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A comprehensive introduction to tropical ecology

This full-color illustrated textbook offers the first comprehensive introduction to all major aspects of tropical ecology. It explains why the world's tropical rain forests are so universally rich in species, what factors may contribute to high species richness, how nutrient cycles affect rain forest ecology, and how ecologists investigate the complex interrelationships among flora and fauna. It covers tropical montane ecology, riverine ecosystems, savanna, dry forest--and more.

Tropical Ecology begins with a historical overview followed by a sweeping discussion of biogeography and evolution, and then introduces students to the unique and complex structure of tropical rain forests. Other topics include the processes that influence everything from species richness to rates of photosynthesis: how global climate change may affect rain forest characteristics and function; how fragmentation of ecosystems affects species richness and ecological processes; human ecology in the tropics; biodiversity; and conservation of tropical ecosystems and species.

Drawing on real-world examples taken from actual research, Tropical Ecology is the best textbook on the subject for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

Offers the first comprehensive introduction to tropical ecology Describes all the major kinds of tropical terrestrial ecosystems Explains species diversity, evolutionary processes, and coevolutionary interactions Features numerous color illustrations and examples from actual research Covers global warming, deforestation, reforestation, fragmentation, and conservation The essential textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students Suitable for courses with a field component

Leading universities that have adopted this book include:

Biola University Bucknell University California State University, Fullerton Colorado State University - Fort Collins Francis Marion University Michigan State University Middlebury College Northern Kentucky University Ohio Wesleyan University St. Mary's College of Maryland Syracuse University Tulane University University of California, Santa Cruz University of Central Florida University of Cincinnati University of Florida University of Missouri University of New Mexico University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of the West Indies

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This work expands on A Neotropical Companion (2nd ed., CH, Apr'98, 35-4476) to include tropical regions worldwide. In the introduction, Kricher (Wheaton College) indicates that he has visited tropical areas in Africa, Indonesia, and Australia, but his expertise is in the Neotropics, so he has a bias toward these areas. Many of the book's examples are avian in nature, which reflect the author's extensive ornithological background. One important aspect of the work is that Kricher identifies information gaps and controversies related to various topics. He states, "This book is meant to be provocative and poses many questions, the answers to which are still to be revealed or are presently being hotly debated.. The volume consists of 15 chapters covering biogeography and evolution, structure, biodiversity, tree species richness, development and dynamics, shifting dynamics, and more. Rain forests are emphasized, but other tropical ecosystems, such as savanna and dry forests, are also addressed. Numerous color photographs, diagrams, maps, and graphs support the text. Overall, an ideal resource for a tropical ecology course, although the work contains a large amount of material to cover in one semester. A general knowledge of ecology would be useful to follow the text. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty. K. L. Williams emeritus, Northwestern State University

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

John Kricher is professor of biology at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. His books include The Balance of Nature: Ecology's Enduring Myth and A Neotropical Companion (both Princeton).