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Kraken

The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

The enthralling examination of one of the most popular and most intriguing animals in the deep blue sea

The ocean is the last remaining source of profound mystery and discovery on Earth with eighty percent of it still largely unexplored; thus, it is of perennial fascination. In Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid, journalist Wendy Williams introduces one of the oceanâs most charismatic, monstrous, enigmatic, and curious inhabitants: the squid. More than just calamari, squid species are fascinatingly odd creatures, with much to teach us about our own species, not to mention the obsessive interest so many of us can't help but have for the enormous beast that is the giant squid, which is quick to attack sperm whales, and even submarines and boats. Williams also examines other equally enthralling cephalopods, including the octopus and the cuttlefish, and explores their otherworldly abilities, such as camouflage and bioluminescence. Kraken takes the reader on a wild ride through the world of squid science and adventure, along the way answering some riddles about how the human brain works, what intelligence really is, and what monsters lie in the deep. Wendy Williams weaves a rich narrative tapestry around her subject, drawing powerfully on the passions and discoveries of scientists, fisherman, and squid enthusiasts around the world.

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    • Library Journal

      March 15, 2011

      Did you know that your brain bears a strong resemblance to that of the giant squid and that studying the squid's brain may offer insight into a cure for Alzheimer's? Environmental journalist Williams (Cape Wind) traces sightings of the giant squid throughout the centuries. This sea monster was long dismissed as a legend until a 19th-century naturalist reeled in one of the organism's ten appendages. Discussion of the anatomy, physiology, reproduction, evolution, and taxonomy of Architeuthis is provided, along with accounts of the author's visits to various scientific laboratories and descriptions of research studies being conducted on the animal. VERDICT This volume provides background information to whet readers' curiosity and can be supplemented by Richard Ellis's The Search for the Giant Squid, which is a more comprehensive study. On its own, this serves as a good introduction to the subject for general readers and an inspiration to young people interested in marine biology.--Judith Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston

      Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Booklist

      March 15, 2011
      Throughout history, people have feared squids, octopuses, and other cephalopods, describing them as hideous and disturbing. With huge, unblinking eyes, arms connected directly to their heads, lightning-quick stingers, and suckers or teeth where fingers should be, these invertebrates loom as monsters in unsympathetic human imagination. With the ability to camouflage their bodies and to grow new limbs, they seem as far from our kin as any creatures in the animal kingdom. Ironically, marine scientists have discovered that these usually shy creatures have relatively large brains, highly developed nervous systems, and the ability to learn and solve laboratory puzzles, making cephalopods nearly ideal subjects for medical research aimed at advancing treatments for human neurological diseases; just as important, neurosurgeons practice on squid. In this illustrated natural history, science journalist Williams entertainingly recounts her visits with cephalopods and the curious scientists studying them in research centers on both East and West Coasts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

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  • English

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