• The Physiology of Dolphins is a robust, up-to-date reference. It provides a collection of review chapters from leaders in the field of dolphin ecophysiology, making it essential for instructors, researchers, and graduate students interested in the physiological and anatomical adaptations that make life possible for these charismatic marine mammals. Showcasing recent technological developments, it covers the complete physiology of these marine mammals and includes information on the current threats for dolphins and whales from environmental pressures such as climate change, overfishing, pollution, and our increasing human presence in the ocean. This is an excellent reference providing easy-to-follow details of the latest available research methods and some of the newer technologies that are expanding the field of marine mammal physiology.

    • Describes complex physiological themes such as the neural control of the dive response and how compression affects gas exchange
    • Includes studies of the cardiorespiratory and sensory physiology of wild dolphins and other cetacean species
    • Incorporates diagrams, and other visual representations to best describe these complex systems and activities
    • Cover image

    • Title page

    • Table of Contents

    • Copyright

    • Dedication

    • Contributors

    • Acknowledgments

    • Chapter 1 Studying dolphin physiology

    • Abstract

    • The bottlenose dolphin

    • Studies of stranded animals

    • Studies of animals under human care

    • Field studies of wild animals

    • Animal-attached instrumentation

    • Anatomy and physiology

    • This book

    • References

    • Chapter 2 Energetic costs of rest and locomotion in dolphins

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Resting metabolic rate: An energetic baseline for aquatic living

    • Energetic costs of swimming and diving

    • Predicting free-ranging locomotory costs

    • Concluding remarks

    • References

    • Chapter 3 Thermoregulation

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • The role of size and morphology

    • Appendages as thermal windows: Where morphology and physiology meet

    • Blubber structure and its thermoregulatory function

    • Energetic tradeoffs with thermoregulation

    • Concluding remarks

    • References

    • Chapter 4 Muscles and movement

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Streamlining

    • Propulsive muscles and tendons

    • Speed

    • Hydrodynamics

    • Swimming kinematics

    • Thrust generation

    • Behavioral strategies for energy economy

    • Maneuverability

    • References

    • Chapter 5 Cardiovascular physiology in dolphins and other cetaceans

    • Abstract

    • Cardiovascular anatomy and function

    • Cardiovascular function during diving

    • Blood O2 transport

    • Summary

    • References

    • Chapter 6 Respiratory physiology in the dolphin and other whales

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Anatomy and structure

    • Functional studies in dead animals

    • Functional studies in live animals

    • Future possibilities

    • Glossary

    • References

    • Chapter 7 Diving physiology in dolphins and human

    • Abstract

    • Introduction to diving physiology

    • The dive response

    • Comparative perspectives of the diving response

    • Hypoxia and acid-base disturbance

    • Pressure effects

    • Other considerations to minimize metabolic rate

    • Conclusion

    • References

    • Chapter 8 Genetic and molecular adaptations

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • From genotype to phenotype

    • Future directions

    • References

    • Chapter 9 Neurophysiology

    • Abstract

    • Histology

    • Shape and volume of the brain

    • The cerebral cortex of whales and dolphins

    • The cerebellum, the brainstem, and the spinal cord

    • Motor systems

    • Blood supply

    • Functional organization of the cetacean central nervous system

    • Anatomical techniques

    • Physiological techniques

    • The diving brain

    • The unknowns of the cetacean nervous system

    • Conclusion

    • References

    • Chapter 10 Sensory physiology in delphinids

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Vision

    • Mechanoreception

    • Electroreception

    • Chemosensation

    • Conclusions

    • References

    • Chapter 11 Kidneys and osmoregulation

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Do dolphins drink salt water?

    • Feeding and fasting studies

    • Loading experiments

    • Renal endocrinology of dolphins

    • Renal pathologies and toxicology

    • Summary

    • References

    • Chapter 12 Reproductive physiology of dolphins

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Onset of sexual maturation

    • Reproductive cycles

    • Gestation and lactation

    • Reproductive anomalies and abnormalities

    • Contraception and assisted reproductive technologies

    • External impacts on reproduction

    • Ex-situ conservation applications

    • References

    • Chapter 13 Immunology

    • Abstract

    • Introduction to immunology

    • Recent progress in cetacean immunology

    • Immunology and stress

    • Immunology and diving physiology

    • Immunology and environmental contaminants

    • Conclusions

    • References

    • Chapter 14 Human impacts on dolphins: Physiological effects and conservation

    • Abstract

    • Introduction

    • Fishing activities

    • Boat strikes and disturbance

    • Pollution

    • Climate change

    • Concurrent and multiple threats

    • References

    • Index

  • Andreas Fahlman

    Is a Senior Researcher for Global Diving Research SL, Spain and Researcher for Fundacion Oceanografic and Kolmarden Wildlife Park. He’s had several positions over the past 20 years including, professional affiliations as Adjunct professor at Duke University, Woods Hole, Oceanographic Institution, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and University of Southern Florida. He has over 20 years of research and teaching experience in diving physiology, and over 10 years’ experience on cardiorespiratory physiology of dolphins. He’s won several awards and grants to investigate cardiorespiratory physiology in dolphins and medium sized cetaceans has published ~120 peer reviewed publications, and one book chapter in Marine Mammal Physiology.

    Affiliations and expertise

    Senior Researcher, Global Diving Research, SL and Researcher, Fundacion Oceanografic, Kolmarden Wildlife Park

    Sascha Hooker

    Is a Professor at the Sea Mammal Research Unit in the Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, UK. Professor Hooker has more than 15 years’ teaching experience and 25 years’ research experience working on marine mammal biology, often using biologging tools to investigate hidden aspects of behavior and physiology. She received the Marsh Award for Marine and Freshwater Conservation from the Zoological Society of London (2018). She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to 17 books and encyclopedias, and co-authored ‘Whales: their past, present and future’ (2017) published by the Natural History Museum, UK.

    Affiliations and expertise

    Research Professor, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, UK

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