The Arctic is a land of ice and snow, a harsh world that seems ill-suited to young animals. Yet it is here that harp seal pups are raised. They must quickly learn how to fend for themselves, for in less than two weeks after birth they are weaned from their mothers and are forced to live on their own. Matthews and Guravich trace the life cycle of these fascinating animals who are true Arctic survivors. Full-color photos.
From special tears that protect their eyes in salty seawater to their migrations for feeding and giving birth, harp seals have many special adaptations for thriving in their freezing home. Find an explanation for how harp seals survive in the Arctic on each page of this vibrant title!
On the Arctic ice, a mother harp seal gives birth to her pup. Camouflaged against the ice by its white fur, the helpless pup sticks close to mom, feeding on her rich milk. So begins the life of a harp seal pup. In this coming-of-age introduction to these adorable marine mammals, readers will learn that after just two weeks, the mother seal abandons her pup and returns to the sea. The little pup waits alone on the ice for its white baby coat to be replaced by gray fur, and then, at just a few weeks old, it dives into the freezing sea to find its own food and begin its ocean-dwelling life. The colorful interior spreads and gorgeous photos of fluffy, white seal pups are sure to delight emergent readers.
On the gleaming white ice, a little seal pup dozes in the sun. Her fluffy white fur camouflages her and helps her stay hidden from enemies. Soon the pup's mother will return from her fishing trip in the ocean. Then the hungry pup will enjoy feeding on her mom's rich milk. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance not only to learn all about harp seals and how their bodies are adapted to the extreme cold, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Built-in activities, such as describing the different stages of a seal pup's development will give readers a chance to gain, insights beyond the facts and figures.
In Harp Seal Pups, emergent readers learn how harp seal pups are born white to blend in with snow and ice and how they grown up to swim and catch fish in the Arctic. Carefully crafted text, high-frequency words, repetitive sentence patterns, and strong visual references support emergent readers.
This thorough revision of the classic Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals brings this authoritative book right up-to-date. Articles describe every species in detail, based on the very latest taxonomy, and a host of biological, ecological and sociological aspects relating to marine mammals. The latest information on the biology, ecology, anatomy, behavior and interactions with man is provided by a cast of expert authors – all presented in such detail and clarity to support both marine mammal specialists and the serious naturalist. Fully referenced throughout and with a fresh selection of the best color photographs available, the long-awaited second edition remains at the forefront as the go-to reference on marine mammals. - More than 20% NEW MATERIAL includes articles on Climate Change, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Sociobiology, Habitat Use, Feeding Morphology and more - Over 260 articles on the individual species with topics ranging from anatomy and behavior, to conservation, exploitation and the impact of global climate change on marine mammals - New color illustrations show every species and document topical articles FROM THE FIRST EDITION "This book is so good...a bargain, full of riches...packed with fascinating up to date information. I recommend it unreservedly it to individuals, students, and researchers, as well as libraries." --Richard M. Laws, MARINE MAMMALS SCIENCE "...establishes a solid and satisfying foundation for current study and future exploration" --Ronald J. Shusterman, SCIENCE
CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, Second Edition is the only handbook specifically devoted to marine mammal medicine and health. With 66 contributors working together to craft 45 scientifically-based chapters, the text has been completely revised and updated to contain all the latest developments in this field. Building upon the solid foundation of the previous edition, the contents of this book are light-years ahead of the topics presented in the first edition. See what's new in the Second Edition: Marine mammals as sentinels of ocean health Emerging and resurging diseases Thorough revision of the Immunology chapter Diagnostic imaging chapters to illustrate new techniques Quick reference for venipuncture sites in many marine mammals Unusual mortality events and mass strandings New topics such as a chapter on careers Wider scope of coverage including species outside of the United States and Canada Filled with captivating illustrations and photographs, the Handbook guides you through the natural history of cetaceans, pinnipeds, manatees, sea otters, and polar bears. Prepared in a convenient, easy-to-use format, it is designed specifically for use in the field. Covering more than 40 topics, this one-of-a-kind reference is packed with data. The comprehensive compilation of information includes medicine, surgery, pathology, physiology, husbandry, feeding and housing, with special attention to strandings and rehabilitation. The CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, Second Edition is still a must for anyone interested in marine mammals.
