Ecology of World Vegetation

ISBN-13: 9780412442902 / Angielski / Twarda / 1995 / 510 str.

O. W. Archibold

Opis

The ecology of world vegetation is described in numer- all of the drafting and photographic work. They have ous books and journals, but these are usually very spe- spent many hours on this project and their care and skill cialized in their scope and treatment. This book provides is reflected in the consistently high quality of the illus- a synthesis of this literature. A brief introductory chap- trations throughout the book. Many friends and col- ter outlines general ecological concepts and subsequent leagues have provided photographs. It has not been chapters examine the form and function of the major possible to include all of them, but the 'global' perspect- biomes of the world. A similar organization has been ive of the book has been greatly enhanced in this way. used for each biome type. These chapters begin with a I wish to thank them all for the time and trouble they description of environmental conditions and a brief have taken to supply this material. I must also thank account of floristic diversity in a regional context. The Mary Dykes and the staff of the interlibrary loans de- remaining pages describe characteristic adaptations and partment of the Library, University of Saskatchewan, ecosystem processes. for their unfailing ability to get even the most obscure Although there is a rapidly growing literature on eco- references.

Recenzje

The result is a source book which is a joy to read...Buy it if you want to see the wood for the trees. - Journal of Biological Education; ...a valuable reference source. - Librarie Lavoisier; The text is extensively illustrated, presenting an excellent visual record of world vegetation, has an extensive glossary and is well referenced .. - Neu!; Archibold provided me with my most pleasurable and rewarding book reviewing experience to date ... Many thanks O.W. Archibold - if there is a better book of this ilk then I haven't encountered it. Having never travelled widely, and being unlikely to become a transcontinental field ecologist now, this book has given me a stimulating initial insight into habitats I will not otherwise encounter. - Annals of Botany; ... this is a fine work of scholarship, and any naturalist travelling abroad who is in any way interested in the habitats of the areas he is visiting should have the book available for reference - Countryside; ...a very readable book...a valuable introduction to the subject for undergraduates, teachers and lay persons. - Journal of Arid Environments; What Archibold has done is to achieve a good balance; maintaining the breadth needed for an overview of world vegetation, with sufficient depth to provide a solid introduction to the ecology of individual biomes. The result is a fine synthesis that should appeal to a broad audience. - New Zealand Journal of Botany; ...compendious and well-illustrated... - New Scientist

Spis treści

Preface. Vegetation and environment: introductory concepts. The tropical forests. Tropical savannas. The arid regions. Mediterranean ecosystems. Temperate forest ecosystems. Temperate grasslands. The coniferous forests. The polar and high mountain tundras. Terrestrial wetlands. Freshwater ecosystems. Coastal and marine ecosystems. The prospect of change. Glossary. References. Index.