Written by one of the most highly respected researchers in marine biology, this text is the most current and accessible treatment of all aspects of this interdisciplinary field. Marine Biology aims to heighten students' inherent fascination with the ocean and marine life and describes in an easily understandable manner the biological principles which govern marine biological systems. It introduces the rich diversity of the marine environment by focusing on three major themes: 1) function , the way organisms solve problems and the chemical and physical factors affecting these solutions; 2) biodiversity , an overview of the various life forms in the ocean; and 3) ecology , the interaction of organisms with their environment. Designed for undergraduate courses at the sophomore to senior level, the book is designed to help students approach a great variety of material. Supplemented by suggestions for further reading, a glossary of important terms, text boxes highlighting significant equations and concepts, review questions at the end of each chapter, and an abundance of illustrative examples and visual material, this text is a fascinating introduction to marine biology which is both accessible to and captivating for students of marine biology, marine ecology, and marine science.

Jeffrey S. Levinton is a professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook