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Monarchs of the Sea

The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods
By Danna Staaf
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Monarchs of the Sea by Danna Staaf explores the fascinating evolution and biology of cephalopods, from their ancient origins to their current diversity in the oceans. The book delves into how these remarkable creatures have adapted over millions of years, uncovering intriguing traits and behaviours that have secured their place in marine ecosystems. Staaf combines science with engaging storytelling to illuminate the captivating history of these "rulers" of the underwater world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the evolution and biology of marine life, particularly cephalopods like squids and octopuses. It beautifully blends humour and scientific insight, offering an engaging exploration of these captivating creatures' role in the ocean's history. If you're intrigued by the mysteries of the deep sea and the evolutionary journey of its inhabitants, this narrative promises an enlightening and enjoyable read.

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Monarchs of the Sea

The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! 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.

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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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Danna Staaf Non-Fiction Science & Nature

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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