Whales of the World

Fülszöveg

ISBN 0-fllb0-1734-^
Global interest in the cetaceans - the whales, dolphins and porpoises - has never been greater. For centuries whales were regarded as merely a source of raw materials. However, modern technology applied to hunting techniques and factory ships has had a decimating effect on the whale population, bringing some species to near extinction. After much intense and emotional debate, alarm among conservationists and environmentalists has now resulted in a world whaling ban, agreed to by most major whaling countries. However, there are exceptions and the debate goes on with great intensity. At the same time, scientific research into the intelligence of whales, dolphins and porpoises has introduced a moral dilemma concerning their continued exploitation with some research indicating that they have advanced social systems and even language. In the last few decades, whales, dolphins and porpoises have also been exploited commercially for their entertainment value.
Whales... Tovább

Fülszöveg

ISBN 0-fllb0-1734-^
Global interest in the cetaceans - the whales, dolphins and porpoises - has never been greater. For centuries whales were regarded as merely a source of raw materials. However, modern technology applied to hunting techniques and factory ships has had a decimating effect on the whale population, bringing some species to near extinction. After much intense and emotional debate, alarm among conservationists and environmentalists has now resulted in a world whaling ban, agreed to by most major whaling countries. However, there are exceptions and the debate goes on with great intensity. At the same time, scientific research into the intelligence of whales, dolphins and porpoises has introduced a moral dilemma concerning their continued exploitation with some research indicating that they have advanced social systems and even language. In the last few decades, whales, dolphins and porpoises have also been exploited commercially for their entertainment value.
Whales of the World covers the basic organization of all cetaceans, from the huge blue whale and other balean whales, through the smaller toothed whales like the sperm and killer whales to the freshwater dolphin. The book describes their evolution and behavioral patterns and discusses topical issues such as the bowhead hunts in Alaska and the changing attitudes to whales and their future. This uniquely informed text and wealth of illustrations provides a fascinating insight into the life of whales, a group of animals which in some way or another has almost certainly effected each of us.
Nigel Bonner BSc, Fl Biol., FLS, FZS has studied and worked with marine mammals for over twenty five years since graduating in Zoology from University College, London. He has spent many years in and around Antarctica on first-hand research. For fourteen years he was Head of the Life Sciences Division at the British Antarctic Survey until his retirement in 1988. He continues to travel, researching and lecturing in marine biology, and is the author of several major books covering marine mammals and associated environmental issues. Vissza