About this book
Plankton in a Changing World invites readers to explore the microscopic hidden world beneath the waves. This book unravels the fundamental concepts of plankton ecology and their relevance, while exploring the profound impacts of global environmental changes on these vital organisms. Written in a clear and engaging way for the general public, it begins with a foundational overview of plankton, allowing it to stand alone. However, reading The Wonders of Marine Plankton, from the same author, is encouraged for a deeper understanding of plankton ecology and peculiarities.
Plankton form the very foundation of marine ecosystems. As climate change, pollution, and human activities continue to reshape our world, understanding the intricate dynamics of plankton becomes increasingly crucial. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of how these changes influence plankton populations, with far-reaching consequences for marine life and global ecosystems.
Addressing issues such as rising temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, and overfishing, the book highlights the complex challenges plankton face. Regional perspectives and case studies illustrate varied responses across different climates, showcasing the diverse impacts and adaptive strategies. Through engaging prose and rich scientific insight, Plankton in a Changing World invites readers to appreciate the delicate balance of our ocean and the pivotal role plankton play in maintaining it.
Concluding with future research directions, it underscores the need for innovative approaches and public awareness to safeguard these essential organisms. Plankton in a Changing World is an essential read for those interested in marine life and environmental science. Discover how tiny organisms can have a colossal impact and why their survival is intertwined with the future of our world.
Contents
Part I: Introduction To Plankton Ecology And Major Groups
Chapter 1. An Introduction To The World Of Marine Plankton
Chapter 2. Plankton Size Classification
Chapter 3. From The Bottom Up: Phytoplankton's Major Groups
Chapter 4. Ocean's Hidden Gardeners: The World Of Underwater Micrograzers
Chapter 5. Bacteria And Archaea: The Crucial Roles Of Prokaryotes In Ocean Environments
Chapter 6. Tiny Terrors Of The Ocean: Planktonic Viruses And Parasites
Chapter 7. The Hidden World Of Marine Fungi
Part II: Plankton Distribution And Habitats
Chapter 8. The Biomass Distribution In Earth's Ecosystems
Chapter 9. A Patchy Ocean: From Microscopic Meals To Macroscale Aggregations
Chapter 10. Plankton Across Ecosystems
Chapter 11. Adrift But Not Lost: Dispersal And Colonization Strategies Of Plankton
Chapter 12. Sailing Through Chaos: Turbulence's Impacts On Plankton
Chapter 13. Plankton Sentinels: Resting Cysts And Dormancy
Chapter 14. The Paradox Of Plankton: The Kill The Winner Hypotheses
Part III: Global Environmental Change
Chapter 15. Understanding Global Change, Global Warming, And Climate Change: A Comprehensive Guide
Chapter 16. The Impacts Of Global Warming On Marine Plankton
Chapter 17. The Consequences Of Smaller Plankton In A Warmer Ocean
Chapter 18. The Ocean's Biological Pump: A Crucial Ally Against Global Warming
Chapter 19. Blue Carbon Revolution: Exploiting Plankton To Combat CO2 Emissions
Chapter 20. The Impacts Of Large-Scale Climatological Events On Plankton Populations
Chapter 21. Ocean Acidification And Plankton
Chapter 22. Nutrient Availability And Its Consequences For Plankton In A Changing World
Chapter 23. Global Change And Salinity: Implications For Plankton
Chapter 24. The Underappreciated Threat Of Ultraviolet Radiation To Marine Plankton
Chapter 25. The Silent Killers: Classic And Emerging Pollutants And Marine Plankton
Chapter 26. The Unseen Threats: Effects Of Sound And Light Pollution On Plankton
Chapter 27. Plankton And Global Fisheries
Chapter 28. Predicting The Future Of Our Seas And Ocean Ecosystems: Reality Or Chimera?
Chapter 29. The Plankton Time Machine: A Journey Through Geological Eras
Part IV: Case Studies And Regional Perspectives
Chapter 30. The Effects Of Global Change On Plankton In Polar Regions
Chapter 31. The Effects Of Global Change On Plankton In Tropical And Subtropical Waters
Chapter 32. The Effects Of Global Change On Plankton In Temperate Ecosystems
Part VI: Future Directions
Chapter 33. Plankton And Human Society
Chapter 34. Emerging Trends And Future Research Directions In Plankton Studies
Customer Reviews
Biography
Albert Calbet is a marine researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC, in Barcelona, Spain, specialising in the ecology and ecophysiology of micro- and mesozooplankton. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of the role of microzooplankton in marine food webs. Albert earned his PhD in Marine Sciences in 1993 from the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM), CSIC, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. At ICM, he has held various positions, including Deputy Director.
Albert has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles, authored books and book chapters, and actively participated in scientific conferences worldwide. He has also been involved in teaching and mentoring students at the PhD, Master's, and undergraduate levels. His research has been supported by prestigious institutions, and he has served as a reviewer for funding agencies and on the editorial boards of scientific journals. Dedicated to science outreach, he manages several web pages and engages with the public through social media, outreach articles, and books.
