Frédéric Thomas, François Renaud, and Jean-François Guegan (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198529873
- eISBN:
- 9780191712777
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198529873.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
Ecologists, epidemiologists, and evolutionary biologists are increasingly aware of the significance of parasites in the study of ecosystems. This book provides a summary of the issues involved as ...
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Ecologists, epidemiologists, and evolutionary biologists are increasingly aware of the significance of parasites in the study of ecosystems. This book provides a summary of the issues involved as well as an overview of the possibilities offered by this research topic, using well-documented case-studies to illustrate the main trends and prospects in this area. This is the first book devoted to the comprehension of both the roles and consequences of pathogens in ecosystems.Less
Ecologists, epidemiologists, and evolutionary biologists are increasingly aware of the significance of parasites in the study of ecosystems. This book provides a summary of the issues involved as well as an overview of the possibilities offered by this research topic, using well-documented case-studies to illustrate the main trends and prospects in this area. This is the first book devoted to the comprehension of both the roles and consequences of pathogens in ecosystems.
John Alcock
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182743
- eISBN:
- 9780199790005
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182743.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This book reviews a variety of evolutionary themes and uses the small terrestrial orchids of Australia to introduce and illustrate these themes. Among the topics explored are the competing ideas of ...
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This book reviews a variety of evolutionary themes and uses the small terrestrial orchids of Australia to introduce and illustrate these themes. Among the topics explored are the competing ideas of biologists who use the theory of natural selection when examining possible adaptations (such as the ability of orchid flowers to attract special pollinators) and those who reject this approach, including creationists as well as the late Stephen Jay Gould. Darwin’s own ideas on the topic are reviewed as his work on adaptive plant behavior, given that orchids provide examples of flowers with moving parts. In addition, the book outlines the ability of evolutionary biologists to trace the origin and subsequent modification of complex traits like the extraordinarily unusual flowers of certain orchids. The book also employs Australian orchids to demonstrate the challenges of determining what a species is and how to preserve the biodiversity that still exists in the world.Less
This book reviews a variety of evolutionary themes and uses the small terrestrial orchids of Australia to introduce and illustrate these themes. Among the topics explored are the competing ideas of biologists who use the theory of natural selection when examining possible adaptations (such as the ability of orchid flowers to attract special pollinators) and those who reject this approach, including creationists as well as the late Stephen Jay Gould. Darwin’s own ideas on the topic are reviewed as his work on adaptive plant behavior, given that orchids provide examples of flowers with moving parts. In addition, the book outlines the ability of evolutionary biologists to trace the origin and subsequent modification of complex traits like the extraordinarily unusual flowers of certain orchids. The book also employs Australian orchids to demonstrate the challenges of determining what a species is and how to preserve the biodiversity that still exists in the world.
Jacob Höglund
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199214211
- eISBN:
- 9780191706660
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199214211.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Conservation genetics focuses on understanding the role and requirement of genetic variation for population persistence. However, considerable debate now surrounds the role of genetic factors (as ...
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Conservation genetics focuses on understanding the role and requirement of genetic variation for population persistence. However, considerable debate now surrounds the role of genetic factors (as opposed to non-genetic factors such as habitat destruction, etc.) in population extinction, and a synthesis is now timely. Can extinction be explained by habitat destruction alone or is lack of genetic variation a part of the explanation? The book reviews the arguments for a role of genetics in the present biodiversity crisis. It describes the methods used to study genetic variation in endangered species and examines the influence of genetic variation in the extinction of species. To date, conservation genetics has predominantly utilized neutral genetic markers, e.g., microsatellites. However, with the recent advances in molecular genetics and genomics it will soon be possible to study ‘direct gene action’, following the fate of genetic variation at the level of DNA, through expression, to proteins in order to determine how such phenotypes fare in populations of free living organisms. This book explores these exciting avenues of future research potential, integrating ecological quantitative genetics with the new genome science. It is now more important than ever that we ask relevant questions about the evolutionary fate of endangered populations throughout the globe and incorporate our knowledge of evolutionary processes and the distribution of genetic diversity into effective conservation planning and action.Less
Conservation genetics focuses on understanding the role and requirement of genetic variation for population persistence. However, considerable debate now surrounds the role of genetic factors (as opposed to non-genetic factors such as habitat destruction, etc.) in population extinction, and a synthesis is now timely. Can extinction be explained by habitat destruction alone or is lack of genetic variation a part of the explanation? The book reviews the arguments for a role of genetics in the present biodiversity crisis. It describes the methods used to study genetic variation in endangered species and examines the influence of genetic variation in the extinction of species. To date, conservation genetics has predominantly utilized neutral genetic markers, e.g., microsatellites. However, with the recent advances in molecular genetics and genomics it will soon be possible to study ‘direct gene action’, following the fate of genetic variation at the level of DNA, through expression, to proteins in order to determine how such phenotypes fare in populations of free living organisms. This book explores these exciting avenues of future research potential, integrating ecological quantitative genetics with the new genome science. It is now more important than ever that we ask relevant questions about the evolutionary fate of endangered populations throughout the globe and incorporate our knowledge of evolutionary processes and the distribution of genetic diversity into effective conservation planning and action.
Richard Bardgett
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525035
- eISBN:
- 9780191728181
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525035.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of ...
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This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of below-ground biodiversity for ecosystem form and function. It describes the vast diversity of biota that live in the soil environment — the most complex habitat on Earth — and discusses the factors that act as determinants of this diversity across different spatial and temporal scales. This book also considers how biotic interactions in soil influence the important soil processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling. It demonstrates how interactions and feedbacks between diverse plant and soil communities act as important drivers of ecosystem form and function. The importance of these relationships for understanding how ecosystems respond to global change phenomena, including climate change, is discussed in depth. Much is still to be learned about the soil biota and their roles in ecosystems, and the author highlights some of the many challenges that face ecologists in the exploration of soil. This book provides an introduction to the biology of soil, and also discusses the most recent developments in this progressive field of ecology. The importance of soil biotic interactions for community and ecosystem ecology is illustrated through the use of numerous examples and case studies.Less
This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of below-ground biodiversity for ecosystem form and function. It describes the vast diversity of biota that live in the soil environment — the most complex habitat on Earth — and discusses the factors that act as determinants of this diversity across different spatial and temporal scales. This book also considers how biotic interactions in soil influence the important soil processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling. It demonstrates how interactions and feedbacks between diverse plant and soil communities act as important drivers of ecosystem form and function. The importance of these relationships for understanding how ecosystems respond to global change phenomena, including climate change, is discussed in depth. Much is still to be learned about the soil biota and their roles in ecosystems, and the author highlights some of the many challenges that face ecologists in the exploration of soil. This book provides an introduction to the biology of soil, and also discusses the most recent developments in this progressive field of ecology. The importance of soil biotic interactions for community and ecosystem ecology is illustrated through the use of numerous examples and case studies.
William M. Lafferty and James Meadowcroft
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199242016
- eISBN:
- 9780191599736
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242011.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
This volume examines the response of governments in the industrialized countries to the challenge of sustainable development. It focuses on the response of central governments in Australia, Canada, ...
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This volume examines the response of governments in the industrialized countries to the challenge of sustainable development. It focuses on the response of central governments in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, the USA, and the EU. The study shows that sustainable development has been integrated into governmental idiom in most jurisdictions, and has come to be associated with a series of changes to the structures and approaches deployed to manage environmental problems. Yet, it also reveals significant differences of interpretation and priority across the governments surveyed. The study pays particular attention to various understandings of sustainable development, institutional reform, government engagement with other societal actors, national plans and strategies, and the policy areas of climate change and biodiversity.Less
This volume examines the response of governments in the industrialized countries to the challenge of sustainable development. It focuses on the response of central governments in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, the USA, and the EU. The study shows that sustainable development has been integrated into governmental idiom in most jurisdictions, and has come to be associated with a series of changes to the structures and approaches deployed to manage environmental problems. Yet, it also reveals significant differences of interpretation and priority across the governments surveyed. The study pays particular attention to various understandings of sustainable development, institutional reform, government engagement with other societal actors, national plans and strategies, and the policy areas of climate change and biodiversity.
Patricia Howard
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780197265536
- eISBN:
- 9780191760327
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197265536.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
Biodiversity and cultural diversity are intertwined. The threats to biodiversity are already observable and are accelerating. The spread of non-native species is an under-examined threat to ...
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Biodiversity and cultural diversity are intertwined. The threats to biodiversity are already observable and are accelerating. The spread of non-native species is an under-examined threat to biodiversity and to food production. Biodiversity tipping points may most likely appear at the regional scale, as in the drying of the Amazon. The failure of ecosystem integrity and inherent resilience offers a further threat, and the reaction of humans to all of these challenges adds fuel to the fire. Over one-third of the whole population depends on biodiversity — and help to maintain it. Yet part of this vital group is being displaced, losing their cultural integrity, and their language. The tipping points of biodiversity loss are also tipping points of cultural distinctiveness loss.Less
Biodiversity and cultural diversity are intertwined. The threats to biodiversity are already observable and are accelerating. The spread of non-native species is an under-examined threat to biodiversity and to food production. Biodiversity tipping points may most likely appear at the regional scale, as in the drying of the Amazon. The failure of ecosystem integrity and inherent resilience offers a further threat, and the reaction of humans to all of these challenges adds fuel to the fire. Over one-third of the whole population depends on biodiversity — and help to maintain it. Yet part of this vital group is being displaced, losing their cultural integrity, and their language. The tipping points of biodiversity loss are also tipping points of cultural distinctiveness loss.
A. Townsend Peterson, Jorge Soberón, Richard G. Pearson, Robert P. Anderson, Enrique Martínez-Meyer, Miguel Nakamura, and Miguel B. Araújo
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691136868
- eISBN:
- 9781400840670
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691136868.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This book provides a first synthetic view of an emerging area of ecology and biogeography, linking individual- and population-level processes to geographic distributions and biodiversity patterns. ...
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This book provides a first synthetic view of an emerging area of ecology and biogeography, linking individual- and population-level processes to geographic distributions and biodiversity patterns. Problems in evolutionary ecology, macroecology, and biogeography are illuminated by this integrative view. The book focuses on correlative approaches known as ecological niche modeling, species distribution modeling, or habitat suitability modeling, which use associations between known occurrences of species and environmental variables to identify environmental conditions under which populations can be maintained. The spatial distribution of environments suitable for the species can then be estimated: a potential distribution for the species. This approach has broad applicability to ecology, evolution, biogeography, and conservation biology, as well as to understanding the geographic potential of invasive species and infectious diseases, and the biological implications of climate change. The book lays out conceptual foundations and general principles for understanding and interpreting species distributions with respect to geography and environment. Focus is on development of niche models. While serving as a guide for students and researchers, the book also provides a theoretical framework to support future progress in the field.Less
This book provides a first synthetic view of an emerging area of ecology and biogeography, linking individual- and population-level processes to geographic distributions and biodiversity patterns. Problems in evolutionary ecology, macroecology, and biogeography are illuminated by this integrative view. The book focuses on correlative approaches known as ecological niche modeling, species distribution modeling, or habitat suitability modeling, which use associations between known occurrences of species and environmental variables to identify environmental conditions under which populations can be maintained. The spatial distribution of environments suitable for the species can then be estimated: a potential distribution for the species. This approach has broad applicability to ecology, evolution, biogeography, and conservation biology, as well as to understanding the geographic potential of invasive species and infectious diseases, and the biological implications of climate change. The book lays out conceptual foundations and general principles for understanding and interpreting species distributions with respect to geography and environment. Focus is on development of niche models. While serving as a guide for students and researchers, the book also provides a theoretical framework to support future progress in the field.
Jordi Bascompte and Pedro Jordano
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691131269
- eISBN:
- 9781400848720
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691131269.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Mutualistic interactions among plants and animals have played a paramount role in shaping biodiversity. Yet the majority of studies on mutualistic interactions have involved only a few species, as ...
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Mutualistic interactions among plants and animals have played a paramount role in shaping biodiversity. Yet the majority of studies on mutualistic interactions have involved only a few species, as opposed to broader mutual connections between communities of organisms. This is the first book to comprehensively explore this burgeoning field. Integrating different approaches, from the statistical description of network structures to the development of new analytical frameworks, the book describes the architecture of these mutualistic networks and shows their importance for the robustness of biodiversity and the coevolutionary process. Making a case for why we should care about mutualisms and their complex networks, this book offers a new perspective on the study and synthesis of this growing area for ecologists and evolutionary biologists. It will serve as the standard reference for all future work on mutualistic interactions in biological communities.Less
Mutualistic interactions among plants and animals have played a paramount role in shaping biodiversity. Yet the majority of studies on mutualistic interactions have involved only a few species, as opposed to broader mutual connections between communities of organisms. This is the first book to comprehensively explore this burgeoning field. Integrating different approaches, from the statistical description of network structures to the development of new analytical frameworks, the book describes the architecture of these mutualistic networks and shows their importance for the robustness of biodiversity and the coevolutionary process. Making a case for why we should care about mutualisms and their complex networks, this book offers a new perspective on the study and synthesis of this growing area for ecologists and evolutionary biologists. It will serve as the standard reference for all future work on mutualistic interactions in biological communities.
William M. Lafferty and James Meadowcroft
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199242016
- eISBN:
- 9780191599736
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242011.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
This chapter sets the studies of the engagement of ten governments with sustainable development in comparative perspective. It analyses developments under a number of headings, including interpreting ...
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This chapter sets the studies of the engagement of ten governments with sustainable development in comparative perspective. It analyses developments under a number of headings, including interpreting the concept, organizational engagement, strategic planning processes, approaches to domestic actors, measurement and monitoring, sustainable production and consumption, the global dimension, climate change, and biodiversity. Many of the findings are presented in tabular form, including a detailed analysis of government environmental policy plans and strategies for sustainable development. The chapter argues that national responses can be divided into three groups—‘enthusiastic’, ‘cautiously supportive’, and ‘disinterested’.Less
This chapter sets the studies of the engagement of ten governments with sustainable development in comparative perspective. It analyses developments under a number of headings, including interpreting the concept, organizational engagement, strategic planning processes, approaches to domestic actors, measurement and monitoring, sustainable production and consumption, the global dimension, climate change, and biodiversity. Many of the findings are presented in tabular form, including a detailed analysis of government environmental policy plans and strategies for sustainable development. The chapter argues that national responses can be divided into three groups—‘enthusiastic’, ‘cautiously supportive’, and ‘disinterested’.
Christian Gollier
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691148762
- eISBN:
- 9781400845408
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691148762.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Our path of economic development has generated a growing list of environmental problems including the disposal of nuclear waste, exhaustion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, climate change, ...
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Our path of economic development has generated a growing list of environmental problems including the disposal of nuclear waste, exhaustion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, climate change, and polluted land, air, and water. All these environmental problems raise the crucial challenge of determining what we should and should not do for future generations. It is also central to other policy debates, including, for example, the appropriate level of public debt, investment in public infrastructure, investment in education, and the level of funding for pension benefits and for research and development. Today, the judge, the citizen, the politician, and the entrepreneur are concerned with the sustainability of our development. The objective of this book is to provide a simple framework to organize the debate on what we should do for the future. A key element of analysis by economists is the discount rate—the minimum rate of return required from an investment project to make it desirable to implement. The book outlines the basic theory of the discount rate and the various arguments that favor using a smaller discount rate for more distant cash flows. With principles that can be applied to many policy areas, the book offers an ideal framework for dynamic problems and decision making.Less
Our path of economic development has generated a growing list of environmental problems including the disposal of nuclear waste, exhaustion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, climate change, and polluted land, air, and water. All these environmental problems raise the crucial challenge of determining what we should and should not do for future generations. It is also central to other policy debates, including, for example, the appropriate level of public debt, investment in public infrastructure, investment in education, and the level of funding for pension benefits and for research and development. Today, the judge, the citizen, the politician, and the entrepreneur are concerned with the sustainability of our development. The objective of this book is to provide a simple framework to organize the debate on what we should do for the future. A key element of analysis by economists is the discount rate—the minimum rate of return required from an investment project to make it desirable to implement. The book outlines the basic theory of the discount rate and the various arguments that favor using a smaller discount rate for more distant cash flows. With principles that can be applied to many policy areas, the book offers an ideal framework for dynamic problems and decision making.
Stephen Hopgood
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199261437
- eISBN:
- 9780191599309
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199261431.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Presents an analysis of multilateralism in American foreign environmental policy, focusing on the issues of ozone depletion, climate change, and biodiversity, and arguing that the evolution of US ...
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Presents an analysis of multilateralism in American foreign environmental policy, focusing on the issues of ozone depletion, climate change, and biodiversity, and arguing that the evolution of US perspectives on environmental multilateralism reflects a fundamental split in the US policy arena. On one side are activists who seek to promote multilateral regulation of environmental issues and to deepen the US role therein. On the other hand are the sceptics, hostile to state and international regulation of environmental issues and preferring market solutions. The author suggests that, although sceptics have scored repeated short‐term successes, the longer‐term momentum favours the activists, and the US is gradually becoming more deeply embedded in multilateral environmental regimes.Less
Presents an analysis of multilateralism in American foreign environmental policy, focusing on the issues of ozone depletion, climate change, and biodiversity, and arguing that the evolution of US perspectives on environmental multilateralism reflects a fundamental split in the US policy arena. On one side are activists who seek to promote multilateral regulation of environmental issues and to deepen the US role therein. On the other hand are the sceptics, hostile to state and international regulation of environmental issues and preferring market solutions. The author suggests that, although sceptics have scored repeated short‐term successes, the longer‐term momentum favours the activists, and the US is gradually becoming more deeply embedded in multilateral environmental regimes.
Wilfred Beckerman and Joanna Pasek
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199245086
- eISBN:
- 9780191598784
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199245088.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
It is argued that although there may be some case, on economic grounds, for international cooperative action to deal with the threat of climate change or an excessive depletion of biodiversity, the ...
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It is argued that although there may be some case, on economic grounds, for international cooperative action to deal with the threat of climate change or an excessive depletion of biodiversity, the advantages of participation in such action are probably not very great for most rich countries. Furthermore, some of the ‘ethical’ arguments advanced in support of the view that the rich countries should shoulder most of the burden of international action are weak. Nevertheless, there is a case for the richer countries to do so both on grounds of a moral responsibility to assist very poor people and on grounds of the need to look at international cooperation in a wider framework that takes account of the dependence of cooperation from different groups of countries in dealing with a host of other international problems.Less
It is argued that although there may be some case, on economic grounds, for international cooperative action to deal with the threat of climate change or an excessive depletion of biodiversity, the advantages of participation in such action are probably not very great for most rich countries. Furthermore, some of the ‘ethical’ arguments advanced in support of the view that the rich countries should shoulder most of the burden of international action are weak. Nevertheless, there is a case for the richer countries to do so both on grounds of a moral responsibility to assist very poor people and on grounds of the need to look at international cooperation in a wider framework that takes account of the dependence of cooperation from different groups of countries in dealing with a host of other international problems.
Diana J. Bell, Scott Roberton, and Paul R. Hunter
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198568193
- eISBN:
- 9780191718175
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198568193.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
This chapter discusses the search for the wildlife reservoir of SARS-CoV. It starts by presenting the case for extending the search for the zoonotic reservoir in terms of both geographical area and ...
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This chapter discusses the search for the wildlife reservoir of SARS-CoV. It starts by presenting the case for extending the search for the zoonotic reservoir in terms of both geographical area and the range of species investigated. It highlights regional ecological shifts associated with an illegal international wildlife trade and the growing ‘bush-meat’ trade, which simultaneously favours the emergence of new zoonotic infection risks to humans and poses the primary threat to biodiversity across the Indochina Hotspot. The chapter concludes with the presentation of possible solutions to this problem, including interdisciplinary collaboration with vertebrate and conservation biologists with specialist knowledge of potential host species and the wildlife trade.Less
This chapter discusses the search for the wildlife reservoir of SARS-CoV. It starts by presenting the case for extending the search for the zoonotic reservoir in terms of both geographical area and the range of species investigated. It highlights regional ecological shifts associated with an illegal international wildlife trade and the growing ‘bush-meat’ trade, which simultaneously favours the emergence of new zoonotic infection risks to humans and poses the primary threat to biodiversity across the Indochina Hotspot. The chapter concludes with the presentation of possible solutions to this problem, including interdisciplinary collaboration with vertebrate and conservation biologists with specialist knowledge of potential host species and the wildlife trade.
Malcolm Ausden
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198568728
- eISBN:
- 9780191717529
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198568728.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Habitat management is commonly used to maintain and enhance the biological interest of many areas of semi-natural habitat, where natural processes no longer create suitable conditions for desired ...
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Habitat management is commonly used to maintain and enhance the biological interest of many areas of semi-natural habitat, where natural processes no longer create suitable conditions for desired species. Habitat restoration and creation is increasingly being used to increase the extent of ecologically important habitats in order to mitigate the impacts of human development. The modification of past management techniques and the introduction of new ones can provide additional benefits. This book describes the range of techniques used to manage land for biodiversity conservation. The opening sections discuss the general principles of habitat management, including decision-making, mitigating damaging effects of climate change, and monitoring the success of management. These are followed by a series of chapters which describe how to manage specific habitats: grasslands, dwarf-shrub vegetation and shrublands, forests, woodlands and scrub, freshwater wetlands, coastal habitats, arable land, and gardens, backyards, and urban areas. For each of these habitats the book discusses the main factors influencing their value for wildlife, highlights the key decisions that need to be made, and describes and compares the effects of individual management techniques.Less
Habitat management is commonly used to maintain and enhance the biological interest of many areas of semi-natural habitat, where natural processes no longer create suitable conditions for desired species. Habitat restoration and creation is increasingly being used to increase the extent of ecologically important habitats in order to mitigate the impacts of human development. The modification of past management techniques and the introduction of new ones can provide additional benefits. This book describes the range of techniques used to manage land for biodiversity conservation. The opening sections discuss the general principles of habitat management, including decision-making, mitigating damaging effects of climate change, and monitoring the success of management. These are followed by a series of chapters which describe how to manage specific habitats: grasslands, dwarf-shrub vegetation and shrublands, forests, woodlands and scrub, freshwater wetlands, coastal habitats, arable land, and gardens, backyards, and urban areas. For each of these habitats the book discusses the main factors influencing their value for wildlife, highlights the key decisions that need to be made, and describes and compares the effects of individual management techniques.
Warwick F. Vincent and Johanna Laybourn-Parry (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199213887
- eISBN:
- 9780191707506
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199213887.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Aquatic Biology
Lakes, ponds, rivers and streams are prominent features of the Arctic landscape and are also common in many parts of Antarctica. These waters encompass a remarkable variety of conditions for aquatic ...
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Lakes, ponds, rivers and streams are prominent features of the Arctic landscape and are also common in many parts of Antarctica. These waters encompass a remarkable variety of conditions for aquatic life, and are proving to be attractive model systems for exploring general ecological themes. Some of these ecosystems have direct global implications, and are also sentinels of global climate change. This book brings together many of the world's leading researchers in polar limnology to describe these diverse aquatic environments and their ecology. It introduces each major ecosystem type including extreme ice shelf and glacial meltwaters; subglacial lakes and rivers; perennially ice-capped lakes; meromictic and epishelf lake systems; tundra lakes and ponds; seasonal streams; and the large Arctic rivers with their associated floodplain lakes. Separate chapters review the geomorphology of polar lake basins, high latitude paleolimnology; biogeochemistry; physical limnology; microbial processes; microbial biodiversity and biogeography; benthic photosynthetic communities including microbial mats and mosses; phytoplankton and primary production; zooplankton and benthic invertebrates; the ecology of high Arctic fish; food web structure and dynamics; and new and emerging themes in high latitude limnology. The book incorporates the overriding theme of climate change impacts as well as direct impacts resulting from human activity.Less
Lakes, ponds, rivers and streams are prominent features of the Arctic landscape and are also common in many parts of Antarctica. These waters encompass a remarkable variety of conditions for aquatic life, and are proving to be attractive model systems for exploring general ecological themes. Some of these ecosystems have direct global implications, and are also sentinels of global climate change. This book brings together many of the world's leading researchers in polar limnology to describe these diverse aquatic environments and their ecology. It introduces each major ecosystem type including extreme ice shelf and glacial meltwaters; subglacial lakes and rivers; perennially ice-capped lakes; meromictic and epishelf lake systems; tundra lakes and ponds; seasonal streams; and the large Arctic rivers with their associated floodplain lakes. Separate chapters review the geomorphology of polar lake basins, high latitude paleolimnology; biogeochemistry; physical limnology; microbial processes; microbial biodiversity and biogeography; benthic photosynthetic communities including microbial mats and mosses; phytoplankton and primary production; zooplankton and benthic invertebrates; the ecology of high Arctic fish; food web structure and dynamics; and new and emerging themes in high latitude limnology. The book incorporates the overriding theme of climate change impacts as well as direct impacts resulting from human activity.
Ian Hawes, Clive Howard-Williams, and Andrew G. Fountain
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199213887
- eISBN:
- 9780191707506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199213887.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Aquatic Biology
This chapter describes the physical, chemical, and biotic features of the main types of ice-based aquatic ecosystems. Dark-coloured sediments on and in ice enhance absorption of solar radiation, ...
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This chapter describes the physical, chemical, and biotic features of the main types of ice-based aquatic ecosystems. Dark-coloured sediments on and in ice enhance absorption of solar radiation, promote melting, and the formation of habitats of varying sizes and longevity. These range from ‘bubbles’ within glacial and perennial lake ice (~10-2 m diameter), cryoconite holes (~10-1 -100 m diameter) on ice surfaces to large melt lakes (~101 - 102 m diameter) and rivers on ice shelves and ice sheets. For the most part, the development of ice-based aquatic ecosystems depends on liquid water. Communities are predominantly microbial, with cyanobacteria and algae dominating the phototrophs, while microinvertebrates with stress-tolerate strategies (rotifers, tardigrades, and nematodes) are also present. The chapter argues that ice-based ecosystems represent important biodiversity elements within polar landscapes, and would have been essential refugia from which polar region ecosystems recovered after periods of extended glaciation.Less
This chapter describes the physical, chemical, and biotic features of the main types of ice-based aquatic ecosystems. Dark-coloured sediments on and in ice enhance absorption of solar radiation, promote melting, and the formation of habitats of varying sizes and longevity. These range from ‘bubbles’ within glacial and perennial lake ice (~10-2 m diameter), cryoconite holes (~10-1 -100 m diameter) on ice surfaces to large melt lakes (~101 - 102 m diameter) and rivers on ice shelves and ice sheets. For the most part, the development of ice-based aquatic ecosystems depends on liquid water. Communities are predominantly microbial, with cyanobacteria and algae dominating the phototrophs, while microinvertebrates with stress-tolerate strategies (rotifers, tardigrades, and nematodes) are also present. The chapter argues that ice-based ecosystems represent important biodiversity elements within polar landscapes, and would have been essential refugia from which polar region ecosystems recovered after periods of extended glaciation.
David A. Pearce and Pierre E. Galand
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199213887
- eISBN:
- 9780191707506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199213887.003.0012
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Aquatic Biology
This chapter summarizes the major groups of microorganisms found in high latitude aquatic ecosystems and the methodological approaches used to study their biodiversity. The underlying mechanisms that ...
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This chapter summarizes the major groups of microorganisms found in high latitude aquatic ecosystems and the methodological approaches used to study their biodiversity. The underlying mechanisms that influence microbial biodiversity, including both the survival and dispersal of microorganisms in polar aquatic environments, are explored. The chapter considers the biogeography of microorganisms (i.e., the distribution of taxa) in polar aquatic ecosystems and presents studies that reveal a degree of endemism. To date, studies have shown that among the microorganisms of polar aquatic habitats, morphological class hides a much greater genetic diversity; the extent of the biodiversity uncovered is proportional to sample effort; the vast majority of biodiversity is as yet uncultivated; cosmopolitan groups are present; and that the key environmental factors controlling microbial distribution are temperature and biotic interactions.Less
This chapter summarizes the major groups of microorganisms found in high latitude aquatic ecosystems and the methodological approaches used to study their biodiversity. The underlying mechanisms that influence microbial biodiversity, including both the survival and dispersal of microorganisms in polar aquatic environments, are explored. The chapter considers the biogeography of microorganisms (i.e., the distribution of taxa) in polar aquatic ecosystems and presents studies that reveal a degree of endemism. To date, studies have shown that among the microorganisms of polar aquatic habitats, morphological class hides a much greater genetic diversity; the extent of the biodiversity uncovered is proportional to sample effort; the vast majority of biodiversity is as yet uncultivated; cosmopolitan groups are present; and that the key environmental factors controlling microbial distribution are temperature and biotic interactions.
John N. Griffin, Eoin J. O’Gorman, Mark C. Emmerson, Stuart R. Jenkins, Alexandra-Maria Klein, Michel Loreau, and Amy Symstad
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199547951
- eISBN:
- 9780191720345
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199547951.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Concern that the rapid anthropogenic erosion of biodiversity may undermine the delivery of ecosystem services has prompted a synthesis of community and ecosystem ecology over the last decade. ...
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Concern that the rapid anthropogenic erosion of biodiversity may undermine the delivery of ecosystem services has prompted a synthesis of community and ecosystem ecology over the last decade. Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) research is central to this emerging synthesis, asking how biodiversity is related to the magnitude and stability of ecosystem processes. Isolating species richness effects from species composition has been a chief goal of BEF research. This BEF perspective recognized that fluctuating abundances of component species may not produce instability at the community or ecosystem level because compensatory reactions among species dampen fluctuations of aggregate abundance. Within the BEF framework, experiments and theory explicitly relating to the effect of species richness on community-level aggregate properties (mainly biomass) have focused on variability through time in relation to background environmental variation (temporal stability) as well as on the impact (resistance) and recovery (resilience) of such properties to discrete, and often extreme, perturbations. This chapter reviews recent empirical studies examining the links between species richness and these three facets of stability.Less
Concern that the rapid anthropogenic erosion of biodiversity may undermine the delivery of ecosystem services has prompted a synthesis of community and ecosystem ecology over the last decade. Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) research is central to this emerging synthesis, asking how biodiversity is related to the magnitude and stability of ecosystem processes. Isolating species richness effects from species composition has been a chief goal of BEF research. This BEF perspective recognized that fluctuating abundances of component species may not produce instability at the community or ecosystem level because compensatory reactions among species dampen fluctuations of aggregate abundance. Within the BEF framework, experiments and theory explicitly relating to the effect of species richness on community-level aggregate properties (mainly biomass) have focused on variability through time in relation to background environmental variation (temporal stability) as well as on the impact (resistance) and recovery (resilience) of such properties to discrete, and often extreme, perturbations. This chapter reviews recent empirical studies examining the links between species richness and these three facets of stability.
Andy Hector, Thomas Bell, John Connolly, John Finn, Jeremy Fox, Laura Kirwan, Michel Loreau, Jennie McLaren, Bernhard Schmid, and Alexandra Weigelt
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199547951
- eISBN:
- 9780191720345
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199547951.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Meta-analysis of the first generation of biodiversity experiments has revealed that there is a general positive relationship between diversity and ecosystem processes that is consistent across ...
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Meta-analysis of the first generation of biodiversity experiments has revealed that there is a general positive relationship between diversity and ecosystem processes that is consistent across trophic groups and ecosystem types. However, the mechanisms generating these general patterns are still under debate. While there are unresolved conceptual issues about the nature of diversity and complementarity, the debate is partly due to the difficulty of performing a full-factorial analysis of the functional effects of all species in a diverse community. However, there are now several different analytical approaches that can address mechanisms even when full factorial analysis is not possible. This chapter presents an overview and users' guide to these methods. This chapter concludes that the current toolbox of methods allows investigation of the mechanisms for most, if not all, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning experiments conducted to date that manipulate species within a single trophic level (e.g. plant biodiversity experiments). Methods that can address mechanisms in multitrophic studies are a key need for future research.Less
Meta-analysis of the first generation of biodiversity experiments has revealed that there is a general positive relationship between diversity and ecosystem processes that is consistent across trophic groups and ecosystem types. However, the mechanisms generating these general patterns are still under debate. While there are unresolved conceptual issues about the nature of diversity and complementarity, the debate is partly due to the difficulty of performing a full-factorial analysis of the functional effects of all species in a diverse community. However, there are now several different analytical approaches that can address mechanisms even when full factorial analysis is not possible. This chapter presents an overview and users' guide to these methods. This chapter concludes that the current toolbox of methods allows investigation of the mechanisms for most, if not all, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning experiments conducted to date that manipulate species within a single trophic level (e.g. plant biodiversity experiments). Methods that can address mechanisms in multitrophic studies are a key need for future research.
Gregory P. Cheplick and Stanley H. Faeth
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195308082
- eISBN:
- 9780199867462
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195308082.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
Despite their minute biomass relative to other species, endophytes have the potential to have profound effects on community structure and diversity and ecosystem functions. For agronomic grasses, ...
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Despite their minute biomass relative to other species, endophytes have the potential to have profound effects on community structure and diversity and ecosystem functions. For agronomic grasses, infection may decrease plant diversity and alter relative abundances and species richness of herbivores, predators, and parasites. In natural communities, endophyte infection has complex and often unpredictable effects on community and trophic diversity. The mechanism for these effects on higher trophic levels may be endophytic alkaloids or changes in plant physiology, morphology, or productivity that cascade upward in the community. Because natural enemies of herbivores may be more affected than herbivores, which have coevolved with alkaloids in natural grass communities, alkaloids may actually increase herbivory, counter to the long-held notion of endophytes as defensive plant mutualists. Endophytes, by altering competitive hierarchies, diversity, and productivity in communities may also render communities more invasible by non-native species as has been shown for agronomic tall fescue. Furthermore, infected tall fescue can also change successional sequences in old fields. For ecosystem functions, infected grasses may alter decomposition and nutrient cycling rates in old field communities. Much less is known about the effects of native infected grasses on community- and ecosystem-level properties and functions. Because seed-borne endophytes are maternally inherited components that dramatically alter plant phenotypes with widespread repercussions at the community and ecosystem level, they should make good models for testing recent notions of community genetics and extended phenotypes.Less
Despite their minute biomass relative to other species, endophytes have the potential to have profound effects on community structure and diversity and ecosystem functions. For agronomic grasses, infection may decrease plant diversity and alter relative abundances and species richness of herbivores, predators, and parasites. In natural communities, endophyte infection has complex and often unpredictable effects on community and trophic diversity. The mechanism for these effects on higher trophic levels may be endophytic alkaloids or changes in plant physiology, morphology, or productivity that cascade upward in the community. Because natural enemies of herbivores may be more affected than herbivores, which have coevolved with alkaloids in natural grass communities, alkaloids may actually increase herbivory, counter to the long-held notion of endophytes as defensive plant mutualists. Endophytes, by altering competitive hierarchies, diversity, and productivity in communities may also render communities more invasible by non-native species as has been shown for agronomic tall fescue. Furthermore, infected tall fescue can also change successional sequences in old fields. For ecosystem functions, infected grasses may alter decomposition and nutrient cycling rates in old field communities. Much less is known about the effects of native infected grasses on community- and ecosystem-level properties and functions. Because seed-borne endophytes are maternally inherited components that dramatically alter plant phenotypes with widespread repercussions at the community and ecosystem level, they should make good models for testing recent notions of community genetics and extended phenotypes.
