The largest creatures to inhabit the Earth, whales have long inspired awe in human beings. Because they spend almost 95 percent of their time beneath the ocean surface, however, little has been known about their lives--until recently. With advances in technology and more intense study, fresh facts are coming to light about these magnificent mammals, and to be a whale watcher now, says author and wildlife biologist Douglas Chadwick, is to have a front-row seat to stunning discoveries. Chadwick has followed and reported on whales for more than a decade, and here he offers an insider's view of modern-day scientific whale observation--from data gathering to spirited scientific debate to expedition storytelling. Provides detailed portraits of five whale species that represent a cross-section of the forms and lifestyles of cetaceans worldwide.--From publisher description.
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