Marine Biology [Hardcover]

Peter Castro (Author), Michael E. Huber (Author), Michael Huber (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072937254 | ISBN-13: 978-0072937251 | Publication Date: April 22, 2003 | Edition: 4

This fourth edition covers the basics of marine biology with a global approach using examples from numerous regions and ecosystems worldwide. This introductory, one-semester text is designed for non-majors. Authors Castro and Huber have made a special effort to include solid basic science content needed in a general education course, including the fundamental principles of biology, the physical sciences, and the scientific method. This science coverage is integrated with a stimulating, up-to-date overview of marine biology.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Castro realised that he had to become a marine biologist during a high school field trip to the coral reefs in his native Puerto Rico. He obtained a B.S. in biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, but left the warm Caribbean for warm Hawaii to obtain a Ph.D.in marine zoology from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Michael Huber was immediately fascinated by aquatic organisms when he caught his first trout on an Alaskan lake at age two. His interest in marine biology continued to grow over his ensuing school years,and he went on to obtain B.S. degrees in zoology and oceanography from the University of Washington in Seattle. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math; 4 edition (April 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072937254
• ISBN-13: 978-0072937251
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,038,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Effective introduction, October 29, 2003

By 

Currahee (South Mississippi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marine Biology (Hardcover)

I have begun to use the third edition of this book in my introductory marine science course. I have to say that the Castro and Huber have taken a professional, effective approach to covering a diverse subject. The book takes a typical approach. Part 1: The nature of science and the physical environment. Part 2: Life in the marine environment, starting with physiology and moving on to diversity. Part 3: Ecology, covering basic principles and exploring various arine habitats. Part 4: Man's impact on the sea. Things that I like about this book include: the excellent illustrations, both photographs and diagrams; box readings on special topics; and the chapter self reviews. Things that I do not like include the failure to put the various groups of animals in evolutionary relationships. There are two chapters on marine organisms, vertebrates and invertebrate. This arrangement fails to recognize the over all diversity of these groups and frequently unrelated groups are piled together for no reason but convenience. I think perhaps a simple appendix of cladograms of the various groups would address this. There is also a companion web site that I have not had the time to explore.

In all, it is an effective introduction to marine biology. I am enjoying incorporating it in to my class. I also think that it would be a fine choice for persons who want to study marine biology on there own. It is written at such a level that a person with a high school education can understand it with only a few references to the glossary or other books.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for newcomers and veterans alike, October 19, 2005

By 

Kafu Rahmansha (India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marine Biology (Hardcover)

Anytime you look for a sourcebook on a specialized topic such as Marine Biology, you want to make sure it covers all the groundwork. By that, I mean the full foundation of the field needs to be established. What Castro and Huber might lack in specifics, they make up for by encompassing the true nature of Marine Biology and what it entails.

For anyone new to Marine Biology, this is the book to go with. It is well structured and covers everything in an instructive, yet simple to understand manner. There are a plethora of illustrations, diagrams, and tables to help aid the reader, and the text is well placed. The information touches most everything, including the very nature of Marine Biology, the habitats involved, the diversity presented, and even man's impact on the stature of the subject. I have no complaints on the presentation, and any inexperienced learner should find themselves involved in a very fascinating subject.

For those already experienced in Marine Biology, there is still much included that will catch your eye. Although the text is obviously leant for beginning, I found myself quite interested in much of the text and enjoyed analyzing and recalling sections of the field that I hadn't dealt with or devoted time to for months or even years.

There are some weaknesses, but most are minor or insignificant. Because Marine Biology is such a diverse field, it is near impossible to include EVERYTHING the subject entails. This text leaves some intriguing (albeit small) parts out, but overall I did not feel cheated about what I might have missed. There was also little focus on evolutionary associations, but then again, this is designed for a beginner and I expected little in this regard.

Overall, one way or the other, I feel that Castro and Huber have really developed a text that is very nearly a "can't miss" in Marine Biology. I recommend it to anyone, from the newest pupil to the most experienced professor. The bottom line is that you WILL learn.

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Have Fun Discovering Marine Biology, October 5, 2000

By 

dogeneedtakeship "The Loveless Fascination" (San Jose, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marine Biology (Hardcover)

I am a high school student and this is a college course, and the only reason I am bought this book was because my school can't afford to supply the students with it. This book is great and is going to almost guarantee me a passing grade in my Marine Biology class. Although this is just an introduction book it is full of information and it is and interesting subject to study. Coming from a student I recommend this book to any Marine Biology teacher. This subject is overall fun and even if you are expecting to be something non-related to this subject when you choose your career this is still very educational.