Coral Reefs: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
Coral reefs have been long regarded with awe by the millions of people who have encountered them over the centuries. Early seafarers were wary of them, naturalists were confused by them, yet many coastal people benefited greatly from these mysterious rocky structures that grew up to the surface of the sea. They have been rich in their supply of food, and they provided a breakwater from storms and high waves to countless coastal communities that developed from their protection. Their scale is enormous and their value high. Found in countless locations around the world, from the Indo-Pacific coral reef province to the Caribbean and Australia, they support both marine and human life. In this Very Short Introduction, Charles Sheppard provides an account of what coral reefs are, how they are formed, how they have evolved, and the biological lessons we can learn from them. Today, the vibrancy and diversity of these fascinating ecosystems are under threat from over exploitation and could face future extinction, unless our conservation efforts are stepped up in order to save them.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Series: Very Short Introductions
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press; 1 edition (September 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0199682771
ISBN-13: 978-0199682775
Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 0.7 x 4.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
Best Sellers Rank: #176,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Ecosystems > Coral Reefs #109 in Books > Textbooks > Science & Mathematics > Biology & Life Sciences > Ecology #234 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Oceans & Seas
A fairly good introduction to coral reefs from both a biological and geological perspective. The section dealing with reef biology could have probably benefited from some illustrations showing what various reef species (particularly the micro-scale species) look like, because that section tends to ramble off a list of names with little context to help the reader not already familiar with those species understand what exactly is being talked about). After dealing with basic reef science, the book transitions to a good discussion of challenges that reefs worldwide face, including anthropogenic stresses and natural stresses.This is a fairly typical entry in the "A Very Short Introduction"series in terms of quality and presentation. Very happy with both this book and others in the series.
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