From a human viewpoint, the cold waters of deep sea and polar marine regions present an inhospitable and harsh environment for life. The study of organisms which have exploited this seemingly hostile ecological niche has revealed intriguing physiological adaptations. This volume summarizes the information on the adaptations exhibited by representatives of the main groups of polar animals, including marine invertebrates, fish, mammals and birds, at scales ranging from the whole organism through to the underlying molecular adaptational mechanisms. Unique in its breadth of coverage, this volume will provide an important resource for all those concerned specifically with how animals have adapted to life in extreme conditions, as well as being of general interest to all marine biologists.

‘It is a volume to dip into repeatedly … this well bound and illustrated book should be on the shelves of all institutions where aquatic biology is taught or researched.’

John Davenport Source: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology

‘… an excellent guide for final-year undergraduates, postgraduates or anyone interested in advanced polar biology.’

Source: New Scientist

‘… a volume well worth the attention of all comparative physiologists concerned with the effects of low temperatures’.

John A. MacDonald Source: Antarctic Science