For more than a quarter of a century, Oded Degany has been an avid diver and underwater photographer, documenting his encounters with the creatures that make up coral reefs. His has a multi-disciplinary background which includes a BA in physics, an MA in biological thought, an MBA, and a partial doctorate in anthropology and religious studies.
Description
Foreword by Professor David Fortus Acknowledgments Prologue 1. The Uniqueness of the Diving Experience 2. Coral Reefs - A Holistic View 3. The Reef Kaleidoscopic View - Why Are Coral Reefs So Colorful? 4. Illumination, Disguise and Vision Mechanisms in Coral Reefs 5. Mutual Aid - Coral Reefs as a Symbiotic Society 6. Nature, Red in Tooth and Claw - Defense and Preying Mechanisms 7. Reproduction - The Wild Side of Sex in Coral Reefs 8. Evolutionary Themes Epilogue Afterword by Dr. Tom Shlesinger Concise Glossary Bibliography Figure Credits Index About the Author
Reviews
This is a book that you should read if you want to be amazed anew at the richness of the coral reef, to discover new ways to think of it, to see it as you probably have never seen it before...this book's ability to describe the science underlying the reef in a humanistic way is refreshing and intriguing. -- Prof. David Fortus (PhD), Weizmann Institute of Science Whether you are an expert in some field of marine science, a well-traveled and experienced diver who knows a lot about this environment, or a "newbie" interested in the underwater world, I am sure this book introduced you to some new and fascinating ideas and phenomena. -- Tom Shlesinger (PhD), Marine Ecologist, Florida Institute of Technology Degany's is a fascinating approach... Someone who can take a subject and come at it from so many different angles and offer so much insight without ever telling the reader, or student, what to think, is rare. -- Caitlin Richards, Caribbean Compass The polymath background of Oded Degany in physics and the philosophy of biology, in diving and photography and a career in corporate management shines through this excellent book... All marine biologists will get something from this book and, although it is not a textbook, there is certainly enough to stimulate zoologists and make all think out of the box. -- Mike Elliot, The Marine Biologist