An illustrated look at the weird and wonderful creatures that live in the very deepest parts of the sea. Humans have always wondered, with a mixture of fear and fascination, what lurks beneath the surface in the depths of the ocean. In this book, Erich Hoyt introduces 50 of the oddest creatures you will ever meet in the sea. From the carnivorous comb jelly to the lantern-carrying deep-sea dragonfish, from a vampire squid with giant eyes to dancing jellyfish, Hoyt explores these peculiar conditions and their equally peculiar environment. These creatures have adapted to lack of light and, using sound pulses (echolocation) or light-producing organs and pigment cells (emitting light via bioluminescence), they are able to communicate without giving their location away to predators. These stunning, captivating photographs weren't taken from the portholes of submarines. Photographers David Shale, Solvin Zanki and Jeff Rotman worked with oceanography institutes, museums and the BBC Natural History Unit, taking long cruises across the ocean to record and try to understand these little-studied residents of the deep sea. To capture the creatures for observation, a net was lowered far beneath the surface. As soon as the trawl was hauled aboard, the photographers would race to transfer the most unusual animals to fresh seawater aquariums in a chilled laboratory on board. These pages let readers gaze into strange, wild eyes and study faces with toothless or crooked smiles that witness the fruits of deep-sea evolution. Informative captions explain what the patterns of lights on their bodies are "saying" to others in their absolutely dark world. The wonder and extraordinary weirdness of what lives in the deep seas, so far away from us and yet so close, will become more familiar with this book.
"A young wunderpus octopus, staring you right in the eye, is the perfect choice for the opening spread of Eric Hoyt's latest book celebrating the oceans' wonders... Page after page, we see the surprising shapes, colors and intricate details of secretive animals -- many in their juvenile forms -- that dash to the surface on nocturnal forays. Hoyt's curated collection of images from various underwater photographers continues into the deep twilight zone and onto the seabed, showcasing the mesmerizing range of life far beneath the waves." --BBC Wildlife Magazine Marine researchers are discovering new ocean creatures every day, from the warm surface water to the deepest seabed. From the author of Creatures of the Deep and other books about the ocean and the creatures that live there, comes this updated softcover edition about some of the most unusual marine life forms. The book organizes the creatures into three parts based on where they live in the ocean. Informative captions accompany the 90 gorgeous photographs of otherworldly creatures. Part 1. Surface Waters of the Ocean at Night: The Blackwater Vertical Migrators In images taken by dedicated blackwater photographers Linda Ianniello and Susan Mears, these mostly larval creatures haunt the near-surface waters making vertical migrations every night to feed. Part 2. Middle to Deep Dark Waters: Masters of the Language of Light In this perpetual night, survival is a matter of being able to understand and process light signals, some in different colors, some flashing, some faint -- the most sophisticated use of bioluminescence on Earth. The sea creatures here are small with big eyes and even larger mouths with extraordinarily sharp teeth. Part 3. The Continental Shelf to the Abyssal Plain: The Bottom Dwellers This bottom of the sea has fewer fish, and is populated by such alien-like creatures as no-eyed or tripod fish, sea cucumbers, as well as basket stars, crabs, and worms with species varying by depth and location. The photographs were taken in the ocean by expert divers and submariners, most of whom are both scientists and underwater photographers. The images display the creatures vividly against a background as black as the ocean depths.
A wonderfully weird book about the strangest creatures in the sea. A feathery tutu dancing through the water? A tiptoeing rock wearing a wig? Not everything is as it seems in this fascinating exploration of bizarre sea animals. Each creature is introduced with intriguing art and text, and the question, “Am I the strangest thing in the sea?” Open the gatefold, and the actual creature in its habitat and a full description appear, along with the answer: No, it’s not the strangest thing in the sea. That is, until the last creature, which is the strangest. But what could it be? What’s cooler than bizarre things that are real? Kids will want to dive right in!
Welcome to the world’s bodies of water, which are populated by some really strange marine animals. This text introduces readers to the oddest creatures under the sea, including blobfish, anglerfish, sea cucumbers, deep-sea sharks, and more. Readers will learn about these creatures and the adaptations that make them unique. This high-interest title also explores important science concepts, such as survival, animal behavior, life cycles, and habitats. Readers are sure to enjoy the engaging text, colorful photographs, and sidebars that provide an in-depth look at some of the world’s strangest marine animals.
Some mammals are cute and cuddly, while others are really strange. This information-rich title explores some of the oddest mammals around, including the naked mole rat, tarsiers, platypuses, and more. Written to support elementary science curricula, this age-appropriate text explores adaptations and survival, animal behavior, life cycles, and habitats. Readers will understand why adaptations are important and how they help mammals survive. Sidebars, colorful photographs, and age-appropriate text make this book a perfect choice for young readers interested in learning more about the animal kingdom.
Feathers, beaks, and wings are unique to birds, but sometimes these features can be really strange. This title takes a look at the world’s oddest birds, including birds of paradise, frigate birds, pelicans, vampire finches, the great grey shrike, and more. Readers will delight in learning about birds and their weird adaptations, and will also understand how the adaptations have played a role in their survival. This high-interest title explores important science concepts, such as habitats, behavior, life cycles, and more. Colorful photographs and sidebars allow readers to truly understand some of the world’s strangest birds.
The World of Sea Cucumbers: Challenges, Advances, and Innovations provides broad coverage of sea cucumber biology, ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, and trade while also bringing forward novel cultural, socioeconomic and scientific topics related to commercial and non-commercial species worldwide. Written by international experts in their respective fields, the book offers a unique outlook into the fascinating world of sea cucumbers while also providing valuable information to various stakeholders and researchers. Commercial fisheries and aquaculture programs are addressed, especially as they relate to emerging species, but the book also covers novel, understudied or lesser-known biological, ecological, and commercial aspects. The involvement of Indigenous peoples and minorities in various community-level initiatives and on the cultural significance/impact of sea cucumbers in many regions are also examined. Finally, breakthroughs and emerging biotechnologies centered on sea cucumbers are presented. - Brings together a network of experts covering broad sea cucumber topics, from basic biology and commercial trade to socioeconomic value and novel biotechnologies - Offers worldwide coverage, including Asia, the Indo-Pacific, Africa, Northern Europe, North and South America, and the poles - Raises global awareness on little-known facts of sea cucumber importance