Sharks and Their Relatives II

Under the editorial guidance of Jeffrey C. Carrier, Ph.D., John A. (Jack) Musick, Ph.D., and Michael R. Heithaus, Ph.D., this book includes much of the team’s original research along with keen insights from their combined nearly 80 years of teaching in higher academia. Dr. Carrier’s current research is focused on the reproductive biology and mating behaviors of nurse sharks in a long-term study from an isolated region of the Florida Keys. Dr. Musick has published more than 150 scientific papers and co-authored or edited 16 books focused on the ecology and conservation of sharks, other marine fishes, and sea turtles. Dr. Musick served as co-chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group for nine years, and is currently the vice chair for science. Dr. Heithaus’ current work is centered on predator–prey interactions and the factors influencing behavioral decisions, especially of large marine taxa including marine mammals, sharks and rays, and sea turtles.

• Chondrichthyan Biodiversity: Ecosystems and Distribution of Fauna: Epipelagic Oceanic Elasmobranchs. Deepwater Chondrichthyans. Chondrichthyans of High Latitude Seas. Elasmobranchs of Tropical Marine Ecosystems. Biology of the South American Potamotrygonid Stingrays. Life History Strategies of Batoids. Adaptive Physiology: Ontogenetic Shifts in Movements and Habitat Use. Tracking and Analysis Techniques for Understanding Free-Ranging Shark Movements and Behavior. Sensory Adaptations to the Environment: Electroreceptors as a Case Study. Molecular Insights into Elasmobranch Reproductive Behavior for Conservation and Management. Physiological Responses to Stress in Sharks. Pollutant Exposure and Effects in Sharks and Their Relatives. Conservation: Factors Contributing to Shark Attacks on Humans: A Volusia County, Florida, Case Study. Shark Control: Methods, Efficacy, and Ecological Impact. DNA Forensic Applications in Shark Management and Conservation. Unraveling the Ecological Importance of Elasmobranchs. Life Histories, Population Dynamics, and Extinction Risks in Chondrichthyans.