Chapter Two deals with production and consumption, and provides an overview of primary producers, the role of consumers in structuring communities, and how prey defend against predators. Chapter Three gives an original presentation of how recruitment strategies impact community assemblages. Chapter Four examines zonation processes in shore habitats. The last three chapters describe rocky shores, soft-sediment habitats, and salt marsh communities, respectively. These chapters dissect the physical forcing functions and species-species interactions describing many that were new to me.
Some weaknesses exist, particularly inaccuracies in the illustrations.
Chapter Two suggests a less comprehensive knowledge than is apparent in other chapters. Many illustrations have inaccuracies. While these minor problems occur, they do not really detract from the high quality of the book. Much of the book is original, reflecting ongoing research and current information. The references are up to date and thorough.