Deep-Sea Biology: A Natural History of Organisms at the Deep-Sea Floor (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521336659)

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.

Author: John D. Gage, Paul A. Tyler
ISBN-10: 0521336651
ISBN-13: 9780521336659
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 09/28/1992
Pages: 524
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.97lbs
Size: 9.20h x 7.44w x 0.91d