Product Description

Here are the actual facts that dispel the myths and legends surrounding the feared and misunderstood shark. Generous color photographs plus maps and illustrations document every aspect of these beautiful animals, how they evolved, the mythology and misconceptions that surround them, and the threat posed by humans.

The dynamic and authoritative text includes information on: - Anatomy and physiology - Reproduction, courtship, and mating - How they hunt and what they eat - Migration routes - Their extraordinary senses and skills - Shark conservation efforts.

Chapters such as Shark Success, Ecology and Biology, Design for Living and Design for Killing fascinate and encourage readers to learn more about these complex creatures.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #753999 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781552976388
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Library Journal
This reference, which provides comprehensive information on sharks and their relatives, should help readers gain a much better appreciation of this special group of ancient fishes, probably the most maligned group of animals in our popular culture. The text consists of two-page articles, each covering a different aspect of sharks, including evolution, taxonomy, behavior, geographical ranges, reproduction, physiology, and the shark's place in mythology. Enhanced by many photographs, sidebars, and charts, these short articles are to read and enjoy; the writing style is aimed at high school and nonscientist adults. A good index and excellent glossary round out the book, which lacks only a bibliography. Recommended for high school, college, and public libraries, especially those without strong marine biology collections.AMargaret A. Rioux, MBL/WHOI Lib., Woods Hole, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
The perennially popular sharks provide ample material for many books, and this new effort is a good introduction to the biology of these predatory fishes. Sharks, the terrifying cold-blooded killing machines of myth and legend, fascinate because of their mystery when coming out of the depths and seizing their prey. Improving the shark's image by being realistic and sensible about them is one of the stated goals of this work, and the authors have succeeded admirably. In seven chapters, divided into short sections, they discuss the evolution of sharks, their senses, internal organs, behavior, foods and feeding, and reproduction. Well illustrated with photographs, color drawings, maps, and diagrams, the text is basic yet informative in discussing sharks as a group. A list of aquariums with captive shark displays and areas where interested readers can dive with sharks follows the main body of the text. The lack of a bibliography is a weakness, but overall this will be a good start for readers interested in sharks. Nancy Bent

Review
Enhanced by many photographs, sidebars and charts ... the writing style is aimed at high school and nonscientist adults. -- Library Journal

Readers are left marveled, amazed and wanting to read more. Children also love this book for the cool, scary, pictures. -- Today's Librarian, January 2000

This book will be a good resource for the student who is searching for a more in-depth discussion ... Recommended. -- Linda Riesterer, Book Report, Feb 2000

Well illustrated with photographs, color drawings, maps, and diagrams, the text is basic yet informative. -- Nancy Bent, Booklist, August 19, 1999

Customer Reviews

Great Book
This is a very good book. It contains lots of color photographs and has some great information.It provides a general insight to the anatomy of the shark, our relationships with them, the classification of all of the shark species, and some handy info on where you can best find sharks in the wild. The book lacked some of the more indepth information that i was looking for, being a more general introduction to sharks rather than a more detailed book. However, what you are looking for in a shark book may be different from what i was, and this book would suit your needs well. I would highly recommend it too any person who is just getting in to sharks (well worth your money), but for other people who already know more than the general info about sharks, there are better books out there. Your money would not be poorly spent, as this is a good book for all, but there are more informational books (Sharks in Question is one of the best i have read).

Not What I Expected
I have to say, I was a bit dissapointed when I got this book. The book consists of the characteristics of sharks IN GENERAL. Unfortunately, not all sharks are the same, so a lot is left out. The pictures are at best average, and are mainly of sharks that you could see at Ripley's aquarium. This book DOES NOT describe the different kinds of sharks. It is a basic, vague overview of sharks. If you would like a book that describes the different kinds of sharks and has better pictures, I suggest a book called "Sharks". It is also published by Firefly books and is probably more of what you are looking for.

Inaccurate information
At first glance this book seems to be a great overview of sharks with lots of great pictures. However, it does give some inaccurate information. In chapter 4 they discuss shark hearing and claim that they have otoliths, when in fact they do not. Otoliths, which sense vibrations and pressure changes are only found in ostyichthes (bony fish), not elasmobranches (sharks, skates, and rays). I haven't read cover to cover, but who knows what else could be inaccurate...