
Biology of the Southern Ocean - CRC Marine Biology Series (Hardback)
George A. Knox (author)- We can order this
The book begins with a description of the physico-chemical environment and, in a logical sequence, covers phytoplankton and primary production, the sea ice microbial communities and the secondary consumers, the zooplankton. The author includes an extended chapter on the biology and ecology of Antarctic krill that highlights its central position in the Southern Ocean food web. A series of chapters consider the higher consumers, nekton (with an emphasis on cephalopods) fish, seals, whales, and seabirds. The following chapters explore selected ecosystem components; the benthic communities, life beneath the fast ice and ice shelves, recent advances in understanding decomposition processes, and the role of bacteria and protozoa.
The author synthesizes ecosystem dynamics, with an emphasis on the pelagic ecosystem. He covers resource exploitation, the impact of such exploitation on the marine ecosystem, and the problems involved in the management of the living resources. His epilogue summarizes the extent to which our understanding of the functioning of the Antarctic marine ecosystem has changed in the last 50 years; for example, there has been a dramatic change in our view of krill and its role in the Southern Ocean marine ecosystem. The book concludes with the statement that research carried out under the AGCS Programme and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) will continue to provide critical information on the functioning of Antarctic marine ecosystems.
Intended for all those with an ongoing interest in Antarctic research, conservation, and management, this volume represents one of the most authoritative resources in the field as it covers all aspects of this important marine ecosystem.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc
ISBN: 9780849333941
Number of pages: 640
Weight: 1701 g
Dimensions: 279 x 216 x 35 mm
Edition: 2nd New edition
MEDIA REVIEWS
"This book is a tribute to Knox's tenacity. It remains the only comprehensive volume on the biology of the southern ocean published anywhere, and it is still by a single author. Anyone going, planning to go, or hoping to go to the Antarctic should become familiar with this book."
- Gerald Gooyman, Biomedicine & Biotechnology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, in The Quarterly Review of Biology, Dec 2007, Vol. 82, No. 4
". . . gives us a perspective on Southern Ocean biology that is unique. This book, like its predecessor, is sure to become a standard, reference for Southern Ocean research."
- Eileen E. Hofmann, in Antarctic Science, 2008, Vol. 20, No. 2
"That a single author could compile a work of such breadth is astounding, even considering that his involvement in Antarctic research dates back to 1960. With its comprehensive coverage and vast list of references, this is an indispensable reference for natural science libraries. Summing Up: Essential."
- G.C. Jensen, University of Washington, in Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, Oct 2007, Vol. 45, No. 2
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