The marine environment is the largest, most
important, and yet most mysterious habitat on our
planet. It contains more than 99% of the world's living
space; produces half of its oxygen; plays a critical
role in regulating its climate; and supports a
remarkably diverse and exquisitely adapted array of life
forms, from microscopic viruses, bacteria, and plankton
to the largest existing animals. As the 21st century
progresses human activities, such as overfishing,
coastal development, plastic pollution, oil spills,
nutrient pollution, the spread of exotic species, and
the emission of climate changing greenhouse gases are
posing a significant threat to the marine environment
and to many of its life forms. In this unique Very Short
Introduction, Philip Mladenov provides a comprehensive
overview of marine biology, providing a tour of marine
life and marine processes that ranges from the polar
oceans to tropical coral reefs; and from the intertidal
to the hydrothermal vents of the deep sea. 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.
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