Johns Hopkins University Press Sharks, Skates, and Rays: The Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes

This introductory overview of elasmobranch morphology is intended for the informed graduate student with little formal background in the study of elasmobranchs, although reviews of the latest technical citations also make the volume useful as a reference. Following a chapter addressing systematics and body form, the volume's 16 contributions cover the integumentary system and teeth, the endoskeleton, the muscular system, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the circulatory system, the heart, the nervous system, special senses, rectal gland and volume homeostasis, the urinary system, and the female and male reproductive systems. An appendix provides an annotated checklist of living elasmobranchs. Some 200 b&w illustrations supplement the text. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Successor to the classic work in shark studies, The Elasmobranch Fishes by John Franklin Daniel (first published 1922, revised 1928 and 1934),Sharks, Skates, and Rays provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of elasmobranch morphology. Coverage has been expanded from anatomy to include modern information on physiology and biochemistry. The new volume also provides equal treatment for skates and rays. The authors present general introductory material for the relative novice but also review the latest technical citations, making the book a valuable primary reference resource. More than 200 illustrations supplement the text. Autorid: William C. Hamlett