Geology and Plant Life: The Effects of Landforms and Rock Types on Plants - Hardcover

Kruckeberg, Arthur R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0295982039 ISBN 13: 9780295982038

Publisher: University of Washington Press, 2002

Synopsis

Before any other influences began to fashion life and its lavish diversity, geological events created the initial environments - both physical and chemical - for the evolutionary drama that followed. Drawing on case histories from around the world, Arthur Kruckeberg demonstrates the role of land forms and rock types in producing the unique geographical distributions of plants and in stimulating evolutionary diversification. His examples range throughout the rich and heterogeneous tapestry of the earth's surface: the dramatic variations of mountainous topography, the undulating ground and crevices of level limestone karst, and the subtle realm of sand dunes. He describes the ongoing evolutionary consequences of the geology-plant interface and the often underestimated role of geology in shaping climate. Kruckeberg's research fills a significant gap in the field of environmental science by connecting the conventionally separated disciplines of the physical and biological sciences. Geology and Plant Life is the result of more than forty years of research into the question of why certain plants grow on certain soils and certain terrain structures, and what happens when this relationship is disrupted by human agents. It will be useful to a wide spectrum of professionals in the natural sciences: plant ecologists, paleobiologists, climatologists, soil scientists, geologists, geographers, and conservation scientists, as well as serious amateurs in natural history.

About this title

Review

This book provides not only a permanent and thoroughly engaging record of a rarely studied corner of social history, but it also inspires.

(North American Native Plant Society)

[Kruckeberg] draws on many years of botanical experience to make an eloquent plea for understanding the influences of landforms, lithology, and geologic history on the living world.

(Quarterly Review of Biology)

No other recent book covers these interconnected series of subjects with as broad a scope.

(Choice)

A fine book and a very approachable overview of the intersections between geology and the plant sciences.

(Madrono)

A provocative work with a detailed and fascinating perspective for the serious student of nature, including any enthusiast of plants and their rocks..In this work you will thoroughly explore a unique concept that will enhance your appreciation for the natural richness of the earth's landscape.

(Rock Garden Quarterly)

Geology and Plant Life has a unique place in scientific literature. It brings together geology and botany in an understandable, integrated synthesis.

(Native Plant Society of Oregon Bulletin)

."This is a fascinating book for the observant traveler who has noticed and puzzled about startling contrasts in vegetation between one side of a hill and the other. It is a book to be read slowly, to ponder and appreciate; a book that arouses curiosity and provides explanations for vexing observations in the field.―-

(Current Books on Gardening and Botany)

Review

."This is a fascinating book for the observant traveler who has noticed and puzzled about startling contrasts in vegetation between one side of a hill and the other. It is a book to be read slowly, to ponder and appreciate; a book that arouses curiosity and provides explanations for vexing observations in the field.-- * Current Books on Gardening and Botany * Geology and Plant Life has a unique place in scientific literature. It brings together geology and botany in an understandable, integrated synthesis. * Native Plant Society of Oregon Bulletin * A provocative work with a detailed and fascinating perspective for the serious student of nature, including any enthusiast of plants and their rocks..In this work you will thoroughly explore a unique concept that will enhance your appreciation for the natural richness of the earth's landscape. * Rock Garden Quarterly * A fine book and a very approachable overview of the intersections between geology and the plant sciences. * Madrono * No other recent book covers these interconnected series of subjects with as broad a scope. * Choice * [Kruckeberg] draws on many years of botanical experience to make an eloquent plea for understanding the influences of landforms, lithology, and geologic history on the living world. * Quarterly Review of Biology * This book provides not only a permanent and thoroughly engaging record of a rarely studied corner of social history, but it also inspires. * North American Native Plant Society *

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Washington Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0295982039
• ISBN 13: 9780295982038
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304