Cetacean Societies: Field Studies of Dolphins and Whales

Book Overview

"Part review, part testament to extraordinary dedication, and part call to get involved, Cetacean Societies highlights the achievements of behavioral ecologists inspired by the challenges of cetaceans and committed to the exploration of a new world."--from the preface by Richard Wrangham

Long-lived, slow to reproduce, and often hidden beneath the water's surface, whales and dolphins (cetaceans) have remained elusive subjects for scientific study even though they have fascinated humans for centuries. Until recently, much of what we knew about cetaceans came from commercial sources such as whalers and trainers for dolphin acts. Innovative research methods and persistent efforts, however, have begun to penetrate the depths to reveal tantalizing glimpses of the lives of these mammals in their natural habitats.

Cetacean Societies presents the first comprehensive synthesis and review of these new studies. Groups of chapters focus on the history of cetacean behavioral research and methodology; state-of-the-art reviews of information on four of the most-studied species: bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales; and summaries of major topics, including group living, male and female reproductive strategies, communication, and conservation drawn from comparative research on a wide range of species.

Written by some of the world's leading cetacean scientists, this landmark volume will benefit not just students of cetology but also researchers in other areas of behavioral and conservation ecology as well as anyone with a serious interest in the world of whales and dolphins.

Contributors are Robin Baird, Phillip Clapham, Jenny Christal, Richard Connor, Janet Mann, Andrew Read, Randall Reeves, Amy Samuels, Peter Tyack, Linda Weilgart, Hal Whitehead, Randall S. Wells, and Richard Wrangham.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226503410
• ISBN13: 9780226503417
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 2.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Might make you want to do research like this yourself

Clear explanation of goals and results of research that's relevant to looking at mammals (who, us?) in general. Some good pictures. The science and the setting(s) might make you want to get into the field.

Great for all knowledge levels

I purchased this book for a graduate level college class on marine mammals. I, however, have no experience with this particular subject. The chapters are very informative, extremely easy to read, and the information is well presented. I would recommend this book at anyone interested in Cetaceans, even if, like me, you have had no prior experience. It also presents a lot of new information that more experienced individuals would enjoy.

A very imformational book on cetaceans

This book goes into orcas, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and humpbacks. It goes into every detail about their lives. Any piece of information you could possibly want to know about these animals is in this book. But it is heavy reading. Definately not an easy read, but very informative.