The history of natural science across its many disciplines, including zoology, botany, geology or even malacology (the study of molluscs) is often a case of truth being stranger than fiction. There are countless stirring, occasionally alarming, natural history adventure stories to be told, rollicking tales of men and women risking life and limb in the name of science and in the cause of the broadening of human knowledge. Eaten by a Giant Clam focuses on the work of these natural scientists in the field. It comprises 22 stories, with a focus on the heyday of natural history endeavours between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. Each story surveys the life and career of the scientist, with the main focus being career highlights and their most striking adventures. This fascinating book ranges in content from the humorous to the tragic, from the virtually unbelievable to the inspirational.

This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals.With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public.

A Science Friday Best Science Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the Year A Library Journal Best Science and Technology Book of the Year A Tampa Bay Times Best Book of the Year A stunning history of seashells and the animals that make them that "will have you marveling at nature…Barnett’s account remarkably spirals out, appropriately, to become a much larger story about the sea, about global history and about environmental crises and preservation" (John Williams, New York Times Book Review). Seashells have been the most coveted and collected of nature’s creations since the dawn of humanity. They were money before coins, jewelry before gems, art before canvas. In The Sound of the Sea, acclaimed environmental author Cynthia Barnett blends cultural history and science to trace our long love affair with seashells and the hidden lives of the mollusks that make them. Spiraling out from the great cities of shell that once rose in North America to the warming waters of the Maldives and the slave castles of Ghana, Barnett has created an unforgettable history of our world through an examination of the unassuming seashell. She begins with their childhood wonder, unwinds surprising histories like the origin of Shell Oil as a family business importing exotic shells, and charts what shells and the soft animals that build them are telling scientists about our warming, acidifying seas. From the eerie calls of early shell trumpets to the evolutionary miracle of spines and spires and the modern science of carbon capture inspired by shell, Barnett circles to her central point of listening to nature’s wisdom—and acting on what seashells have to say about taking care of each other and our world.

"The Giant Clams" is the author’s complete coverage of these remarkable reef-dwelling animals, which has been written and photo-illustrated for anyone interested in them. Inside you’ll find information on: the biology of giant clams, the common and uncommon species, the problems they face, how they are aquacultured, and much more. The book also includes over 500 photographs and illustrations. Table of Contents: Preface Introduction Chapter 1: Tridacnine Anatomy, Physiology, and Reproduction Tridacnine Shells Tridacnine Soft Parts How Tridacnines Work Tridacnine Reproduction Chapter 2: Tridacnine Miscellanea Ecological Roles Some Other Symbionts Mantle Coloration Dealing with UV Exposure to Air Jerking and Squirting Deformities and Funky Mantles The Biggest Clams Tridacnine Pearls Maximum Lifespans A Bit More About the ZTS A Few Close Cousins Name Changes, Cryptic Species, and Trees A Variety of Zooxanthellae Attachments and Self-Righting Making Burrows Tridacnine Shells and Humans Chapter 3: The Common Tridacnine Species Tridacna crocea Tridacna maxima Tridacna noae Tridacna derasa Tridacna squamosa Tridacna gigas Hippopus hippopus Chapter 4: The Uncommon Tridacnines and Hybrids Hippopus porcellanus Tridacna mbalavuana Tridacna squamosina Tridacna elongatissima Tridacna rosewateri Hybrid Tridacnines Chapter 5: Tridacnine Troubles Bleaching Bacterial Infections Protozoans and Pinched Mantle Deteriorating Ligaments Boring Sponges and Algae Overgrowing Algae and Corals Bad Worms Predatory and Parasitic Snails Other Predatory Animals Humans Chapter 6: Tridacnine Aquaculture Broodstock and Spawning Gamete Collection Fertilization Larval Rearing Grow-Out On From There References and Image Credits Index You can also find James' giant clam photo galleries and videos and more at jameswfatherree.com.

Find out all about animals and where they come from, with Bloomsbury's fantastic Animal Atlas.

First published in 1989. The Pacific Islands are amongst the poorest countries of the developing world. The special problems of their small size, immense distance from major centres and, for many, very poor agricultural possibilities make development extremely difficult. However, recent new advances in maritime technology in a wide range of different areas present substantial new opportunities. This book surveys the new developments — including extended maritime boundaries; giant clam farming; increased exploitation of ocean minerals and new fisheries techniques — and demonstrates the potential for far-reaching economic and social development.

The world's oceans represent the last wild frontier on Earth. In this graphic novel collection, Matt Dembicki, editor and artist of the award-winning Trickster, pulls together stories of twelve iconic endangered sea animals. Produced in cooperation with the non-profit PangeaSeed, these compelling scientific vignettes also educate and foster a passion to conserve the oceans' resources.