Description
Book SynopsisTo newly minted biologist James Estes, the sea otters he was studying in the leafy kelp forests off the coast of Alaska appeared to have an unbalanced relationship with their greater environment. But as Estes dug deeper, he discovered that otters play a critical role in driving positive ecosystem dynamics. This book tells his story.
Trade Review"Many of the findings in the book ... are classics of ecology... A rare and delightful insight into timely science." -- Jane Lubchenco Nature "Estes's refreshing narrative deftly weaves rigorous science with personal reflection to create an absorbing and introspective read that is equal parts memoir, ecological textbook, and motivational guidebook for young ecologists." Science "This top-down picture - with predators influencing the health of plants - is depicted in enthralling detail." The Guardian "Noteworthy... Summing up: Recommended." CHOICE
Table of ContentsContents
Foreword
Maps
1 • In the Beginning
2 • Understanding Nature
3 • Th e Aleutian Archipelago
4 • Sea Otters and Kelp Forests
5 • A Toe in the Arctic Ocean
6 • Return to Attu
7 • Generality and Variation
8 • A Serpentine Food Web
9 • Sea Otters and the Red Queen: Plant–Herbivore Coevolution
10 • Sea Otters and Killer Whales
11 • Megafaunal Collapse
12 • Whale Wars
13 • Foxes and Seabirds
14 • A Global Perspective
15 • Retrospection
16 • Looking to the Future
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
