The Subtropical Vegetation of Southwestern China: Plant Distribution, Diversity and Ecology

ISBN-13: 9789401797405 / Angielski / Twarda / 2015 / 363 str.

Cindy Q. Tang

Opis

This book provides a wealth of high-quality scientific information on the patterns and processes of vegetation change across a broad range of spatial and temporal scales, concentrating on Southwestern China, mostly on the Yunnan region, and extending to the Yangtze River valley near the boundaries separating Chongqing, Sichuan and Guizhou.

Spis treści

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Environmental setting

      1.1.1 Physiography     

      1.1.2 Climate

      1.1.3 Geology

      1.2.4 Soils

1.2 Vegetation changes over geological time

      1.2.1 Vegetation in the Early Tertiary

      1.2.2 Vegetation in the Late Tertiary

      1.2.3 Vegetation in the Quaternary

1.3 Floristics and vegetation

1.4 Human influences

References

Chapter 2 Evergreen broad-leaved forests

2.1 Forest types

2.2 Species diversity

2.3 Leaf size patterns of evergreen broad-leaved trees along the altitudinal gradient

      2.3.1 Floristic changes in evergreen broad-leaved trees by altitudes

      2.3.2 Leaf size changes along the altitudinal gradient

      2.3.3 Leaf traits in the differentiation of forest types

2.4 Structure and dynamics of primary EBLFs

2.5 Secondary succession

      2.5.1 Successional trends

      2.5.2 Species diversity along the successional gradient

      2.5.3 Soil seed banks

2.6 Threats of habitat fragmentation and degradation

References

Chapter 3 Evergreen sclerophyllous Quercus communities

3.1 Distribution and community types

3.2 Species diversity and dynamics of the forests

References

Chapter 4 Warm temperate coniferous forests

4.1 Distribution and forest types

4.2 Dynamics of Pinus yunnanensis forests after a major fire

     4.2.1 Community structure and regeneration

     4.2.2 Succession

     4.2.3 A model on successional pathways

References

Chapter 5 Man-made forests

5.1 Controversial opinions

5.2 Plant diversity and regeneration dynamics     

5.3 Hydrological characteristics and nutrient loss

5.4 Nutrient cycling

     5.4.1 Litter production and nutrient inputs

     5.4.2 Soil chemical properties

5.5 Ecosystem processes

References

Chapter 6 Semi-savannas in hot-dry valleys

6.1 Characteristics of hot-dry valleys

6.2 Semi-savannas

      6.2.1 Sparse woody grassland

      6.2.2 Thorny succulent shrubland

References

Chapter 7 Endemism and Tertiary relict forests

7.1 Endemism

7.2 Tertiary relict forests

      7.2.1 The Ginkgo biloba forest

      7.2.2 The Metasequoia glyptostroboides forest

      7.2.3 The Thuja sutchuenensis forest

      7.2.4 The Davidia involucrata forest

      7.2.5 The Tetracentron sinense forest

      7.2.6 The Liriodendron chinense forest, with special reference to village fengshui forest

      7.2.7 Tertiary relict trees and their habitats

References

Chapter 8 Relations to neighboring regions

8.1 Phytogeographic considerations

8.2 The subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests of SW China as compared to those in other regions

     8.2.1 As compared with other Chinese regions

     8.2.2 As compared with Japan

     8.2.3 As compared with Southeast Asia

     8.2.4 As compared with the eastern Himalayas

References

Index

Blurb

This book provides a wealth of high-quality scientific information on the patterns and processes of vegetation change across a broad range of spatial and temporal scales, concentrating on southwestern China, mostly on the Yunnan region, and extending to the Yangtze River valley near the boundaries separating Chongqing, Sichuan and Guizhou.

This is the first work to present a contemporary survey and analysis of the special character and value of the subtropical vegetation of southwestern China. In addition, the author also considers present day vegetation in the context of geological events and evolution, and with reference to ecological factors and human activities.

The author has conducted extensive field work in the region and the book benefits from her deep and sophisticated understanding of how vegetation dynamics evolve, how plants persist, and how plant diversity has changed over time and space in the Yunnan region. Included are comparisons and links with similar systems around the world.

The book provides a clear, concise account of the patterns and processes surrounding the subtropical vegetation of southwestern China, making frequent use of line illustrations, color maps and photos to support its exhaustive analysis of this often complex topic. Special attention is paid to several Tertiary relict forests that only recently have been identified and studied. This book will serve as a point of departure for future researchers as they trace and interpret the evolution of the natural environment.