The Biology of Sharks and Rays

by A. Peter Klimley, Steven Oerding (Illustrations)

The Biology of Sharks and Rays is a comprehensive resource on the biological and physiological characteristics of the cartilaginous sharks, rays, and chimaeras. In sixteen chapters, organized by theme, A. Peter Klimley covers a broad spectrum of topics, including taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and physiology. For example, he explains the body design of sharks and why the ridged, toothlike denticles that cover their entire bodies are present on only part of the rays’ bodies and are absent from those of chimaeras. Another chapter explores the anatomy of the jaws and the role of the muscles and teeth in jaw extension, seizure, and handling of prey. The chapters are richly illustrated with pictures of sharks, diagrams of sensory organs, drawings of the body postures of sharks during threat and reproductive displays, and maps showing the extent of the species’ foraging range and long-distance migrations. Each chapter commences with an anecdote from the author about his own personal experience with the topic, followed by thought-provoking questions and a list of recommended readings in the scientific literature. 

The book will be a useful textbook for advanced ichthyology students as well as an encyclopedic source for those seeking a greater understanding of these fascinating creatures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

512 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Lindsey.parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the shark book I have been wanting to read my entire life. Be forewarned, this is a textbook and reads as such, with each chapter building on the previous one, but if you truly want to learn the history of sharks and how each aspect of a shark functions, read this.

[TQPS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally I can talk to my sister nearly at the level of an equal. I can finally enter a discussion about sharks with something of substance to say.

Very cool stuff!! The book is constructed with an incredible amount of detail, drawing on case studies and diagrams and photographs and fun facts in a way that doesn’t make you want to scratch your eyes out in boredom.
I really liked the authors personal touches, like his own experiences with sharks and rays in the introductions of each section. Clearly he’s very passionate about these animals and wants you to know them too in a non-condescending and clear way.

I just want more rays goddamn it. that’s what I’m here to learn about. Why are there no scientific books written about rays specifically.

Anyway thanks vpl I’m sorry for losing my library card xoxo I hope you can learn to forgive

[Catherine Puma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advertised as "a useful textbook for advanced ichthyology students as well as an encyclopedic source for those seeking a greater understanding of these fascinating creatures", this book delivers! A. Peter Klimley, graduate of the University of Miami, has been studying elasmobranchs for decades and brings extensive knowledge to the page. Topics covered within include:

- Evolutionary history,
- Body design and swimming modes,
- Water and ionic regulation,
- Warming of the body,
- Chemoreception,
- Mechanoreception,
- Photoreception,
- Electroreception,
- Magnetoreception,
- Brain organization and intelligence,
- Courtship and reproduction,
- Feeding behavior and biomechanics,
- Diet and growth,
- Daily movements, home range, and migration,
- Human relations, and
- Fisheries and conservation.

I started reading this textbook as recommended reading for a graduate level course taught by Dr. Neil Hammerschlag on shark biology and conservation, so as part of that course I read most of these chapters. However, intrigued by the remaining content, I finished this book on my own later. Because this is a textbook, it will be expensive and highly technical for the layperson, but the reading level is digestible for university students and older. If you want detailed information of shark biology, ecology, and conservation concerns, then I encourage you to get this book--it'll be an invaluable resource for years to come!

While I found Abel and Grubbs' "Shark Biology and Conservation" book to be more approachable and to contain fewer typos, Klimley's "The Biology and Sharks and Rays" is longer, so is more exhaustive in its technical information and the studies it discusses. And so, if you can only get one book I'd recommend Abel and Grubbs' work, but if you already have "Shark Biology and Conservation" and are yearning for more, then this'll certainly satisfy your appetite! I'm so glad I purchased and finished this book. Published in 2013, this is a field standard that will be referenced again and again.

[Jim Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Some more detail than some might like. But a really good introduction for the shark week junkies like me!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

super good.