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Seaweeds
From microscopic organisms on tidal rocks to dense marine forests, seaweeds vary widely in size and are amazingly well adapted to both the Arctic and the tropics. David Thomas presents a detailed look at what seaweeds are, how they live, and why humans value them.
Thomas describes the red, brown, and green classifications of seaweeds that encompass more than ten thousand species. He explains how seaweeds get all of their nutrients from the surrounding water, needing roots only to anchor to the sea floor, and how some species use “anti-grazing” strategies to discourage fish by releasing swift doses of unappetizing acids. The economic value of seaweed is astounding. Some species are harvested for $1 billion annually, and seaweed constitutes up to ten percent of the average diet in Japan. The search continues for compounds in seaweed that may be beneficial as new drugs, antibiotics, and cancer treatments. Not only is seaweed vital to coastal ecosystems, but it is also an important part of everyday life.
Thomas describes the red, brown, and green classifications of seaweeds that encompass more than ten thousand species. He explains how seaweeds get all of their nutrients from the surrounding water, needing roots only to anchor to the sea floor, and how some species use “anti-grazing” strategies to discourage fish by releasing swift doses of unappetizing acids. The economic value of seaweed is astounding. Some species are harvested for $1 billion annually, and seaweed constitutes up to ten percent of the average diet in Japan. The search continues for compounds in seaweed that may be beneficial as new drugs, antibiotics, and cancer treatments. Not only is seaweed vital to coastal ecosystems, but it is also an important part of everyday life.
- GenresScienceNonfiction
96 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
14 people want to read
About the author
David N. Thomas
10 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please see: David N. Thomas
David Thomas is based at the University of Helsinki where he is the Professor of Arctic Ecosystem Research in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
Previously (1996 to 2020) he was at Bangor University where from 2006 he held the Chair of Marine Biology in the School of Ocean Sciences in Menai Bridge.
He studied and did his PhD in Liverpool University where he studied seaweed physiology, before spending 7 years in Germany working on oceanographic projects in the Antarctic, Arctic and Red Sea.
After returning to the UK in 1996 he established a groups working on sea ice biogeochemistry, land-ocean interactions, and the production of biofuels from algal bioreactors.
From 2009 to 2013 he held an Academy of Finland Distinguished Professorship at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). In 2013 he also held a Chair in Arctic Marine Biology at Aarhus University, Denmark.
He takes pride in conveying his science to non-specialist audiences, both in talks but also writing textbooks and books for non-academic audiences. Over the years, he has become increasingly interested in the connections between observational biology and art and design.
Please see: David N. Thomas
David Thomas is based at the University of Helsinki where he is the Professor of Arctic Ecosystem Research in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
Previously (1996 to 2020) he was at Bangor University where from 2006 he held the Chair of Marine Biology in the School of Ocean Sciences in Menai Bridge.
He studied and did his PhD in Liverpool University where he studied seaweed physiology, before spending 7 years in Germany working on oceanographic projects in the Antarctic, Arctic and Red Sea.
After returning to the UK in 1996 he established a groups working on sea ice biogeochemistry, land-ocean interactions, and the production of biofuels from algal bioreactors.
From 2009 to 2013 he held an Academy of Finland Distinguished Professorship at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). In 2013 he also held a Chair in Arctic Marine Biology at Aarhus University, Denmark.
He takes pride in conveying his science to non-specialist audiences, both in talks but also writing textbooks and books for non-academic audiences. Over the years, he has become increasingly interested in the connections between observational biology and art and design.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 3, 2017
Kehidupan di bawah laut memang selalu membuat terpesona.
Tidak hanya ikan, ada banyak kehidupan lain di sana.
Cantik
Tidak hanya ikan, ada banyak kehidupan lain di sana.
Cantik
October 20, 2020
I learned so much from reading this book! Fascinating stuff!! Seaweed love!!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews