Sharks and Rays of the World - Softcover

In his youth, writes Hawaii-based photographer and marine biologist Doug Perrine, "the word 'shark' was synonymous with 'man-eater,' and the very mention of sharks was taboo in the recreational diving industry." In the last two decades, however, the public perception of sharks has changed, so that sharks are seen less as mindless and lethal eating machines than as necessary predators who play an important role in the ocean's ecology. Perrine reinforces the new view of sharks with this sympathetic study, which traces the evolution of sharks and their cousins, the rays, over millions of years, and which touches on important aspects of shark behavior. Perrine follows his general discussion with "snapshots" of selected individual species (worldwide there are 465 species of shark and 627 species of ray), offering notes on favorite habitats and foods, mating habits, and other features. Perrine accompanies his text with large-format plates. Sadly, he remarks, even as we are coming to understand the sharks and rays better, their numbers are growing fewer as commercial fisheries serve new markets for shark fins, cartilage, and meat. "Populations must be managed if they are to continue to exist," he notes, adding that conservation groups have risen in just the past few years to speak on the sharks' behalf, "something I could have barely imagined just a decade ago." --Gregory McNamee

Grade 8 Up-An in-depth look into the watery world of sharks and rays, cartilaginous fishes whose evolutionary history stretches back over millions of years. The detailed, readable text investigates the Chondrichthyans: their long evolution and specialization, a general natural history (physiology, reproduction, sensory adaptations, diet, etc.), and gives detailed information on large numbers of individual species. The mandatory chapter on shark attacks is included, as is one on the new sport of baited dives with sharks and rays for curious and adventuresome vacationers. A list of such dive sites (organized by species) is appended. Large, bright color photos of a fascinating array of sharks and rays in their infinite variety and natural habitats lend eye-catching value to the volume. If you already own Leighton R. Taylor's Sharks & Rays (Time-Life, 1997) you might think Perrine's work a mere duplication. It's not.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.