The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental Science - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0805038485 ISBN 13: 9780805038484

Publisher: Holt Paperbacks, 1995

Synopsis

This comprehensive reference work brings together the terminology and background concepts used in environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental geology, environmental physics, and many other related fields. Includes over 8,000 fully cross-referenced entries, as well as illustrations, charts, and diagrams. Foreword by Dr. F. Herbert Bormann, Professor Emeritus, Forest Ecology, Yale University.

About this title

From Booklist

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.

From Library Journal

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805038485
• ISBN 13: 9780805038484
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 642
• Editor: Art Henry Warren