Ecosystem Engineers: Plants to Protists (Volume 4) (Theoretical Ecology Series, Volume 4) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0123738571 ISBN 13: 9780123738578

Publisher: Academic Press, 2007

Synopsis

The first book entirely devoted to this topic, Ecosystem Engineers begins with the history of the concept, presenting opposing definitions of ecosystem engineeing. These varied definitions advance the debate and move past trivial difficulties to crystallize key issues such as the value of process-based vs. outcome-based. Authors include case studies spanning a wide spectrum of species and habitats, including above and below-ground, aquatic and terrestrial, and extant and paleontological examples. These studies enable readers to understand how the categorization of species as ecosystem engineers allows scientists to forge new explanatory generalizations. Key for all ecologists and environmentalists, this book ultimately illustrates how to inform and manage natural resources.

• The only consolidated treatment available
• Provides definitions, case studies, and examples of ecological models
• Discusses how ecosystem engineering can inform and improve the management of natural resources
• Includes contributions from Clive Jones, the leading figure in the development of the ecosystem engineer concept, and many other eminent ecologists, such as Alan Hastings

Edition details

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0123738571
• ISBN 13: 9780123738578
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432
• Editor: Cuddington Kim, Byers James E., Wilson William G., Hastings Alan