Oceanography, Animals & Habitats in Environmental Science, Ecosystems, Natural Terrain - Oceans & Seas, Marine Life - General & Miscellaneous
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Overview
The most fascinating aspects of coral reefs relate to how corals and reef residents meet the challenges of survival and live together.The focus of this book is on how a coral reef functions, the jobs of individual residents, and how they collectively create a sustainable community. The author explores how solar energy powers the reef, how raw materials are used efficiently and waste is recycled, why biodiversity is security, and how everything is connected. There are also many insights into the more personal lives of reef residents-some are as strange as any science fiction. By viewing coral reefs in the context of a human city, one can more easily appreciate the creative ways reef communities operate; they neither undermine their own survival nor that of other communities elsewhere. In other words, a variety of species collectively enhances the survival of the entire community. Dr. Murphy sees reef communities existing in a dynamic equilibrium where forces of competition, destruction, and decay are balanced by cooperation, repair, and rejuvenation. There are lessons for those of us who are concerned about making our own communities more sustainable. The subject matter is serious, but it is not taken so seriously that it isn't fun.About the Author:
Richard C. Murphy, Ph.D., is a marine biologist, educator, writer, and photographer. His association with Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his son, Jean-Michel, began in 1968. As chief scientist and expedition researcher, he has worked in some of the most remote regions of the world studying how ecosystems function and how humans interact with the natural system. Dr. Murphy is presently Vice President of Science and Education for Ocean Futures Society. His focus is sustainable resource management in developing countries and the creation of environmental educational programs for young people. Drawing on more than 30 years of exploration and study of a wide variety of ecosystems and cultures, Dr. Murphy states, "I believe a better understanding of how nature works can promote a better appreciation of the value of our natural heritage and help guide the next generation in living more sustainably on the planet." He is physically as well as intellectually dedicated to the sea and his passions include diving, surfing, and kite boarding.
Editorials
From The Critics
With his text and 172 color photographs, Murphy (marine biologist, educator, writer, and photographer) illuminates the ways in which a coral reef functions in terms of the individual residents and how they function together to create a sustainable community. In explaining how solar energy powers the reef, how raw materials are used efficiently and waste is recycled, why biodiversity is security, and how everything is connected, he views coral reefs in the context of a human city in order to describe how they operate. Oversize: 10.25x10.25". Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, ORBook Details
Published
January 1, 2002
Publisher
Princeton, N.J. : Darwin Press, c2002.
Pages
178
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780878501397