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Annelida

Greg Rouse, Fredrik Pleijel, and Ekin Tilic

Annelids (the segmented worms) exist in a remarkably diverse range of mostly marine but also freshwater and terrestrial habitats, varying greatly in size and form. This text provides. This text ... More

Annelids (the segmented worms) exist in a remarkably diverse range of mostly marine but also freshwater and terrestrial habitats, varying greatly in size and form. This text provides. This text begins with an introduction to the phylum and an outline of annelid taxonomy. The book describes their collection and the methods to ensure their optimal preservation, and provides an overview of anatomy with its relevant terminology. It includes the latest molecular phylogenomic evidence and is organised based on a new, robust phylogenetic hypothesis. It looks at groups which include Clitellata (comprising more than a third of total annelid diversity), Sipuncula, and Thalassematidae (formerly Echiura). It reflects the enormous amount of research on these organisms that has burgeoned since the millennium, principally due to their use as model organisms to address wider and more general evolutionary and ecological questions.Less

Aquatic Entomology

Jill Lancaster and Barbara J. Downes

Aquatic insects are the dominant invertebrate fauna in most freshwater ecosystems, and these insects figure prominently in the work of researchers, students, and managers, from diverse backgrounds. ... More

Aquatic insects are the dominant invertebrate fauna in most freshwater ecosystems, and these insects figure prominently in the work of researchers, students, and managers, from diverse backgrounds. This broad-based reference text brings together a huge and scattered literature that presents recent advancements in the basic biology of aquatic insects from around the world — information that is not available in standard texts on entomology, freshwater ecology, or ecohydrology. Because aquatic insects have complex life cycles, they must master both terrestrial and aquatic environments, and also cross these ecosystem boundaries during different stages of development and reproduction. Consequently, this text presents the essential, relevant basics of entomology, but also topics unique to aquatic species. Life in and on top of the water surface are covered in unusual detail, including the biomechanics of life in water, locomotion on surface films and under water, gas exchange, physico-chemical stressors, feeding underwater, sensory perception and communication, reproduction, egg-laying and development, and the evolution of aquatic habits.Less

Aquatic Food Webs: An ecosystem approach

Andrea Belgrano, Ursula M. Scharler, Jennifer Dunne, and Robert E. Ulanowicz (eds)

This book provides a synthesis of theoretical and empirical food web research. Whether they are binary systems or weighted networks, food webs are of particular interest to ecologists by providing a ... More

This book provides a synthesis of theoretical and empirical food web research. Whether they are binary systems or weighted networks, food webs are of particular interest to ecologists by providing a macroscopic view of ecosystems. They describe interactions between species and their environment, and subsequent advances in the understanding of their structure, function, and dynamics are of vital importance to ecosystem management and conservation. This book covers issues of structure, function, scaling, complexity, and stability in the contexts of conservation, fisheries, and climate. Although the focus of this volume is upon aquatic food webs (where many of the recent advances have been made), many other issues are addressed.Less

The Biology of Coral Reefs

Charles R. C. Sheppard, Simon K. Davy, and Graham M. Pilling

Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of protein and income for many millions of people. However, the combined effects of ... More

Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of protein and income for many millions of people. However, the combined effects of human activities have led to a rapid decline in the health of reefs worldwide, with many now facing complete destruction. This book provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of coral reef organisms. Each chapter is enriched with a selection of ‘boxes’ on specific aspects written by internationally recognised experts. The emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this marine environment although pollution, conservation, climate change, and experimental aspects are also included. Indeed, particular emphasis is placed on conservation and management due to the habitat's critically endangered status. A global range of examples is employed which gives the book international relevance.Less

The Biology of Coral Reefs

Charles Sheppard, Simon Davy, Graham Pilling, and Nicholas Graham

Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of protein and income for many millions of people. Ecologically they are as complex ... More

Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of protein and income for many millions of people. Ecologically they are as complex as they are diverse and colourful. However, the combined effects of human activities have led to a rapid decline worldwide in the health of reefs. This timely book provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology and behaviour of coral reef organisms. Each chapter is enriched with a selection of ‘boxes’ on specific aspects written by internationally recognized experts. As with other books in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this marine environment, although pollution, conservation, climate change and experimental aspects are also included. Indeed, particular emphasis is placed on conservation and management due to the habitat’s critically endangered status. A global range of examples is employed which gives the book international relevance. This accessible text is intended for students, naturalists and professionals and assumes no previous knowledge of coral reef biology. It is particularly suitable for both senior undergraduate and graduate students (in departments of biology, geography, and environmental science) taking courses in coral reef ecology, marine biology, oceanography and conservation biology, as well as the many professional ecologists and conservation biologists requiring a concise overview of the topic. It will also be of relevance and use to reef managers, recreational divers and amateur naturalists.Less

The Biology of Lakes and Ponds

Christer Brönmark and Lars-Anders Hansson

The Biology of Lakes and Ponds focuses on the interactions between the abiotic frame, such as turbulence, temperature, pH and nutrients, and the organisms, including interactions with and among ... More

The Biology of Lakes and Ponds focuses on the interactions between the abiotic frame, such as turbulence, temperature, pH and nutrients, and the organisms, including interactions with and among organisms at the individual, population and community level. The book fills this niche between traditional limnology and evolutionary ecology by focusing on physiological, morphological and behavioural adaptations among organisms to abiotic and biotic factors and how interactions between biotic processes and abiotic constraints determine the structure and dynamics of lake and pond systems. In addition, the book describes and analyses the causes and consequences of human activities on freshwater organisms and ecosystems and covers longstanding environmental threats, such as eutrophication and acidification, as well as novel threats, such as biodiversity loss, use of everyday chemicals and global climate change. However, also signs of improvement and the possibilities to restore degraded ecosystems are discussed and provide hope for future generations.Less

The Biology of Mangroves and Seagrasses

Peter Hogarth

Mangroves and seagrasses form extensive and highly productive ecosystems that are biologically diverse and economically valuable. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the ... More

Mangroves and seagrasses form extensive and highly productive ecosystems that are biologically diverse and economically valuable. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the biology and ecology of mangroves and seagrasses, using a global range of examples. It deals with the adaptations of these plants to their exacting environment; the rich and diverse communities of organisms that depend on mangrove forests and seagrass meadows (including tree-climbing shrimps, synchronously flashing fireflies, and ‘gardening’ seacows); the links between mangrove, seagrass, and other habitats; the evolution, biodiversity, and biogeography of mangroves and seagrasses; and the likely effects of global climate change. The economic value of mangroves and seagrasses is also discussed, including approaches to rational management of these vital resources, and techniques for the restoration of degraded habitats. Particular emphasis is placed on the organisms that dominate these aquatic environments although pollution, conservation, and experimental aspects are also considered.Less

The Biology of Mangroves and Seagrasses, Third Edition

Peter J. Hogarth

Mangroves and seagrasses form extensive and highly productive ecosystems that are biologically diverse and economically valuable. This new edition provides an introduction to all aspects of the ... More

Mangroves and seagrasses form extensive and highly productive ecosystems that are biologically diverse and economically valuable. This new edition provides an introduction to all aspects of the biology and ecology of mangroves and seagrasses, using a global range of examples. It deals with the adaptations of these plants to their exacting environment, the rich and diverse communities of organisms that depend on mangrove forests and seagrass meadows (including tree-climbing crabs, marine ants, flashing fireflies, and ‘gardening’ seacows), the links between mangroves, seagrasses, and other coastal habitats, the evolution, biodiversity, and biogeography of mangroves and seagrasses, and — an increasingly pressing issue — the impact of climate change. The economic value of mangroves and seagrasses is also discussed, including — with case studies — approaches to rational management of these vital resources. Particular emphasis is placed on the organisms that dominate (and change) these aquatic environments, and their interactions: human impacts, including pollution and overexploitation are also considered.Less

The Biology of Sharks and Rays

Peter A. Klimley and Steven Oerding

This book provides a resource on the biological and physiological characteristics of the cartilaginous fishes: sharks, rays, and chimaeras. In sixteen chapters, the book covers a broad spectrum of ... More

This book provides a resource on the biological and physiological characteristics of the cartilaginous fishes: sharks, rays, and chimaeras. In sixteen chapters, the book covers a broad spectrum of topics, including taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and physiology. For example, it explains the body design of sharks and why the ridged, toothlike denticles that cover their entire bodies are present on only part of the rays' bodies and are absent from those of chimaeras. Another chapter explores the anatomy of the jaws and the role of the muscles and teeth in jaw extension, seizure, and handling of prey.Less

The Biology of Temporary Waters

D. Dudley Williams

Temporary waters are found throughout the world, including intermittent streams and ponds, episodic rain puddles, seasonal limestone lakes, and the water-retaining structures of plants, such as ... More

Temporary waters are found throughout the world, including intermittent streams and ponds, episodic rain puddles, seasonal limestone lakes, and the water-retaining structures of plants, such as bromeliads and pitcher plants. They are populated by a variety of plant, animal, and microscopic communities ranging from the very simple to the highly complex. As such, they represent fascinating and significant arenas to study the properties of species, as the latter deals with the rigours of living in highly variable environments. Obligate temporary water species display a remarkable array of adaptations to the periodic loss of their primary medium that largely sets them apart from the inhabitants of permanent water bodies. The survival of individuals frequently depends upon exceptional physiological tolerance or effective migrational abilities that are timed to appropriate habitat phases. However, apart from their inherent biological interest, temporary waters are now in the limelight from a conservation perspective as these habitats come more and more into conflict with human activities. Traditionally, many temporary waters — be they ponds, pools, streams, or wetlands — have been considered as ‘wasted’ areas of land, potentially convertible to agriculture once drained. In reality, they are natural features of the global landscape representing distinct and unique habitats for many species — some that are found nowhere else, others that reach their maximum abundance there. Temporary waters are also very important from a human health perspective, since they function as breeding places for the vectors of many disease organisms.Less

Dead Zones: The Loss of Oxygen from Rivers, Lakes, Seas, and the Ocean

David L. Kirchman

This book explores the many rivers, lakes, and oceans that are losing oxygen. Aquatic habitats with little dissolved oxygen are called dead zones because nothing can live there except some microbes. ... More

This book explores the many rivers, lakes, and oceans that are losing oxygen. Aquatic habitats with little dissolved oxygen are called dead zones because nothing can live there except some microbes. The number and size of dead zones are increasing worldwide. The book shows that oxygen loss causes fish kills, devastates bottom-dwelling biota, reduces biological diversity, and rearranges aquatic food webs. In the 19th century in rich countries and in poor regions today, dead zones are accompanied by waterborne diseases that kill thousands of people. The open oceans are losing oxygen because of climate change, whereas dead zones in coastal waters and seas are caused by excessive nutrients, which promote excessive growth of algae and eventually oxygen depletion. Work by Gene Turner and Nancy Rabalais demonstrated that nutrients in the Gulf of Mexico come from fertilizers used in the US Midwest, home to the most productive cropland in the world. Agriculture is also the biggest source of nutrients fuelling dead zones in the Baltic Sea and other coastal waters. Today, fertilizers contaminate drinking water and kick-start harmful algal blooms in local lakes and reservoirs. Nutrient pollution in some regions has declined because of buffer zones, cover crops, and precision agriculture, but more needs to be done. The book concludes by arguing that each of us can do our part by changing our diet; eating less, especially eating less red meat, would improve our health and the health of the environment. A better diet could reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by agriculture and shrink dead zones worldwide.Less

Developmental Biology and Larval Ecology: The Natural History of the Crustacea, Volume 7

Klaus Anger, Steffen Harzsch, and Martin Thiel (eds)

This volume examines Developmental Biology and Larval Ecology, Chapters in this volume synthesize our current understanding of early crustacean development from the egg through the embryonic and ... More

This volume examines Developmental Biology and Larval Ecology, Chapters in this volume synthesize our current understanding of early crustacean development from the egg through the embryonic and larval phase. The first part of this volume focuses on the fundamental aspects of crustacean embryonic development. The second part of the book provides an account of the larval phase of crustaceans and describes processes that influence the development from hatching to an adult-like juvenile. The third and final part of the book explores ecological interactions during the planktonic phase and how crustacean larvae manage to find food, navigate the dynamic water column, and avoid predators in a medium that offers few refuges. Collectively, these fifteen chapters provide a thorough overview of our present knowledge across the major themes in crustacean developmental biology and larval ecology. We expect this volume will be valuable to scholars and students who are interested in gaining deeper insights into the processes that lead from a single cell to subsequent stages of life and how - growing organisms face the challenges posed by their environment.Less

Early Life History of Marine Fishes

Bruce Miller

Sirpa Nummela (ed.)

The life cycles of fishes are complex and varied, and knowledge of the early life stages is important for understanding the biology, ecology, and evolution of fishes. This book bring together in a ... More

The life cycles of fishes are complex and varied, and knowledge of the early life stages is important for understanding the biology, ecology, and evolution of fishes. This book bring together in a single reference much of the research available and its application to fishery science—knowledge increasingly important because for most fishes, adult populations are determined at the earliest stages of life. This book offers expert guidance on how to collect and analyze larval fish data and on how this information is interpreted by applied fish biologists and fisheries managers.Less

Ecological and Environmental Physiology of Amphibians

Stanley S. Hillman, Philip C. Withers, Robert C. Drewes, and Stanley D. Hillyard

Amphibians are the descendants of the first vertebrate class to successfully colonize terrestrial environments. They rely on water more than any other terrestrial group and occupy a unique position ... More

Amphibians are the descendants of the first vertebrate class to successfully colonize terrestrial environments. They rely on water more than any other terrestrial group and occupy a unique position between fishes and reptiles. This book provides a synthesis of current research on the ecological and environmental physiology of amphibians, with a particular emphasis on metabolic and water balance strategies associated with the range of habitats, aquatic to terrestrial, that are occupied by extant amphibian species. The topics include the suite of morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations associated with specific habitats, and the use of systematics in elucidating patterns of evolutionary change. The book includes over one thousand references on basic physiological principles, ecology, phylogeny, and development.Less

Ecology of Coastal Marine Sediments: Form, Function, and Change in the Anthropocene

Simon Thrush, Judi Hewitt, Conrad Pilditch, and Alf Norkko

Marine sediments dominate the seafloor, creating one of the largest ecosystems on earth. Marine sediments contain some of the steepest known natural chemical gradients and are extraordinarily ... More

Marine sediments dominate the seafloor, creating one of the largest ecosystems on earth. Marine sediments contain some of the steepest known natural chemical gradients and are extraordinarily productive and reactive, particularly in shallow water. The plants and animals that live on and in marine sediments create highly heterogeneous conditions that strongly influence ecosystem functions and how marine ecosystems drive and respond to change. Seafloor biodiversity is a key mediator of ecosystem functioning, but its role is often excluded from global budgets or simplified to black boxes in ecosystem models. Despite this, marine sediments are fascinating places to study population, community and ecosystem ecology. This book provides an overview of soft-sediment ecosystems and how and why we should study them. It addresses the interactions between marine organisms and their physical and chemical environment, why we need to carefully design research and provides basic steps needed to both formulate good ecological questions and translate them into empirical studies of real-world ecosystems. It provides a context for different points of entry into soft-sediment ecology by offering a high-level approach. It is designed to help you think about the connections between different system components and drivers of change and identify how you can make a contribution to developing knowledge on the biodiversity and functioning of soft sediments and understanding ecosystem change, human impacts and the need for restoration.Less

Ecology of High Altitude Waters

Dean Jacobsen and Olivier Dangles

This book brings together current knowledge on patterns and processes in the ecology of streams, lakes, and wetlands situated at more than 3000 m above sea level. The alpine headwaters of the large ... More

This book brings together current knowledge on patterns and processes in the ecology of streams, lakes, and wetlands situated at more than 3000 m above sea level. The alpine headwaters of the large Asian rivers and Lake Titicaca are both well-known and iconic examples. High altitude waters include more than these systems—they are both numerous and cover many habitat types, organisms, and specializations. The book provides an overview of the variety of aquatic ecosystems and habitats, their environmental features, prominent species, and their functional adaptations to the harsh aquatic environmental conditions through to global diversity patterns along altitudinal gradients, community dynamics, species interactions and dispersal, trophic relations, and energy flows. High altitude waters are ideal systems to address a broad range of topical themes in ecology because patterns and processes are both diverse and singular. The book highlights how key concepts in ecology (e.g. the stress gradient hypothesis, the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship) could find relevant study models in high altitude waters. The usual perception of pristine mountain waters is far from true, particularly in the case of high altitude waters at low latitudes where human population density is often high, and local communities live in intimate contact with, utilize, influence, and exploit these aquatic systems. Climate change effects, extinction risks of mountain populations due to vanishing glaciers, multiple human impacts, management, and conservation are also treated thoroughly. The book is richly illustrated with diagrams and numerous pictures of these poorly known systems and species.Less

The Ecology of Marine Fishes: California and Adjacent Waters

Larry Allen

Marine fishes have been intensively studied, and some of the fundamental ideas in the science of marine ecology have emerged from the body of knowledge derived from this diverse group of organisms. ... More

Marine fishes have been intensively studied, and some of the fundamental ideas in the science of marine ecology have emerged from the body of knowledge derived from this diverse group of organisms. This book provides a synthesis and interpretation of the large, often daunting, body of information on the ecology of marine fishes. The focus is on the fauna of the eastern Pacific, especially the fishes of the California coast, a group among the most diverse and best studied of all marine ecosystems. This volume sheds new light on the study of marine fish ecology worldwide. The contributors touch on many fields in biology, including physiology, development, genetics, behavior, ecology, and evolution. The book includes sections on the history of research, both published and unpublished data, sections on collecting techniques, and references to important earlier studies.Less

The Ecology of Snow and Ice Environments

Johanna Laybourn-Parry, Martyn Tranter, and Andrew J. Hodson

Snow and ice environments support significant biological activity, yet the biological importance of some of these habitats, for example glaciers, has only recently gained appreciation. Collectively ... More

Snow and ice environments support significant biological activity, yet the biological importance of some of these habitats, for example glaciers, has only recently gained appreciation. Collectively these environments form part of the cryosphere, most of which is situated at high latitudes. Ice environments are regarded as important sentinels of climate change. The polar regions are warming more rapidly than lower latitudes, resulting in marked changes in the extent of ice sheets, glaciers, and the sea ice. The important issue of climate change is embedded throughout this book, which draws together current knowledge of biological activity in ice and snow. It provides an introductory chapter to the physical and chemical conditions in ice and snow habitats, and to the organisms and communities that inhabit them. The Earth's icy biome supports significant biological activity, most of it mediated by microorganisms. This introduction provides a foundation for the subsequent chapters, which deal in detail with the chemistry, physical environment, and biological functioning in snow, ice surface environments, sea and lake ice, and subglacial environments. A chapter on astrobiology is included because glacial systems are regarded as an analogue for potential life on planets such as Mars and the moons of Jupiter (e.g., Europa). One of the justifications for biological research in Earth's icy environments is its potential value in astrobiology. The final chapter deals with future research directions in what is a relatively new area of ecological research.Less

Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management: Progress, Importance, and Impacts in the United States

Jason S. Link and Anthony R. Marshak

By examining a suite of over 90 indicators for nine major U.S. fishery ecosystem jurisdictions, Link and Marshak systematically track the progress the U.S. has made toward advancing ecosystem-based ... More

By examining a suite of over 90 indicators for nine major U.S. fishery ecosystem jurisdictions, Link and Marshak systematically track the progress the U.S. has made toward advancing ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) and making it an operational reality. Covering a range of socioeconomic, governance, environmental forcing, major pressures, systems ecology, and fisheries criteria, they evaluate progress toward EBFM in the U.S., covering a wide range of longitude, latitude, and parts of major ocean basins, representing over 10% of the world’s ocean surface area. They view progress toward the implementation of EBFM as synonymous with improved management of living marine resources in general, and highlight lessons learned from a national perspective. Although US-centric, the lessons learned are applicable for all parts of the global ocean. Though much work remains, significant progress has been made to better address many of the challenges facing the sustainable management of our living marine resources.Less

Essential Fish Biology: Diversity, structure, and function

Derek Burton and Margaret Burton

This book summarizes the basic features of living fish. It is introduced by a chapter on the diversity of a group which has over 30,000 species, the largest within the vertebrates, describing the ... More

This book summarizes the basic features of living fish. It is introduced by a chapter on the diversity of a group which has over 30,000 species, the largest within the vertebrates, describing the classification systems used for them and the variety of their habitats and morphology. Thereafter the physiology of fish is described and discussed initially by categories such as the outer boundary (the skin), the circulatory system, food processing, reproduction, hormones as integrators and controllers, the nervous system and the very complex set of sensory receptors including the eyes, ears, lateral line and electro-receptors. Unusual structures, adaptations and behaviours reveal the breadth of fish lifestyles from deep-ocean to shallow reef habitats, with both fresh water and marine margins favouring some near-terrestrial forms even emerging to spawn. With enormous ranges of size, shape and lifecycles, fish are capable of extreme longevity and amazing adjustments to their environment, including colour change, light emission by photophores and sporadic hermaphroditism (both sexes in one individual). The use of fish types by scientists is discussed. Referenced throughout, the scope of the book includes reviews of historically important and recent discoveries and some speculation on the future for fish and fish conservation. Appendices are provided to give in-depth information on some topics, including material briefly describing practical procedures, relevant to experimentation and aquaculture, which may prompt further investigation. The glossary with explanations of terms, and the copious illustrations help understanding of this complex subject area.Less