Vertical Food Web Interactions

Vertical Food Web Interactions PDF Author: Konrad Dettner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 364260725X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 395

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Book Description
In the past years, much work has been carried out on either life-history evolu tion or structure and function of food webs. However, most studies dealt with only one of these areas and often touched upon the other only marginally. In this volume, we try to synthesize aspects of both disciplines and will concen trate on how the interactions between organisms depend on their life-history strategies. Since this is a very comprehensive topic, this volume will focus on vertical interactions to remain within a clearly arranged field. We present some scenaria based on life-history variation of resource and consumer, and show how particular patterns of life-history combinations will lead to particular patterns in trophic relationships. We want to deal with the selective forces underlying these patterns: the degree of specificity of the consumers deter mines the dependence on its resource, and its adaptation to the spatial and temporal availability of the resource. In this respect, the spatial structure of the resource and its "quality" may play an important role. The impact of natural enemies is another important selective force which may influence the evolu tion of interactions between species and the structure of communities. Here, the acquirement of an enemy-free space may provide selective adavantages. The importance of the impact of enemies is also expressed by the development of numerous and sometimes very subtle defense strategies. This will be dem onstrated especially for various aspects of chemical ecology.

Vertical Food Web Interactions

Vertical Food Web Interactions PDF Author: Konrad Dettner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 364260725X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 395

Get Book Here

Book Description
In the past years, much work has been carried out on either life-history evolu tion or structure and function of food webs. However, most studies dealt with only one of these areas and often touched upon the other only marginally. In this volume, we try to synthesize aspects of both disciplines and will concen trate on how the interactions between organisms depend on their life-history strategies. Since this is a very comprehensive topic, this volume will focus on vertical interactions to remain within a clearly arranged field. We present some scenaria based on life-history variation of resource and consumer, and show how particular patterns of life-history combinations will lead to particular patterns in trophic relationships. We want to deal with the selective forces underlying these patterns: the degree of specificity of the consumers deter mines the dependence on its resource, and its adaptation to the spatial and temporal availability of the resource. In this respect, the spatial structure of the resource and its "quality" may play an important role. The impact of natural enemies is another important selective force which may influence the evolu tion of interactions between species and the structure of communities. Here, the acquirement of an enemy-free space may provide selective adavantages. The importance of the impact of enemies is also expressed by the development of numerous and sometimes very subtle defense strategies. This will be dem onstrated especially for various aspects of chemical ecology.

Vertical Food Web Interactions

Vertical Food Web Interactions PDF Author: Konrad Dettner
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9783540625612
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
In the past years, much work has been carried out on either life-history evolu tion or structure and function of food webs. However, most studies dealt with only one of these areas and often touched upon the other only marginally. In this volume, we try to synthesize aspects of both disciplines and will concen trate on how the interactions between organisms depend on their life-history strategies. Since this is a very comprehensive topic, this volume will focus on vertical interactions to remain within a clearly arranged field. We present some scenaria based on life-history variation of resource and consumer, and show how particular patterns of life-history combinations will lead to particular patterns in trophic relationships. We want to deal with the selective forces underlying these patterns: the degree of specificity of the consumers deter mines the dependence on its resource, and its adaptation to the spatial and temporal availability of the resource. In this respect, the spatial structure of the resource and its "quality" may play an important role. The impact of natural enemies is another important selective force which may influence the evolu tion of interactions between species and the structure of communities. Here, the acquirement of an enemy-free space may provide selective adavantages. The importance of the impact of enemies is also expressed by the development of numerous and sometimes very subtle defense strategies. This will be dem onstrated especially for various aspects of chemical ecology.

Food Webs

Food Webs PDF Author: John C. Moore
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107182115
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 445

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Book Description
This book presents new approaches to studying food webs, using practical and policy examples to demonstrate the theory behind ecosystem management decisions.

Food Webs

Food Webs PDF Author: S. Pimm
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400959257
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 231

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Book Description
Often the meanings of words are changed subtly for interesting reasons. The implication of the word 'community' has changed from including all the organisms in an area to only those species at a particular trophic level (and often a taxonomically restricted group), for example, 'bird-community'. If this observation is correct, its probable cause is the dramatic growth in our knowledge of the ecological patterns along trophic levels (I call these horizontal patterns) and the processes that generate them. This book deals with vertical patterns - those across trophic levels -and tries to compensate for their relative neglect. In cataloging a dozen vertical patterns I hope to convince the reader that species interactions across trophic levels are as patterned as those along trophic levels and demand explanations equally forcefully. But this is not the only objective. A limited number of processes shape the patterns of species interaction; to demonstrate their existence is an essential step in understanding why ecosystems are the way they are. To achieve these aims I must resort to both mathematical techniques to develop theories and statistical techniques to decide between rival hypotheses. The level of mathematics is likely to offend nearly everyone. Some will find any mathematics too much, while others will consider the material to be old, familiar ground and probably explained with a poor regard for rigour and generality.

Entomology at the Land Grant University

Entomology at the Land Grant University PDF Author: Kevin M. Heinz
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
ISBN: 1585444324
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 356

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Book Description
Insects affect the health and well-being of humans every day, everywhere, so the entomology departments that study them make a crucial contribution to many aspects of life. Indeed, agricultural success in the United States and other countries depends upon the work of entomology departments within the land grant system at universities across the nation. Entomology at the Land Grant University is a thorough look at how entomology departments have adapted to shifting demographics, changes in land use patterns, environmental issues, and advances in the life sciences. It also highlights the leadership of entomologists in their multifaceted roles as researchers, teachers, and consultants. With world-renowned contributors from both academia and industry, this volume is the culmination of a series of mini-symposia celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University. The centenary was a time to reflect on past accomplishments and to plan for future challenges, spotlighting the academic, scientific, economic, and social importance of entomology. The result is a broad-brushed picture of a discipline that at its best represents the highest virtues of fundamental and applied science, with topics such as: - fulfilling the land grant university mission - roles of entomology departments - the function of the extension service - the global reach of entomological research - civic education in insect management - genetic engineering - future innovations in pest management and insecticide design Not just for entomologists, this insightful look into the workings of a university department within the context of a rapidly changing scientific, social, and economic climate will appeal to anyone associated with a land grant university, extension or regulatory agency, or related industry.

The Epidemiology of Plant Diseases

The Epidemiology of Plant Diseases PDF Author: B. Michael Cooke
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402045816
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 584

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Book Description
Plant disease epidemiology is a dynamic science that forms an essential part of the study of plant pathology. This book brings together a team of 35 international experts. Each chapter deals with an essential component of the subject and allows the reader to fully understand how each exerts its influence on the progress of pathogen populations in plant populations over a defined time scale. This edition has new, revised and updated chapters.

Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning

Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning PDF Author: Martin Solan
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199642265
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 258

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Book Description
This edited volume is the first to address the latest advances in biodiversity-function science using marine examples. It provides an in-depth evaluation of the science before offering a perspective on future research directions for some of the most pressing environmental issues facing society today and in the future.

The Epidemiology of Plant Diseases

The Epidemiology of Plant Diseases PDF Author: D.G. Jones
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780412783302
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 494

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Book Description
Most branches of science have what might be termed a 'core area' which is both related to and helps to integrate peripheral topics to form the overall subject area. Without this central link, the subject is simply a collection of disparate, albeit gener ally related topics. What genetics is to plant breeding, epidemiology is to the subject of plant pathology and, no matter what individual topic is considered, it is always possible to recognize the interaction with and relationship to epidemiological factors. Broadly speaking, until the 1950s, plant pathology was considered as the applied side of mycology and, indeed, the British Society of Plant Pathology was spawned from its mentor, the British Mycological Society, with considerable help from The Association of Applied Biology. However, with the exploding world popu lation and the growing demand for food, plant pathologists became increasingly aware of the need for a more considered, measured, precise and even holistic approach to their subject and, particularly, to plant disease management. Looking back over 40 years of teaching and research in plant pathology, it was very clear that the 'core' of the subject was epidemiology and that this 'new' study was developing a very distinct identity which was rapidly being recognized in its own right. The 'shotgun' approach to plant disease 'control' was quickly perceived to be too inexact and almost every aspect of the subject was being reviewed, refined and advanced.

The Productivity and Sustainability of Southern Forest Ecosystems in a Changing Environment

The Productivity and Sustainability of Southern Forest Ecosystems in a Changing Environment PDF Author: Robert Mickler
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461221781
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 892

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Book Description
The research presented here provides a sound scientific basis for management and policy decisions regarding the productivity and sustainability of forest ecosystems in the context of a rapidly changing global environment. It is the synthesis of 5 years of field and laboratory research on southern forests conducted by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service to provide scientific assessments to the US Global Change Research Program, and, as such, is invaluable for policy makers and land use managers.

UV Radiation and Arctic Ecosystems

UV Radiation and Arctic Ecosystems PDF Author: D.O. Hessen
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 364256075X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
Although there are some biological processes that are supported by UV radiation, most organisms are stressed by it in various ways, e.g. through DNA damage. Top international experts present an integrated overview of UV radiation and its effects on terrestrial, freshwater and marine Arctic biota. Increased stratospheric ozone depletion and the corresponding increase in ground levels of UV radiation as well as ambient, "natural" UV radiation as a key ecological factor in the Arctic spring and summer are discussed in detail. Additionally, basic information on Arctic ecosystems is given. The volume provides not only an excellent account of present-day knowledge of the subject, but also describes the state of the art on which future research can be built.