Author: Mireille L. Harmelin-Vivien
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461235103
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
This book addresses the question of what determines species richness in tropical animals by comparing and contrasting the communities of the five major classes of vertebrates in two environments considered to be the most species-rich on Planet Earth - the coral reef and the rainforest. All the contributors were asked to examine how so many species could coexist in such communities and to discuss the ways species assemblages might have evolved over time. Because the coauthors are ecologists, emphasis is quite naturally placed on the first of these two questions, and the factors contributing to the maintenance of a-diversity are discussed at length. However, the question of the very origin of species richness can never be eluded, though it is more an evolutionary problem than an ecological one; it has therefore also been given some attention occasionally. Since we believe that long-term descriptive data and extended field experience are absolutely essential to formulate meaningful questions and pro pose realistic models, contributors were selected on the basis of their prolonged field practice; all of them actually spent years in the field and/or participated in long-term research programs. The present volume has its origin in a symposium held on August 15, 1986 at Syra cuse, New York, during the Fourth International Congress of Ecology.
Vertebrates in Complex Tropical Systems
Author: Mireille L. Harmelin-Vivien
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461235103
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
This book addresses the question of what determines species richness in tropical animals by comparing and contrasting the communities of the five major classes of vertebrates in two environments considered to be the most species-rich on Planet Earth - the coral reef and the rainforest. All the contributors were asked to examine how so many species could coexist in such communities and to discuss the ways species assemblages might have evolved over time. Because the coauthors are ecologists, emphasis is quite naturally placed on the first of these two questions, and the factors contributing to the maintenance of a-diversity are discussed at length. However, the question of the very origin of species richness can never be eluded, though it is more an evolutionary problem than an ecological one; it has therefore also been given some attention occasionally. Since we believe that long-term descriptive data and extended field experience are absolutely essential to formulate meaningful questions and pro pose realistic models, contributors were selected on the basis of their prolonged field practice; all of them actually spent years in the field and/or participated in long-term research programs. The present volume has its origin in a symposium held on August 15, 1986 at Syra cuse, New York, during the Fourth International Congress of Ecology.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461235103
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
This book addresses the question of what determines species richness in tropical animals by comparing and contrasting the communities of the five major classes of vertebrates in two environments considered to be the most species-rich on Planet Earth - the coral reef and the rainforest. All the contributors were asked to examine how so many species could coexist in such communities and to discuss the ways species assemblages might have evolved over time. Because the coauthors are ecologists, emphasis is quite naturally placed on the first of these two questions, and the factors contributing to the maintenance of a-diversity are discussed at length. However, the question of the very origin of species richness can never be eluded, though it is more an evolutionary problem than an ecological one; it has therefore also been given some attention occasionally. Since we believe that long-term descriptive data and extended field experience are absolutely essential to formulate meaningful questions and pro pose realistic models, contributors were selected on the basis of their prolonged field practice; all of them actually spent years in the field and/or participated in long-term research programs. The present volume has its origin in a symposium held on August 15, 1986 at Syra cuse, New York, during the Fourth International Congress of Ecology.
Tropical Biology and Conservation Management - Volume V
Author: Kleber Del Claro
Publisher: EOLSS Publications
ISBN: 1848262760
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
This Encyclopedia of Tropical Biology and Conservation Management is a component of the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. Tropical environments cover the most part of still preserved natural areas of the Earth. The greatest biodiversity, as in terms of animals and plants, as microorganisms, is placed in these hot and rainy ecosystems spread up and below the Equator line. Additionally, the most part of food products, with vegetal or animal origin, that sustain nowadays human beings is direct or undirected dependent of tropical productivity. Biodiversity should be looked at and evaluated not only in terms of numbers of species, but also in terms of the diversity of interactions among distinct organisms that it maintains. In this sense, the complexity of web structure in tropical systems is a promise of future to nature preservation on Earth. In the chemicals of tropical plant and animals, could be the cure to infinite number of diseases, new food sources, and who knows what more. Despite these facts tropical areas have been exploited in an irresponsible way for more than 500 years due the lack of an ecological conscience of men. Exactly in the same way we did with temperate areas and also tropical areas in the north of Equator line. Nowadays, is estimated that due human exploitation, nation conflicts and social problems, less than 8% of tropical nature inside continental areas is still now untouchable. The extension of damage in the tropical areas of oceans is unknown. Thus so, all knowledge we could accumulate about tropical systems will help us, as in the preservations of these important and threatened ecosystems as in a future recuperation, when it was possible. Only knowing the past and developing culture, mainly that directed to peace, to a better relationship among nations and responsible use and preservation of natural resources, human beings will have a long future on Earth. These volumes, Tropical Biology and Natural Resources was divided in sessions to provide the reader the better comprehension possible of issue and also to enable future complementation and improvements in the encyclopedia. Like we work with life, we intended to transform this encyclopedia also in a “life” volume, in what new information could be added in any time. As president of the encyclopedia and main editor I opened the theme with an article titled: “Tropical Biology and Natural resources: Historical Pathways and Perspectives”, providing the reader an initial view of the origins of human knowledge about the tropical life, and what we hope to the future. In the sequence we have more than 100 chapters distributed in tem sessions: Tropical Ecology (TE); Tropical Botany (TB); Tropical Zoology (TZ); Savannah Ecosystems (SE); Desert Ecosystems (DE); Tropical Agriculture (TA); Natural History of Tropical Plants (NH); Human Impact on Tropical Ecosystems (HI); Tropical Phytopathology and Entomology (TPE); Case Studies (CS). This 11-volume set contains several chapters, each of size 5000-30000 words, with perspectives, applications and extensive illustrations. It is the only publication of its kind carrying state-of-the-art knowledge in the fields of Tropical Biology and Conservation Management and is aimed, by virtue of the several applications, at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students, Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers and NGOs.
Publisher: EOLSS Publications
ISBN: 1848262760
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
This Encyclopedia of Tropical Biology and Conservation Management is a component of the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. Tropical environments cover the most part of still preserved natural areas of the Earth. The greatest biodiversity, as in terms of animals and plants, as microorganisms, is placed in these hot and rainy ecosystems spread up and below the Equator line. Additionally, the most part of food products, with vegetal or animal origin, that sustain nowadays human beings is direct or undirected dependent of tropical productivity. Biodiversity should be looked at and evaluated not only in terms of numbers of species, but also in terms of the diversity of interactions among distinct organisms that it maintains. In this sense, the complexity of web structure in tropical systems is a promise of future to nature preservation on Earth. In the chemicals of tropical plant and animals, could be the cure to infinite number of diseases, new food sources, and who knows what more. Despite these facts tropical areas have been exploited in an irresponsible way for more than 500 years due the lack of an ecological conscience of men. Exactly in the same way we did with temperate areas and also tropical areas in the north of Equator line. Nowadays, is estimated that due human exploitation, nation conflicts and social problems, less than 8% of tropical nature inside continental areas is still now untouchable. The extension of damage in the tropical areas of oceans is unknown. Thus so, all knowledge we could accumulate about tropical systems will help us, as in the preservations of these important and threatened ecosystems as in a future recuperation, when it was possible. Only knowing the past and developing culture, mainly that directed to peace, to a better relationship among nations and responsible use and preservation of natural resources, human beings will have a long future on Earth. These volumes, Tropical Biology and Natural Resources was divided in sessions to provide the reader the better comprehension possible of issue and also to enable future complementation and improvements in the encyclopedia. Like we work with life, we intended to transform this encyclopedia also in a “life” volume, in what new information could be added in any time. As president of the encyclopedia and main editor I opened the theme with an article titled: “Tropical Biology and Natural resources: Historical Pathways and Perspectives”, providing the reader an initial view of the origins of human knowledge about the tropical life, and what we hope to the future. In the sequence we have more than 100 chapters distributed in tem sessions: Tropical Ecology (TE); Tropical Botany (TB); Tropical Zoology (TZ); Savannah Ecosystems (SE); Desert Ecosystems (DE); Tropical Agriculture (TA); Natural History of Tropical Plants (NH); Human Impact on Tropical Ecosystems (HI); Tropical Phytopathology and Entomology (TPE); Case Studies (CS). This 11-volume set contains several chapters, each of size 5000-30000 words, with perspectives, applications and extensive illustrations. It is the only publication of its kind carrying state-of-the-art knowledge in the fields of Tropical Biology and Conservation Management and is aimed, by virtue of the several applications, at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students, Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers and NGOs.
Aquatic Sciences in the Tropics
Author: B. B. Jana
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1040267343
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 502
Book Description
The anatomy of water, water as a substance, water as a medium, the principles of the hydrologic cycle, the economics of water, and challenges are all covered in the first chapter of this book. The horizon of the tropical world, the environment, particularly the tropical environment, aquatic biome, tropical aquatic bionetwork, concept of biosphere, and tropical limnology are all covered in the second chapter. The third chapter covers the following topics: the origins of lakes, general lake classification, tropical lakes, lake morphometry, morpho-edaphic index, trophic status index of lakes, wetlands, and mangroves in tropical regions. The lotic environment is the main topic of the fourth chapter, which also covers the idea of stream order, the differences between rivers and streams, the river continuum, physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, and adaptations of fish found in hill streams. Chapter five covers the prokaryota, cyanobacteria, freshwater biota, and water-adapted organisms. The sixth chapter focuses on the algal communities Xanthophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Phaeophyceae (brown algae), and Chlorophyceae. The seventh and last chapter covers the following topics: Protozoa, Porifera, Rotifera, Coelenterata, Annelida, Arthropoda, Crustacea, Aquatic Insects, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Brachiopodaa.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1040267343
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 502
Book Description
The anatomy of water, water as a substance, water as a medium, the principles of the hydrologic cycle, the economics of water, and challenges are all covered in the first chapter of this book. The horizon of the tropical world, the environment, particularly the tropical environment, aquatic biome, tropical aquatic bionetwork, concept of biosphere, and tropical limnology are all covered in the second chapter. The third chapter covers the following topics: the origins of lakes, general lake classification, tropical lakes, lake morphometry, morpho-edaphic index, trophic status index of lakes, wetlands, and mangroves in tropical regions. The lotic environment is the main topic of the fourth chapter, which also covers the idea of stream order, the differences between rivers and streams, the river continuum, physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, and adaptations of fish found in hill streams. Chapter five covers the prokaryota, cyanobacteria, freshwater biota, and water-adapted organisms. The sixth chapter focuses on the algal communities Xanthophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Phaeophyceae (brown algae), and Chlorophyceae. The seventh and last chapter covers the following topics: Protozoa, Porifera, Rotifera, Coelenterata, Annelida, Arthropoda, Crustacea, Aquatic Insects, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Brachiopodaa.
Mapping the Diversity of Nature
Author: R.I. Miller
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940110719X
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
The diversity of life is displayed by a diversity the biodiversity elements. These unique of structural and functional elements. Many approaches are usually tailored to the region of aspects of this diversity are critical for main the world where the scientists' work is focused. taining the healthy functioning of biological This book presents accounts of many tech systems both within short and long time scales. niques that are currently being used in different Some highly diverse features of nature arise parts of the globe by conservation scientists. simply from the heterogeneous patterns that Many different techniques are necessary to comprise the web of nature. Many of these handle the differences in data types and data features contribute to the beauty and quality of coverages that occur across the globe. Also, a life. Humans do not yet understand enough variety of mapping approaches are needed about the complexity of nature to distinguish today to strengthen the many diverse critical those elements that act to support natural conservation objectives. These objectives include vitality from those elements that contribute the identification of the distribution patterns exclusively to our experience of beauty and for a species or habitat type and the placement quality in life. of protected area boundaries.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940110719X
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
The diversity of life is displayed by a diversity the biodiversity elements. These unique of structural and functional elements. Many approaches are usually tailored to the region of aspects of this diversity are critical for main the world where the scientists' work is focused. taining the healthy functioning of biological This book presents accounts of many tech systems both within short and long time scales. niques that are currently being used in different Some highly diverse features of nature arise parts of the globe by conservation scientists. simply from the heterogeneous patterns that Many different techniques are necessary to comprise the web of nature. Many of these handle the differences in data types and data features contribute to the beauty and quality of coverages that occur across the globe. Also, a life. Humans do not yet understand enough variety of mapping approaches are needed about the complexity of nature to distinguish today to strengthen the many diverse critical those elements that act to support natural conservation objectives. These objectives include vitality from those elements that contribute the identification of the distribution patterns exclusively to our experience of beauty and for a species or habitat type and the placement quality in life. of protected area boundaries.
High-Latitude Rainforests and Associated Ecosystems of the West Coast of the Americas
Author: Richard G. Lawford
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780387944876
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
Regional intercomparisons between ecosystems on different continents can be a powerful tool to better understand the ways in which ecosystems respond to global change. Large areas are often needed to characterize the causal mechanisms governing interactions between ecozones and their environments. Factors such as weather and climate patterns, land-ocean and land-atmosphere interactions all play important roles. As a result of the strong physical north-south symmetry between the western coasts of North and South America, the similarities in climate, coastal oceanography and physiography between these two regions have been extensively documented. High Latitude Rain Forests and Associated Ecosystems of the West Coast of the Americas presents current research on West Coast forest and river ecology, and compares ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest with those of South America.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780387944876
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
Regional intercomparisons between ecosystems on different continents can be a powerful tool to better understand the ways in which ecosystems respond to global change. Large areas are often needed to characterize the causal mechanisms governing interactions between ecozones and their environments. Factors such as weather and climate patterns, land-ocean and land-atmosphere interactions all play important roles. As a result of the strong physical north-south symmetry between the western coasts of North and South America, the similarities in climate, coastal oceanography and physiography between these two regions have been extensively documented. High Latitude Rain Forests and Associated Ecosystems of the West Coast of the Americas presents current research on West Coast forest and river ecology, and compares ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest with those of South America.
The Ecozones of the World
Author: Jürgen Schultz
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3662031612
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 423
Book Description
This abundantly illustrated book provides a fundamental introduction to the ecological zones of the geosphere. The revised edition includes more than 70 new figures and tables, plus detailed maps of agricultural regions and soil classification. A large number of new Anglo-American ecological studies are included, along with a discussion of the correlation between northern ecosystems and the carbon dioxide balance in the global atmosphere.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3662031612
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 423
Book Description
This abundantly illustrated book provides a fundamental introduction to the ecological zones of the geosphere. The revised edition includes more than 70 new figures and tables, plus detailed maps of agricultural regions and soil classification. A large number of new Anglo-American ecological studies are included, along with a discussion of the correlation between northern ecosystems and the carbon dioxide balance in the global atmosphere.
Ecology of Biological Invasions of North America and Hawaii
Author: Harold A. Mooney
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461249880
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
The diversity of the earth's climates superimposed upon a complex configuration of physical features has provided the conditions for the evolution of a remarkable array of living things which are linked together into complex ecosystems. The kinds of organisms comprising the ecosystems of the world, and the nature of their interactions, have constantly changed through time due to coevolutionary interactions along with the effects of a continually changing physical environ ment. In recent evolutionary time there has been a dramatic and ever-accelerating rate of change in the configuration of these ecosystems because of the increasing influence of human beings. These changes range from subtle modifications caused by anthropogenically induced alterations in atmospheric properties to the total destruction of ecosystems. Many of these modifications have provided the fuel, food, and fiber which have allowed the expansion of human populations. Unfortunately, there have been many unanticipated changes which accompanied these modifications which have had effects detrimental to human welfare in cluding substantial changes in water and air quality. For example, the use of high-sulfur coal to produce energy in parts of North America is altering the properties of freshwater lakes and forests because of acidification.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461249880
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
The diversity of the earth's climates superimposed upon a complex configuration of physical features has provided the conditions for the evolution of a remarkable array of living things which are linked together into complex ecosystems. The kinds of organisms comprising the ecosystems of the world, and the nature of their interactions, have constantly changed through time due to coevolutionary interactions along with the effects of a continually changing physical environ ment. In recent evolutionary time there has been a dramatic and ever-accelerating rate of change in the configuration of these ecosystems because of the increasing influence of human beings. These changes range from subtle modifications caused by anthropogenically induced alterations in atmospheric properties to the total destruction of ecosystems. Many of these modifications have provided the fuel, food, and fiber which have allowed the expansion of human populations. Unfortunately, there have been many unanticipated changes which accompanied these modifications which have had effects detrimental to human welfare in cluding substantial changes in water and air quality. For example, the use of high-sulfur coal to produce energy in parts of North America is altering the properties of freshwater lakes and forests because of acidification.
Nouragues
Author: F. Bongers
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401598215
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 451
Book Description
Nouragues is a tropical forest research station in French Guiana. It was established in 1986 for research on natural mechanisms of forest regeneration. Since then a lot of research has been done on this and related topics. This book provides an overview of the main research results, and focuses on plant communities, vertebrate communities and evolutionary ecology, frugivory and seed dispersal, and forest dynamics and recruitment. The appendices give (annoted) checklists of plants, birds, mammals, herpetofauna and fishes found in the same area.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401598215
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 451
Book Description
Nouragues is a tropical forest research station in French Guiana. It was established in 1986 for research on natural mechanisms of forest regeneration. Since then a lot of research has been done on this and related topics. This book provides an overview of the main research results, and focuses on plant communities, vertebrate communities and evolutionary ecology, frugivory and seed dispersal, and forest dynamics and recruitment. The appendices give (annoted) checklists of plants, birds, mammals, herpetofauna and fishes found in the same area.
Global Biodiversity
Author: World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401122822
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 610
Book Description
Global Biodiversity is the most comprehensive compendium of conservation information ever published. It provides the first systematic report on the status, distribution, management, and utilisation of the planet's biological wealth.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401122822
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 610
Book Description
Global Biodiversity is the most comprehensive compendium of conservation information ever published. It provides the first systematic report on the status, distribution, management, and utilisation of the planet's biological wealth.
Forest Canopies
Author: Margaret D. Lowman
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080491340
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 543
Book Description
The treetops of the world's forests are where discovery and opportunity abound, however they have been relatively inaccessible until recently. This book represents an authoritative synthesis of data, anecdotes, case studies, observations, and recommendations from researchers and educators who have risked life and limb in their advocacy of the High Frontier. With innovative rope techniques, cranes, walkways, dirigibles, and towers, they finally gained access to the rich biodiversity that lives far above the forest floor and the emerging science of canopy ecology. In this new edition of Forest Canopies, nearly 60 scientists and educators from around the world look at the biodiversity, ecology, evolution, and conservation of forest canopy ecosystems. - Comprehensive literature list - State-of-the-art results and data sets from current field work - Foremost scientists in the field of canopy ecology - Expanded collaboration of researchers and international projects - User-friendly format with sidebars and case studies - Keywords and outlines for each chapter
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080491340
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 543
Book Description
The treetops of the world's forests are where discovery and opportunity abound, however they have been relatively inaccessible until recently. This book represents an authoritative synthesis of data, anecdotes, case studies, observations, and recommendations from researchers and educators who have risked life and limb in their advocacy of the High Frontier. With innovative rope techniques, cranes, walkways, dirigibles, and towers, they finally gained access to the rich biodiversity that lives far above the forest floor and the emerging science of canopy ecology. In this new edition of Forest Canopies, nearly 60 scientists and educators from around the world look at the biodiversity, ecology, evolution, and conservation of forest canopy ecosystems. - Comprehensive literature list - State-of-the-art results and data sets from current field work - Foremost scientists in the field of canopy ecology - Expanded collaboration of researchers and international projects - User-friendly format with sidebars and case studies - Keywords and outlines for each chapter