Biogeography: A Study of Plants in the Ecosphere

About this book

This classic text presents a broad-based study of the variations in the form and functioning of the biosphere at regional and global scales. It emphasises the important role of the plant biomass - the primary biological product which forms the vital food link between all organisms. It also highlights the integral role of humans as the dominant ecological factor.

Contents

1. Introduction. Part I: The Biosphere 2. The biosphere. 3. Environmental variables. 4. Historical biogeography. 5. Biomass characteristics. 6. Biological productivity. 7. The biological cycling. 8. Biomass change and soil development. Part II: Ecosystems: 9. Tropical and temperate forest ecosystems. 10. Boreal ecosystems. 11. Grassland ecosystems. 12. Desert ecosystems. 13. Island ecosystems. 14. Mountain ecosystems. 15. Aquatic ecosystems. Part III: Biotic resources: use and misuse 16. Ecosystems, stability and disturbance. 17. Human impact: ecosystem exploitation. 18. Human impact: environmental pollution. 19. Managed ecosystems. 20. The urban ecosystem. 21. Conservation.

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