Sharks & Rays of the World [Hardcover]

Doug Perrine (Author)

Book Description

In Sharks and Rays of the World, Doug Perrine examines the bizarre evolutionary experiments that have characterized the development of sharks and rays, exploding the myth that they have been unchanged over hundreds of millions of years. He also explores their life history strategies, reproduction, feeding, body form, and sensory adaptations, all of which are highly advanced and unique among fishes, and he also reveals that rays, popularly perceived as a different set of creatures from the sharks, are so closely related that some scientists call them "pancake sharks."

After providing a general description of the natural history of sharks and rays, Perrine then individually profiles some of the more colorful and popular species, including the great white shark, manta ray, whale shark, and electric ray. Lavishly illustrated with stunning color photography. For scuba divers and for readers from young adult+ interested in natural history and the sea.

Doug Perrine, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, is a freelance photojournalist, tour leader, and marine life consultant for motion picture projects. He holds a master's degree in marine biology from the University of Miami and has participated in a number of shark research cruises. He also organizes oceanic adventure tours, specializing in encounters with sharks and other large marine animals. His articles and photos appear in hundreds of magazines around the world.

Also recommended: Sharks, Whales of the World, Dolphins of the World, Sea Turtles, Seals & Sea Lions, Alligators & Crocodiles, Porpoises, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales. Beluga Whales.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In his youth, writes Hawaii-based photographer and marine biologist Doug Perrine, "the word 'shark' was synonymous with 'man-eater,' and the very mention of sharks was taboo in the recreational diving industry." In the last two decades, however, the public perception of sharks has changed, so that sharks are seen less as mindless and lethal eating machines than as necessary predators who play an important role in the ocean's ecology. Perrine reinforces the new view of sharks with this sympathetic study, which traces the evolution of sharks and their cousins, the rays, over millions of years, and which touches on important aspects of shark behavior. Perrine follows his general discussion with "snapshots" of selected individual species (worldwide there are 465 species of shark and 627 species of ray), offering notes on favorite habitats and foods, mating habits, and other features. Perrine accompanies his text with large-format plates. Sadly, he remarks, even as we are coming to understand the sharks and rays better, their numbers are growing fewer as commercial fisheries serve new markets for shark fins, cartilage, and meat. "Populations must be managed if they are to continue to exist," he notes, adding that conservation groups have risen in just the past few years to speak on the sharks' behalf, "something I could have barely imagined just a decade ago." --Gregory McNamee

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-An in-depth look into the watery world of sharks and rays, cartilaginous fishes whose evolutionary history stretches back over millions of years. The detailed, readable text investigates the Chondrichthyans: their long evolution and specialization, a general natural history (physiology, reproduction, sensory adaptations, diet, etc.), and gives detailed information on large numbers of individual species. The mandatory chapter on shark attacks is included, as is one on the new sport of baited dives with sharks and rays for curious and adventuresome vacationers. A list of such dive sites (organized by species) is appended. Large, bright color photos of a fascinating array of sharks and rays in their infinite variety and natural habitats lend eye-catching value to the volume. If you already own Leighton R. Taylor's Sharks & Rays (Time-Life, 1997) you might think Perrine's work a mere duplication. It's not.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press (MN) (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896584488
• ISBN-13: 978-0896584488
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,849,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Premier photographs and biological information, September 3, 2001

By 

"sharkdivertony" (Panama City, FL., USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharks & Rays of the World (Hardcover)

Doug is a graduate of the University of Miami, Rosensteil School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. After earning his masters in marine biology he became an outstanding underwater photographer. His biological backround and attention to details in this book are evident. The book covers the gamut of shark identification for both the layman and advanced reader. Photos are crisp and clear and the book is easy and enjoyable to read. I recommend this book to divers, marine biologists, and science teachers.