This 33-chapter volume presents a critical examination of the importance of stable isotopes in understanding key plant metabolic processes.

• Carbon isotope analyses for estimates of plant water use and metabolism
• Integrated estimates of stress impacts and life history in ecological systems
• Hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses for evaluating water sources and transpiration
• Use of stable isotopes in scaling from leaf to global levels
• Sections include: History and Theoretical Considerations, Ecological Aspects of Carbon Isotope Variation, Agricultural...

Based in extensive research in geology, atmospheric science, and paleontology, this book offers a detailed history of CO2 in the atmosphere, and an understanding of factors that have influenced changes in the past. The text illuminates the role of atmospheric CO2 in the modern carbon cycle and in the evolution of plants and animals, and addresses the future role of atmospheric CO2 and its likely effects on ecosystems.

Traditional plant physiological ecology is organism centered and provides a useful framework for understanding the interactions between plants and their environment and for identifying characteristics likely to result in plant success in a particular habitat. This book focuses on extending concepts from plant physiological ecology as a basis for understanding carbon, energy, and biogeochemical cycles at ecosystem, regional, and global levels.

This will be a valuable resource for researchers and graduate students in ecology, plant ecophysiology, ecosystem research, biometerology,...