The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science (Henry Holt Reference Book) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805020799 ISBN 13: 9780805020793

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co, 1993

Synopsis

The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science provides a complete collection of all the terms and key ideas that are central to understanding the environment. Offering concise and readable definitions in an A-to-Z format, this reference is for both students and professionals as well as the environmentally curious.
With more than 8,000 cross-referenced entries supported by illustrations, charts, and diagrams, the dictionary helps the reader understand the many scientific disciplines that pertain to ecology and environmental science. By bringing together the terminology and the wide range of background concepts used in environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental geology, environmental physics, and other related fields, the dictionary serves as a one-stop resource for environmental studies.
The most comprehensive single-volume dictionary of its kind, fully up-to-date, authoritative, and easy to use, The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science is the reference book of choice for those who study the environment or support environmental causes.

About this title

Reviews

Several environmental dictionaries have been published in recent years, some with a particular emphasis such as engineering, technology, or law. This one is intended to satisfy the needs of a wide range of users, including nonspecialists. However, a basic knowledge of biology, geology, and chemistry is needed for readers to get the most out of this dictionary. Over 8000 entries dealing with the environmental sciences and ecology are included, with definitions that are for the most part clear and concise. There are some entries for environmental laws and organizations but none for individuals, and the numerous See references are helpful. Only a few illustrations are provided. Appropriately, this book has been printed on acid-free recycled paper. For public, academic, and high school libraries.
- William H. Wiese, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

With more than 8,000 entries, this specialized dictionary aims to provide "a complete collection of all the terms and key ideas that are central to understanding the environment." Readers will find definitions of terms from squid to septic tank, from cold front to connate water, and from mesa to milk teeth. Concepts from environmental biology, chemistry, geology, and physics are included. DEES's intended audience is students, professionals, and the environmentally curious.

General-editor Art is a professor of biology at Williams College and the author of A Garden of Wildflowers (Storey Communications, 1986). Nine contributing editors are all U.S. academics.

The entries are concise, rarely exceeding 100 words. The following is typical: "swimmeret: An abdominal limb or appendage in crustaceans usually used for swimming; it may be used to help females in carrying eggs. Also called a pleopod." Numerous cross-references, indicated by small capitals, are supplied. For example, the entry shield volcano also sends the reader to composite volcano and pyroclastic cones.

A small number of high-quality line drawings are scattered throughout the text. Though rare, they add a lot to the definitions, and more of them would undoubtedly enhance future editions. A 30-page appendix includes the periodic table of the elements, a geologic time scale, and the USDA zone map for temperature.

Comparable sources include the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Environmental Science & Engineering (McGraw-Hill, 1993) and A Dictionary of the Environment (Van Nostrand, 1993). The latter title is very similar to DEES as both consist of short entries and are virtually unillustrated. DEES defines emerald as "green gemstone variety of the mineral beryl." A Dictionary of the Environment defines it as "green beryl of gem quality." DEES is also similar to The Facts on File Dictionary of Environmental Science [RBB F 1 92].

The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science will serve any library well as a basic undergraduate and browser's ready-reference source.

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805020799
• ISBN 13: 9780805020793
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 632
• Editor: Art Henry Warren