• Most readable text. Clear, thorough explanations written in an highly-engaging style that students actually enjoy reading
• Principles-driven approach. Focus on interaction of basic biological principles makes the material digestible and governs the text's three major themes: functional biology; biodiversity; and ecological processes
• Philosophy of getting students excited. The author introduces highly relevant real-world topics as well as the latest scientific discoveries to engage students' interest and imaginations
• Unique Chapter 1 "Sounding the Deep" introduces the scientific method and focuses attention on how science is done, rather than on the memorization of facts
• Robust pedagogical support. "Key Concept" headings serve as running summaries within chapters; "Basic Facts" succinctly summarize all-you-need-to-know about various marine organisms; thought-provoking end-of-chapter exercises get students thinking critically, “Going Deeper” boxes highlight and segregate quantitative coverage
• Hot-topics. A beloved feature of the text that ties Levinton's high-level concepts to approachable, engaging examples.

New to this Edition:

• Updated examples and chapter content to account for recent developments in Marine Biology
• Increased focus on economic impacts of climate change
• New comparative tables to aid learning
• Additional content on diversity of planktons within Chapter 8.
• Expanded coverage of habitats within Chapter 17, inclusive of non-coral reef habitats such as sea grasses
• 4-5 Revised "Hot Topics in Marine Biology, such as "Is the Gulf of Mexico Adapted to Oil"?
• Integration of phylogenetic trees
• Reorganization and revision of review questions
• Simplify and increase visual appeal of select illustrations
• Revised video guide

   
Levinton's Marine Biology is highly acclaimed and regarded by many as the best, most authoritative text for the sophomore/junior/senior marine biology course. The text is characterized by its exceptionally clear and conversational writing style, comprehensive coverage, and sophisticated presentation featuring organismal and ecosystem ecology topics from an evolutionary perspective. Over the course of five editions, Jeff Levinton has balanced his organismal and ecological focus by including the latest developments from the world of molecular biology, global climate change, and oceanic processes.