Sea Squirts and Sea Sponges of Britain and Ireland

Author: Sarah Bowen
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0995567387
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 200

Book Description
Sea squirts and sponges are found in most seafloor habitats around the coasts of Britain and Ireland. Despite being the dominant life forms in many areas, these two groups of under-recorded marine animals are often confused with one another, and most divers and snorkellers can recognise and name very few species. In fact, around 500 species of Ascidiacea (sea squirts) and Porifera (sponges) have been described so far in British and Irish seas, corresponding to over 4% of the world’s total. This book is recommended reading for anyone who wants to identify and discover more about these fascinating and diverse animals. Rather than relying on the characteristics of preserved specimens, this guide uses marine photography and detailed underwater observations to concentrate on in situ features, allowing you to record species without collecting them. Most sea squirts found in Britain and Ireland’s shallow waters are included, together with the most easily recognised sponges. Whether you are a student, a diver, a rockpooler or simply an enthusiast, this is an essential companion. ● Over 115 species described in detail with in situ photographs to help with underwater recognition ● Information on size, depth, habitat and distribution ● Key distinguishing features and areas of confusion in identification highlighted ● Details of body structure, life histories, digestive and reproductive processes ● Information about predators, interactions between species, non-native and problem invasive species

The Diver's Guide to Marine Life of Britain and Ireland

Author: Chris Wood
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 1999581105
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 312

Book Description
"Completely revised and expanded this Second Edition covers almost 300 individual species and groups of species seen underwater, from tiny fragile sea spiders to the massive planktonƯfeeding Basking Shark"--Publisher's website

Sea Anemones and Corals of Britain and Ireland

Author: Chris Wood
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0957394632
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
The cool temperate waters around Britain and Ireland contain a huge variety of marine life and the sea anemones and corals, the Anthozoa, are some of the brightest and most attractive of all the groups of animals that live in them. Anemones and corals can be found from rockpools to the deepest depths and in all habitats from rocky reefs to soft mud. This is the second edition of this popular guide to all 74 of the sea anemones and corals found in British and Irish inshore waters. It will be an essential companion for divers, rockpoolers and students who want to identify the sea anemones and corals they find and know more about them. Information on identification of 74 species, including their key features and other species with which they could be confused Illustrated with over 200 photographs taken in situ showing the animals as they look in real life Habitat, distribution, depth, size, rarity and conservation status for each species where known Information and photographs of other animals that prey on or live with sea anemones and corals Details of body structure, feeding and reproduction, illustrated with photographs and drawings Information about recent research on populations of sea anemones and corals carried out by Seasearch volunteer divers A summary of conservation issues for sea anemones and corals in Britain and Ireland

Inshore Fishes of Britain and Ireland

Author: Lin Baldock
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691249016
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 288

Book Description
A beautifully illustrated photographic identification guide to the common marine fish found around Britain and Ireland—ideal for divers, snorkellers, and natural history enthusiasts Fish are a colourful and important part of inshore marine life, much admired by divers and snorkellers. But it can be difficult to accurately identify and record these quick-moving animals underwater. This authoritative, beautifully illustrated photographic guide offers a practical, easy-to-use approach for identifying the fish species commonly seen in the waters around Britain and Ireland, as well as a few vagrant and interesting rare species. The book’s concise text explains how fish can be identified underwater, and is accompanied by numerous photographs of each species in its natural environment and diagrams illustrating key features. The book also clearly indicates the cases when underwater species identification is more difficult. Published in association with the UK’s Marine Conservation Society, the book makes an invaluable addition to the series of marine photographic titles of Seasearch, a species recording project for volunteer sports divers. Features individual descriptions of more than 150 species, with information on size, depth range, habitat and distribution in the Seasearch guide icon format Illustrates every species in its natural underwater environment Emphasises key identification features and possible confusion species Includes a “confidence guide” distinguishing between easily recognisable species and those requiring closer examination Features longer sections highlighting interesting species, behaviours and other topics Provides information on protected species, taxonomy, shifting distributions and conservation status

Elements of Marine Ecology

Author: Frances Dipper
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
ISBN: 008102827X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 581

Book Description
Elements of Marine Ecology, Fifth Edition focuses on marine ecology as a coherent science, providing undergraduate students with an essential foundation of knowledge in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. The text reflects ecological groupings such as the pelagic lifestyle vs. the benthic lifestyle. In addition, background oceanographic material, previously in various chapters, is consolidated in the first chapter. The broad definition of ecology is the study of organisms in relation to their surroundings. This book presents marine ecology as a coherent science, providing undergraduate students with an essential foundation of knowledge in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to meet the needs of today's courses and now includes worldwide examples, all thoroughly updated with brand new chapters. - Presents marine ecology as a coherent science, providing undergraduate students with an essential foundation of knowledge on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems - Includes fully updated, color images to enhance the text - Provides a new chapter on Marine Nekton to increase coverage of habitat and ecology of water column organisms

Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland

Author: Francis Bunker
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0995567336
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 312

Book Description
The cool temperate waters of the British and Irish seas contain an astonishing 6% of the world’s algal species, more than 600 different seaweeds, and yet most divers, snorkellers and rockpoolers can put names to only a handful of them. The first edition of Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland has proved invaluable to an enormous number of people, not just volunteer Seasearch divers and snorkellers, and this eagerly awaited second edition will no doubt prove to be equally as popular. The aim of this book is to introduce the reader to the wonderful marine environment around Britain and Ireland, and improve identification of the wealth of seaweeds so often overlooked. Features of the new edition include: ● Over 230 species described in detail with colour photographs, information on size, habitat and distribution maps ● Over 50 new species, many with information on how to identify to species level using microscopic features ● Key distinguishing features and areas of identity confusion highlighted ● Colour and form used to group species and aid identification using dichotomous keys ● Details of life histories and reproductive processes for the main seaweed groups ● Both scientific and English names used for species and groups ● A glossary of common and specialised terms

Rock Pool

Author: Heather Buttivant
Publisher: September Publishing
ISBN: 191283619X
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 275

Book Description
'I recommend Heather's book to everyone. It's brilliant!' Dara McAnulty, author of Diary of a Young Naturalist An entrancing book of exploration, marine life and natural wonders. 'Wherever I go, I seek out beaches. They are woven through my life; a changing constant in a constantly changing world. Every walk through the rock pools, from the tideline to the low water mark, takes me on a journey into the sea and challenges my understanding of my world and of myself.' The British beach is full of creatures that we think we know - from crabs to clams, starfish to anemones. But, in fact, we barely understand how many survive or thrive. In Rock Pool the delights of childhood paddling are elevated to oceanic discoveries, as the fragile beauty and drama of intertidal existence is illustrated through the incredible lives of twenty-four individual creatures. The eye-opening account of a life-long passion by a talented writer and naturalist. 'Here are three simple steps to help you feel better about the world: read Heather Buttivant's marvellous book, grab a pair of wellies and get yourself to a rocky shore ... [a] thoughtful, enlightening and entertaining read.' BBC Wildlife Magazine

The Essential Guide to Rockpooling

Author: Julie Hatcher
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691232431
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 304

Book Description
The marine environment is a remarkable place – otherworldly and a source of endless fascination. The rocky shore where land meets sea, its array of life ever-changing with the tides, offers us a chance to explore this hidden world. This book reveals the astonishing diversity of wildlife on rocky shores and in the rockpools around the coast of Britain and gives readers a greater under-standing of the myriad creatures that can be found using a bit of simple detective work. Rockpooling is an activity enjoyed by children and adults alike. This guide will make your exploration even more rewarding, whether you are enjoying a day out at the seaside or seeking to expand your knowledge of a unique habitat. Detailed descriptions of around 400 common and rare rocky shore species Clear colour photographs of all the species described Tips and techniques describing how to find the more cryptic animals Ideas for rockpool-related family activities Information on threats to the intertidal environment Measures we can all take to safeguard the future of our rocky shore wildlife

Sponges

Author: Lisa Goudie
Publisher: Museum Victoria
ISBN: 0980381398
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 144

Book Description
We might think of sponges as bathroom objects but the real living animals are far more interesting. They come in all shapes and sizes, occur in all oceans of the world, and have amazing lives. Sponges have lived in our oceans for 600 million years. Ancient forms even built reefs bigger than the Great Barrier Reef. Today, sponges help clean our oceans, are experts are chemical warfare and can rebuild themselves after being torn apart. Some even live for 2000 years. There is still much to learn about the diversity and biology of sponges in southern Australian waters, with many species still waiting for formal scientific description. This guide introduces naturalists, beachcombers, divers and others to sponge species commonly encountered in southern Australia.

Seashores

Author: Julian Cremona
Publisher: Crowood
ISBN: 1847978053
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 494

Book Description
Seashores - An Ecological Guide provides an easy-to-use, authoritative reference to commonly occurring organisms. By looking at the habitats of the coastline, it focuses on key species you are likely to find. The book explains how these organisms have adapted and how they are able to cope with the environmental stresses of the seashore. With over 400 colour photographs, the guide looks first at the physical and biological features that determine our coast before surveying the variety of communities that exist on our shores. These include: rocky shores; sand and mud; estuaries; salt-marsh; sand dunes; shingle and plankton. An easy-to-use, authoritative reference and guide to the seashores and its habitats, which is superbly illustrated with 436 colour photographs.