Functional Ecology of Woodlands is firmly based on the factors which govern the composition of woodland communities, but goes on to explore the dynamics of interactions between various ecosystem components. This is an authoritative text on the functioning of forest ecosystems, which will also assist readers to reach informed decisions about issues such as the greenhouse effect, acid precipitation, the greening of cities and agroforestry.

Life in coastal sand dunes, salt marshes and shingle banks presents a variety of challenges to their inhabitants. By describing the interactions of coastal organisms with the physical processes shaping the granular deposits within and on which they live, the authors illuminate many aspects of adaptation, population dynamics, community ecology, zonation and ecophysiology. A wide range of biological principles and geomorphological features are illustrated and there is lively discussion of the relevant aspects of applied biology, environmental threat and conservation management. Well-chosen...

Taking a functional rather than an ecosystem or a utilitarian approach, Thomas and Packham provide a concise account of the structure of woodlands and forests. Using examples from around the world - from polar treelines to savannahs to tropical rain forests - the authors explain the structure of the soil and the hidden world of the roots; how the main groups of organisms which live within them interact both positively and negatively. There is particular emphasis on woodland and forest processes, especially those involving the flow and cycling of nutrients, as well as the dynamics of wooded...