Whales: Their Past, Present and Future

About this book

Whales are the world's largest living mammals and for many centuries they have shared close connections with humans. Whales: Their Past, Present and Future explores the lives of these incredible animals, how they adapted to life in the oceans and how our relationship with them has continually evolved.

Drawing on the latest scientific research from around the world, Whales describes their remarkable evolution from terrestrial to marine mammals, their life cycle, diversity and distribution, and the ecosystems that they are a part of in both life and death. Among the many extraordinary aspects of these intelligent, social creatures are the complex vocalisations they use to communicate over vast distances, with unique vocal cultures emerging between different groups over time.

Learn more about the special fascination with which whales have been held in human culture, and how scientists are working to help conserve their future in the face of intense man-made pressure. Spectacular photographs of whales in the wild help reveal the mysterious lives of these majestic ocean giants.

Please note that this book has been published in the US with the title Whales: Their Biology and Behavior.

Customer Reviews

Biography

Philip Hammond, Sonja Heinrich, Sascha Hooker and Peter Tyack are researchers at the Sea Mammal Research Unit based at the University of St Andrews.