Whales and Seals

Book excerpt: Very few people can claim to know as much about whales and the seals as Pierre-Henry Fontaine. His secret lies in a boundless passion for these marine mammals. To understand this, it is necessary to imagine the author climbing inside the belly of a stranded Blue whale, to find and to show you his aorta. That he will do this is a reflection of his concern for marine mammals and educating the world about them that is so clearly seen in this work. This exciting new edition of a classic reference about marine mammals is enriched and expanded, presenting recent and new information, accompanied by many diagrams and illustrations. In addition to new information on whales, expanded chapters present the anatomy, physiology and the ecology of the pinnipeds, with expansive fact sheets of some species of seals and Walrus. This is a detailed picture of the lives and environments of whales and seals, including chapters on anatomy, adaptation to aquatic life, nutrition, migration, reproduction, and parasites and enemies. The interaction of man with these marine animals is also explored, as is their paleontology. New information and 678 color diagrams and illustrations help illuminate the lives of these mysterious animals. Fact sheets on Mysticetes, Odontocetes, and Pinnipeds, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography provide additional information essential to the study of whales and seals, leaving the reader more fully informed. With this book, all readers, from the curious to the scientist, will find much to further their knowledge of, and fire their passions for, these impressive denizens of the deep. Book jacket.