Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas [Paperback]

Forest Rohwer (Author), Merry Youle (Author), Derek Vosten (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book brilliantly captures the lives of both coral reefs and the scientists that study them. It is a 21st century version of the Log from the Sea of Cortez--full of wisdom and humor. --Nancy Knowlton, Staff Scientist Emeritus of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and holder of the Sant Chair in Marine Science at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

The demise of many coral communities in the oceans and the threat to the rest are among the most stirring concerns regarding the state of our planet. But precisely because we respond to these grim facts with distress we should become educated in the issues involved. The book by Rohwer and Youle provides the chance for such an education, and does so in a manner that is accessible to all. Written in a reader-friendly style that belies the authority of the authors, this book introduces the biological, physical, and anthropogenic issues related to corals and their tribulations. Perhaps not surprising are accounts of the relationship of people and bacteria to the health of corals. Not only do the authors accomplish a difficult task--to enlighten readers of a varied background of these issues--but they engage us personally with stories about the people who conduct this research. We are taken on board ship to witness the problems, big and small, that face expeditions to the coral reefs. This book is a standout in the genre of current science writing. --Moselio Schaechter, Distinguished Professor, emeritus, Tufts University, and author of Microbe and In the Company of Mushrooms.

Product Description

For millennia, coral reefs have flourished as one of the planet's most magnificent natural wonders. As Earth's most biodiverse ecosystem-surpassing even the rainforests-they are home to a cooperative network ranging from immense fish to sunlight-capturing algae to invisible microbes. Just how critical the microbes in particular are for coral reef health is finally understood thanks to recent discoveries. Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas is the first book to unveil the complete story of how these relationships uphold coral reef health and what impact human activity has on this delicate balance.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Plaid Press (June 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982701209
• ISBN-13: 978-0982701201
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #114,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #44 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Nature & Ecology > Oceans & Seas > Marine Biology
  #98 in	Books > Science > Evolution > Molecular Biology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Coral Reefs In The Microbial Seas, June 12, 2010

By	Brigitte Sekirka (Big Island,Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas (Paperback)

The book is a gem. Aside from appreciating the importance and , especially at this moment in time, the relevancy of it's content, I would like to thank the authors for structuring the chapters in such a way that even a non-scientist like me finds it fascinating to read. The pictures painted in the narrative , the second part of each chapter, provide the perfect gateway to the more scientific body of the chapter.
I recommend this book to all who ,like me, live through their eyes.
Brigitte Sekirka Cooper

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of Sea Bugs Around Coral Reefs, July 21, 2010

By	William E. Yates (New York City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas (Paperback)

For the amateur SCUBA enthusiast the material presented in the narrative is probably a real eye-opener. From low level microbs all the way up the food chain (web)to the sharks, the complex life formations required to keep the coral reef alive are mind boggling.

The book is part college text containing significant amounts of research and part recreational reading sure to keep even a lay diver interested in seeking more information as the story unfolds. A nice job all around. A background in reefs is probably presupposed as the authors jump right into research needs and findings without providing requisit underpinnings. But, then again, it's not going to be bought by a casual reader seeking colorful pictures. There is sufficient information to interest the lay reader as well as technical data to please SCUBA divers seeking to learn more about what they see in coral reef formations. In summary, the book is a good read and deserves a place on bookshelves for current and reference information.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book about fish in the sea, July 19, 2010

By	Åke Hagström - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas (Paperback)

No sharks no coral reefs! This is a one-liner that will live for a long time. The arguments presented in this book allow you to see the big picture. Based on solid biology, that is, including both microbes and larger animals and plants, you are presented with a well documented and logical chain of mechanisms explaining the deteriorating conditions for coral reefs. In addition you are presented with a vivid account of science in real life. This is good fun and serves to build trust vis-à-vis the authors genuine experience. A strong sense of responsibility towards our common ocean and its future shines through the presentation, yet scientific reasoning is the sole guiding principle for the arguments. In view of the global destruction of the fish community it could, for example, be tempting make a comparison between coral reefs and the destruction of the rainforest. Forest Rower and Merry Youle however manage to capture the larger context and importance of the ecosystem structure by being able to make connections through the entire food-web of the coral reef and not by inference to a different system.