The Natural History of Seals (Natural History Series) - Hardcover

This volume documents the evolution of the seal and the many species of seal encountered throughout the world. It provides a full study of the phocidae, or true seal, as well as comparisons of this species with the other two families of the order pinnipedia, the walrus (odobenidae) and the earred seal (ottariidae). The book begins with an examination of seal behaviour, which includes their physical adaptation to aquatic life, their methods of food-gathering and breeding, and how their senses function underwater. The many seal species are described and extensive coverage is given to the history of the seal's interaction with man. The current issues of net entanglement, ocean pollution and the current conflict between seals and fisheries is also explored.