The biology of the southern ocean /

Over the past two decades, research conducted in the Antarctic has radically changed the understanding of the most basic ecological processes at work there. In particular, studies of primary production along the edges of the sea ice and the importance of bacteria, protozoa, and nano- and picophytoplankton have made obsolete much of what was previously "known" about the Southern Ocean. Knox provides a very timely and readable summary of the literature to date in a valuable basic reference that cites more than 2,000 sources. The 18 chapters cover all aspects of aquatic biology in the Antarctic region, from microbial, ice shelf, planktonic, and benthic communities to krill, seals, seabirds, and whales; in addition, resource exploitation and its effects and management are also discussed. An epilogue summarizes the changing views and highlights those additional needs and directions for future research not already covered in previous chapters. An extremely well-written and comprehensive book, suitable for upper-division undergraduates through professionals, highly recommended as a standard reference for all natural science libraries. G.C. Jensen; University of Washington