Marine Biology: An Ecological Approach emphasizes the ecological principles that guide marine life throughout all environments within the world's oceans. Authors James Nybakken and Mark Bertness provide a unique ecological approach that helps students understand the real-world relevance of marine biology by exploring how organisms interact within their individual ecosystems. The text is organized by habitat, not classification, with each habitat receiving detailed, in-depth coverage that draws students into the subject matter. In addition, new co-author Mark Bertness's expertise and familiarity with East Coast marine life adds a balanced dimension to the coverage of the Atlantic and Pacific environments.

In addition to a new Taxonomic Appendix containing a detailed map of marine taxonomy, the Sixth Edition is fully updated with the latest research data and topics. These include new coverage of the intertidal zone, salt marshes and estuaries, and tropical communities, as well as a revised discussion of humans' impact on the sea. The new edition's pedagogy features end-of-chapter summaries, a full-color design, and a companion website designed just for students.

Table of Contents 

1. Introduction to the Marine Environment.
Properties of Water.
Basic Oceanography.
Some Ecological Principles.
Larvae and Larval Ecology.
Comparison of Terrestrial and Marine Ecosystems.
Division of the Marine Environment.

2. Plankton and Plankton Communities.
The Phytoplankton.
The Zooplankton.
Floatation Mechanisms.
Primary Production.
Factors Affecting Primary Productivity.
Primary Productivity of the Biosphere.
The Ocean Ecosystem: The Classic Model.
The Ocean Ecosystem: A Changing Model.

3. Oceanic Nekton.
Composition of the Oceanic Nekton.
Environmental Conditions.
Adaptations of Oceanic Nekton.
Ecology of Nekton.

4. Deep-Sea Biology.
Zonation.
Sampling the Deep Sea.
Environmental Characteristics.
Adaptations of Deep-Sea Organisms.
Community Ecology of the Benthos.
Midwater Community Ecology.

5. Shallow-Water Subtidal Benthic Associations.
Environmental Conditions.
Unvegetated Sedimentary Environments.
Rocky Subtidal Communities.
Kelp Beds and Forests.
Seagrass Communities.
Some Special Communities.
Biology of Polar Seas.

6. Intertidal Ecology.
Environmental Conditions.
Adaptations of Intertidal Organisms.
Rocky Shores.
Cobble Beaches.
Sandy Shores.
Muddy Shores.
Intertidal Fishes.
Birds.

7. Meiofauna.
Environmental Characteristics.
Composition of the Interstitial Assemblages.
Sampling and Extracting Meiofaunna.
Adaptations.
Ecology.

8. Estuaries and Salt Marshes.
Types of Estuaries.
Physical Characteristics of Estuaries.
The Biota of Estuaries.
Adaptations of Estuarine Organisms.
Ecology of Estuaries.
Salt Marshes.

9. Tropical Communities.
Coral Reefs.
Mangrove Forests.

10. Symbiotic Relationships.
Symbioses of Algae and Animals.
Symbioses Among Animals.

11. Human Impact on the Sea.
Fisheries.
Mariculture.
Pollution.
Marine Diseases.
Drugs From the Sea.
Global Warming and Sea Level Change.
Concluding Remarks.