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Since people have been going to sea they have been in awe of sharks. Worshipped by ancient civilisations, reviled by seafarers and in more recent years, closely studied by marine biologists, sharks are the product of over 450 million years of evolution, honed to perfection as some of the sea's most sophisticated predators. Their formidable jaws and teeth seem to invoke in us an irrational fear that turns any shark attack into front-page news worldwide. Yet their powerful, streamlined bodies are also an inspiration to ship and submarine designers and their immune system may hold the key to fighting human diseases.
Presenting the latest findings from international shark reserchers, "Sharks" is an engaging introduction to these near-perfect predators. It describes the broad range of living sharks, explores their biology and behaviour, and dispels the myths. Illustrated with over 100 of the best shark images from around the world, "Sharks" reveals these creatures to be far more than just mindless, killing machines.
The second edition has been revised and reformatted with the latest research, new images and up-to-date text, and is a comprehensive introduction to sharks and their biology and behaviour.
- Shark biology and behaviour 5
- The world before jaws 31
- The great white and relatives 49
- Requiem sharks and hammerheads 65
- Cats, dogs and a gentle giant 91
- Sharks and people 107
Glossary 123
Further information 124
Index 125
Credits 128
Michael Bright recently retired as executive producer with the BBC Natural History Unit and is now a freelance author and scriptwriter. He was a recipient of the prestigious Prix Italia for the programme Men, Nations and Whales: will the bloody story ever end?, and is the author of over 90 books on natural history, natural sciences, conservation and the environment.
