Life finds a way to thrive in one of Earth’s most mysterious environments, as revealed by a seagoing scientist.
Sönke Johnsen’s “Into the Great Wide Ocean” provides a clear and accessible exploration of the pelagic ocean between the surface and the seafloor. Looking beyond the familiar parts of coastal ecosystems, Johnsen, a professor of biology at Duke University, focuses on the unique challenges and evolutionary adaptations of life in the open sea.
In this book, Johnsen combines scientific discourse with fascinating and narrative stories of the researchers who study this distinctive ecosystem. He explains the complexities of surviving in a three-dimensional world where food, mates, and shelter are scarce and the constant threat of predation. He accomplishes this through comprehensive descriptions and insightful analogies, making the concepts easily understandable to readers with varying levels of scientific knowledge.
Apart from the scientific contents, the book also illustrates the world of oceanic research with the personal stories of dedicated and passionate scientists who confront the challenges of conducting research in this extreme environment.
Practically, the book has a modest yet powerful conservation message. By painting a vivid picture of the ocean’s rich biodiversity and complex ecological balance, Johnsen accurately explains the importance of protecting this often-overlooked habitat, yet facing increasing threats. He reminds readers that the open ocean, though seemingly distant, is well connected to the health of our planet and the need to protect it from the expanding footprint of human influence.
Overall, the book, “Into the Great Wide Ocean,” is a worthwhile contribution to ocean literature. The author successfully connects scientific research and public comprehension, encouraging awareness of the deep sea and its inhabitants. With a compelling narrative style and insightful observations, Johnsen’s book is worth the space on your shelf.
About The Author
Sönke Johnsen is a professor of biology at Duke University. He is the author of The Optics of Life: A Biologist’s Guide to Light in Nature and the coauthor of Visual Ecology (both Princeton). Marlin Peterson, who created original illustrations for this book, is an illustrator and muralist who teaches and illustrates in many styles and media. He also specializes in giant optical illusions such as his harvestmen mural below the Space Needle in Seattle, and his full portfolio can be found at marlinpeterson.com.
