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Monarchs of the Sea
The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods
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Monarchs of the Sea
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See moreThe Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods
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Description
Before mammals, there were dinosaurs. And before dinosaurs, there were cephalopods—the ancestors of modern squid, octopuses, and more creatures—Earth's first truly substantial animals. Essentially inventing the act of swimming, cephalopods presided over an undersea empire for millions of years, until fish evolved jaws, and cephalopods had to step up their game or risk being eaten.
To keep up, some streamlined their shells and added defensive spines, while others abandoned the shell, opening the gates to a flood of evolutionary innovations: masterful camouflage, fin-supplemented jet propulsion, and intelligence we've yet to fully measure.
Monarchs of the Sea is an epic, witty history about these bizarre but beautiful creatures that ruled the seas—and still captivate us today.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Monarchs of the Sea by Danna Staaf is celebrated for its engaging narrative style, merging scientific insight with playful storytelling. Reviewers highlight the book's ability to illuminate the fascinating evolution and intelligence of cephalopods, making it accessible and intriguing for both science enthusiasts and general readers. It's praised for transforming complex scientific knowledge into a delightful, page-turning experience that sparks renewed interest in these remarkable sea creatures.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781615197408
Publisher: The Experiment LLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 15 September 2020
Country: United States
Imprint: The Experiment LLC
Illustration: 33 B&W photographs and illustrations
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 211.0mm
Weight: 264g
Pages: 256
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About the Author
Danna Staaf earned a PhD in invertebrate biology from Stanford University and has been studying cephalopods for decades. Her writing on marine life has appeared in Science, Atlas Obscura, and many other outlets, while her research has appeared in the Journal of Experimental Biology, Aquaculture, and others, as well as in numerous textbooks. She lives with her family in Northern California.
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