Marine Hard Bottom Communities: Patterns, Dynamics, Diversity, and Change: 206 (Ecological Studies, 206) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3540927034 ISBN 13: 9783540927037

Publisher: Springer, 2009

Synopsis

Marine hard bottoms feature some of the most spectacular and diverse biological communities on this planet. These not only contain a rich treasure of genetic, taxonomic and functional information but also deliver irreplaceable ecosystem services. At the same time, they are highly vulnerable and increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. This volume has collected contributions by 50 scientists from numerous biogeographic regions, dealing with characteristics of hard bottom communities. Distributional patterns in space and time are described, followed by analyses of the intrinsic and extrinsic dynamics producing these patterns. A strong emphasis is placed on the ongoing changes occurring in the structure and diversity of these communities in response to spiralling environmental impacts, and on state-of-the-art countermeasures aiming to preserve these ecological treasures. Finally, various values of diversity are assessed, hopefully as an incentive for enhanced conservation efforts.

About this title

Review

From the reviews: “The volume is divided into six parts and 30 chapters. The chapters, written by eminent scholars in the field, are well referenced and easy to read. ... The book is an invaluable resource for scientists, resource managers, policy makers and students ... . A thoroughly enjoyable read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections.” (A. K. Volety, Choice, Vol. 47 (6), February, 2010)

Synopsis

This text explores the most recent advances in research on adaptations and responses to the physical environment among the major plant groups found in tropical ecosystems. Fundamental processes provide the organizational framework for the book. Its four main sections include: acquisition, transport and loss of water; carbon acquisition and regulation of photosynthetic gas exchange; nutrient acquisition and use; and, energy balance and adaptation to temperature extremes. Concise but informative explanations of fundamental concepts at the beginning of each chapter allow those not familiar with the specialized terminology to grasp the nuances of each topic before becoming immersed in the more detailed analyses processes and case studies that follow. The book ends by suggesting that the bewildering plant species diversity in tropical ecosystems does not necessarily reflect an intractable range of physiological diversity.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3540927034
• ISBN 13: 9783540927037
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 470
• Editor: Wahl Martin