This comprehensive book provides new insights into the morphological, metabolic, thermoregulatory, locomotory, diving, sensory, feeding, and sleep adaptations of Cetacea (whales and dolphins), Pinnipedia (seals, sea lions and walrus), Sirenia (manatees and dugongs) and sea otters for an aquatic life. Each chapter reviews the discoveries from previous studies and integrates recent research using new techniques and technology. Readers will gain an understanding of the remarkable adaptations that enable marine mammals to spend all or most of their lives at sea, often while hunting prey at depth.

Introduction (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 1-5 Return to the Sea: The Evolution of Marine Mammals (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 7-27 Respiration and the Effects of Pressure (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 29-55 Metabolism and Thermoregulation (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 57-87 Locomotion (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 89-132 Physiological Adaptations for Breath-Hold Diving (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 133-175 Sensory Systems (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 177-217 Feeding and Digestion (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 219-266 Sleep (Randall W. Davis)....Pages 267-278 Back Matter ....Pages 279-302