciplines where coverage was absent or superficial in volume one, Jeffrey Carrier and associates have assembled in the current volume a collection of works that reveal patterns of biodiversity, the physiological attributes that contribute to elasmobranchs' successful exploitation of oceanic and freshwater realms, and the unique issues associated with the interaction between elasmobranchs and humans, all of this with overarching attention to issues of conservation. "We begin with chapters examining biodiversity. We have chosen to approach this discussion by presenting elasmobranchs as inhabitants of the range of zoogeographic provinces, realizing that significant overlap may occur for more pelagic species. This realization was reflected in the dialogue that occurred during preparation of the book between our chapter authors, and the recognition that many species simply cannot be confined to a specific habitat or range of habitats. We then continue by examining some of the unique physiological adaptations that allow these animals to exploit the range of habitats where they are found, from unique sensory modalities to compensatory mechanisms for physiological and environmental stress.

"Our concluding section presents some of the challenges faced by members of these groups. We have asked our authors to consider human interactions and anthropogenic effects on worldwide populations and the potential extinction risks posed from survival under increasing threats from changes in habitat, changes in water chemistry, and increasing commercial exploitation. Conservation of species under threat remains a theme throughout the book. "Our authors represent an internat

Spis treści

Chondrichthyan Biodiversity: Ecosystems and Distribution of Fauna: Epipelagic Oceanic Elasmobranchs. Deepwater Chondrichthyans. Chondrichthyans of High Latitude Seas. Elasmobranchs of Tropical Marine Ecosystems. Biology of the South American Potamotrygonid Stingrays. Life History Strategies of Batoids. Adaptive Physiology: Ontogenetic Shifts in Movements and Habitat Use. Tracking and Analysis Techniques for Understanding Free-Ranging Shark Movements and Behavior. Sensory Adaptations to the Environment: Electroreceptors as a Case Study. Molecular Insights into Elasmobranch Reproductive Behavior for Conservation and Management. Physiological Responses to Stress in Sharks. Pollutant Exposure and Effects in Sharks and Their Relatives. Conservation: Factors Contributing to Shark Attacks on Humans: A Volusia County, Florida, Case Study. Shark Control: Methods, Efficacy, and Ecological Impact. DNA Forensic Applications in Shark Management and Conservation. Unraveling the Ecological Importance of Elasmobranchs. Life Histories, Population Dynamics, and Extinction Risks in Chondrichthyans.

O autorze

Under the editorial guidance of Jeffrey C. Carrier, Ph.D., John A. (Jack) Musick, Ph.D., and Michael R. Heithaus, Ph.D., this book includes much of the team’s original research along with keen insights from their combined nearly 80 years of teaching in higher academia. Dr. Carrier’s current research is focused on the reproductive biology and mating behaviors of nurse sharks in a long-term study from an isolated region of the Florida Keys. Dr. Musick has published more than 150 scientific papers and co-authored or edited 16 books focused on the ecology and conservation of sharks, other marine fishes, and sea turtles. Dr. Musick served as co-chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group for nine years, and is currently the vice chair for science. Dr. Heithaus’ current work is centered on predator–prey interactions and the factors influencing behavioral decisions, especially of large marine taxa including marine mammals, sharks and rays, and sea turtles.