Covers phytoplankton and primary production, the sea ice microbial communities, and the secondary consumers, the zooplankton. This book describes the biology and ecology of Antarctic krill that highlights its central position in the Southern Ocean food web.

First published in 1993, this book has been referred to as international research at its best and an invaluable reference. This second edition retains the format that made the first edition a popular bestseller, while updating the information with the latest research results available. The book describes the physico-chemical environment and, in a logical sequence, covers phytoplankton and primary production, the sea ice microbial communities and the secondary consumers, the zooplankton. The author includes a chapter on the biology and ecology of Antarctic krill that highlights its central position in the Southern Ocean food web. One of the most authoritative resources in the field, this volume covers all aspects of this important marine ecosystem.

"This book is a tribute to Knox's tenacity. It remains the only comprehensive volume on the biology of the southern ocean published anywhere, and it is still by a single author. Anyone going, planning to go, or hoping to go to the Antarctic should become familiar with this book." - Gerald Gooyman, Biomedicine & Biotechnology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, in The Quarterly Review of Biology, Dec 2007, Vol. 82, No. 4 ". . . gives us a perspective on Southern Ocean biology that is unique. This book, like its predecessor, is sure to become a standard, reference for Southern Ocean research." - Eileen E. Hofmann, in Antarctic Science, 2008, Vol. 20, No. 2 "That a single author could compile a work of such breadth is astounding, even considering that his involvement in Antarctic research dates back to 1960. With its comprehensive coverage and vast list of references, this is an indispensable reference for natural science libraries. Summing Up: Essential." - G.C. Jensen, University of Washington, in Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, Oct 2007, Vol. 45, No. 2