Reflections Underwater

A Multidisciplinary Exploration of Coral Reef Wonders

  • A cornucopia of stunning photographs of marine life
  • Presents a novel, holistic and multidisciplinary consideration of the reef ecosystem
  • Discusses many fundamental questions about coral reefs
    £25.00
    We currently have 989 in stock.

    • Truly original books about coral reefs are rare. Oded Degany’s Reflections Underwater has produced a valuable and fresh addition to the literature covering this incredible ecosystem. The book both educates the reader and encourages you to engage with the subject matter, both classic paradigms and original thinking. The engaging text is lavishly illustrated with the authors colourful images of reef habitats and species. A valuable contribution and a must have for any coral reef enthusiast.
      —Dr. Alex Mustard
    Subject: marine-biology
    Tags:
    • coral reef
    • diving
    • marine biology
    • marine habitat
    • snorkelling
    • underwater

    Description

    Why are we as humans so attracted to water and to colorful reefs? Indeed, why are reefs so dazzling? How did cleaning station symbiosis evolve? How come there are so many extraordinary defense mechanisms among reefs animals? Do the denizens of reefs have consciousness? How did warning coloration evolve? In what ways do fundamental mathematical rules manifest in coral reefs? For answers to these questions and many more, take a dive into Reflections Underwater.

    Coral reefs are one of the world's great natural wonders: endlessly surprising and mesmerizing kaleidoscopic fractals of color and life. But they are also under serious threat from the effects of climate change and development. Reflections Underwater is a unique, illuminating book that explores a dazzling variety of topics and concepts relating to coral reefs. Adopting a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective that weaves together scientific and humanistic ideas, including psychology, evolution, zoology, philosophy, mathematics, art, physics, and more, this book offers a compelling angle on these remarkable and fragile habitats. Meticulously researched and elegantly argued, it is illustrated throughout with exquisite photographs gleaned from the author's many marine adventures.

    DOI: 10.53061/PJYM7953

    Table of Contents

    Foreword by Professor David Fortus
    Acknowledgments
    Prologue

    1. The Uniqueness of the Diving Experience
    2. Coral Reefs – A Holistic View
    3. The Reef Kaleidoscopic View – Why Are Coral Reefs So Colorful?
    4. Illumination, Disguise and Vision Mechanisms in Coral Reefs
    5. Mutual Aid – Coral Reefs as a Symbiotic Society
    6. Nature, Red in Tooth and Claw – Defense and Preying Mechanisms
    7. Reproduction – The Wild Side of Sex in Coral Reefs
    8. Evolutionary Themes

    Epilogue
    Afterword by Dr. Tom Shlesinger
    Concise Glossary
    Bibliography
    Figure Credits
    Index
    About the Author

    Reviews

    • You don't have to be a diving enthusiast to enjoy the book in front of you, but there is a chance that when you finish reading it, you will sign up for such a course. Coral reefs are areas with the greatest diversity of animals on Earth. The author writes about them from an acquaintance acquired by years of diving and photographing coral reefs backed by reading professional literature, and the result is fascinating.
      —Sara Schwartz, Phd, The 'Biological Thought' program for advanced studies, Department of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Israel
    • This is a book that you should read if you want to be amazed anew at the richness of the coral reef, to discover new ways to think of it, to see it as you probably have never seen it before...this book’s ability to describe the science underlying the reef in a humanistic way is refreshing and intriguing.
      —Prof. David Fortus, Phd, Weizmann Institute of Science
    • Whether you are an expert in some field of marine science, a well-traveled and experienced diver who knows a lot about this environment, or a “newbie” interested in the underwater world, I am sure this book introduced you to some new and fascinating ideas and phenomena.
      —Tom Shlesinger, Phd, Marine Ecologist, Florida Institute of Technology
    • Truly original books about coral reefs are rare. Oded Degany’s Reflections Underwater has produced a valuable and fresh addition to the literature covering this incredible ecosystem. The book both educates the reader and encourages you to engage with the subject matter, both classic paradigms and original thinking. The engaging text is lavishly illustrated with the authors colourful images of reef habitats and species. A valuable contribution and a must have for any coral reef enthusiast.
      —Dr. Alex Mustard
    • This book takes the reader on an exceptional journey. Being personal and intuitive, yet detailed and scientifically sound, it allows one to dwell deep into a topic and the science behind it, yet stay connected and inspired by the complexity and wonders of coral reefs.
      —Prof. Nadav Shashar, Marine Biologist and Coral Reefs restorer, Ben Gurion University of the Negev
    • Degany’s is a fascinating approach... Someone who can take a subject and come at it from so many different angles and offer so much insight without ever telling the reader, or student, what to think, is rare.
      —Caitlin Richards, Caribbean Compass
    • The polymath background of Oded Degany in physics and the philosophy of biology, in diving and photography and a career in corporate management shines through this excellent book... All marine biologists will get something from this book and, although it is not a textbook, there is certainly enough to stimulate zoologists and make all think out of the box.
      —Mike Elliot, The Marine Biologist

    About the Author

    For more than a quarter of a century, Oded Degany has been an avid diver and underwater photographer, documenting his encounters with the creatures that make up coral reefs. He has a multi-disciplinary background which includes a BA in physics, an MA in biological thought, an MBA, and a partial doctorate in anthropology and religious studies.

    Bibliographic Information

    • 288 pages
    • 185 colour photos, 12 figures
    • BISAC SCI030000, NAT025000, SCI039000, SPO059000
    • BIC RGBR, PSPM, WSSC1