United States. Office Of Naval Research epub Sensory Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays (Classic Reprint)

Sharks and their close relatives have been among the most important and successful inhabitants of the seas for some 200 million years. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that man a relatively recent invader of marine environments finds much of importance to be learned from studies of these remarkably adapted animals. Since many sharks are dominant predators in the sea, their attacks upon man typically elicit sensational reporting. The International Shark Attack File, supported in part by the U.S. Navy and compiled in cooperation with theS mithsonian I nstitution, is the major source of factual information on that subject and has provided useful guidelines for diminishing the chances of attacks upon humans. Despite the availability of constantly improving rescue methods and more advanced medical attention for personnel in areas where shark attacks are prevalent, even the remote possibility of experiencing such an attack is a powerful psychological factor, often a significant handicap, for those working in such waters. Information about the distribution, biology, and behavior of sharks can help to further increase the odds in mans favor during exposure to such possibilities or whenever encounters with the genuinely dangerous species occur. The Office of Naval Research takes pride in having supported, through theO ceanic Biology Program of theO cean Science and Technology Division, many of the research studies reported here. It seems appropriate at this time to assist the further synthesis and distribution of this information through the present volume. It is hoped that the benefits for present science and future research, like the knowledge that the book brings together, will be worldwide. R. K.(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)About the Publisher Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, Hi