Elements of Marine Ecology, Fifth Edition focuses on marine ecology as a coherent science, providing undergraduate students with an essential foundation of knowledge in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. The text reflects ecological groupings such as the pelagic lifestyle vs. the benthic lifestyle. In addition, background oceanographic material, previously in various chapters, is consolidated in the first chapter. The broad definition of ecology is the study of organisms in relation to their surroundings. This book presents marine ecology as a coherent science, providing undergraduate students with an essential foundation of knowledge in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems.

This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to meet the needs of today's courses and now includes worldwide examples, all thoroughly updated with brand new chapters.
Presents marine ecology as a coherent science, providing undergraduate students with an essential foundation of knowledge on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems Includes fully updated, color images to enhance the text Provides a new chapter on Marine Nekton to increase coverage of habitat and ecology of water column organisms

The oceansMarine planktonMeasuring and samplingThe seawater habitat - physical and chemical conditionsOrganic production in the seaThe sea bottomEnergetics of a marine ecosystemThe seashoreSea fisheriesHuman impact on the marine environmentAppendix 1: Topics for further study and class discussionAppendix 2: Some laboratory exercisesAppendix 3: Some field course exercises, abundance scales, and a field course book listAppendix 4: Marine stations and other organisations