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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

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 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

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

Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Invertebrate Larvae

Tyler Carrier, Adam Reitzel, and Andreas Heyland (eds)

For more than a century, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and oceanographers alike have been intellectually stimulated by marine invertebrate larval forms. In 1995, Ecology of Marine Invertebrate ... More

For more than a century, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and oceanographers alike have been intellectually stimulated by marine invertebrate larval forms. In 1995, Ecology of Marine Invertebrate Larvae, edited by the late Dr. Larry McEdward, captured the fundamental phenomenon and tremendous diversity of reproductive, biological, and oceanographic aspects of larval ecology. Now, more than twenty years later, this current edited volume provides an update to many of the original 13 chapters, while also reviewing several braches of larval ecology and evolution that have developed since. In Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Invertebrate Larvae, authors review the origins of marine invertebrate larvae and the developmental mechanisms and ecological factors that may generate this great diversity, and how these microscopic organisms feed, develop, and behave in the pelagic environment. Whether actively swimming in the coastal seas or the deep abyss, larvae are often in motion and must settle on the seafloor; however, if delayed, they are susceptible to a multitude of consequences later in life. Now, in an age of change, larvae face a warmer, more acidic, and more toxic ocean than ever before. Responses to these stressors plus many other facets of larval biology can be broadly profiled, thanks to current technological advances. This edited volume provides a major synthesis of an important interdisciplinary field. It aims to foster stimulating discussions centered on the evolution and ecology of marine invertebrate larvae.Less

Evolutionary Ecology of Social and Sexual Systems: Crustaceans as Model Organisms

J. Emmett Duffy and Martin Thiel (eds)

Understanding of animal social and sexual evolution has seen a renaissance in recent years with discoveries of frequent infidelity in apparently monogamous species, the importance of sperm ... More

Understanding of animal social and sexual evolution has seen a renaissance in recent years with discoveries of frequent infidelity in apparently monogamous species, the importance of sperm competition, active female mate choice, and eusocial behavior in animals outside the traditional social insect groups. Each of these findings has raised new questions, and suggested new answers about the evolution of behavioral interactions among animals. This volume synthesizes recent research on the sexual and social biology of the Crustacea, one of the dominant invertebrate groups on earth. Its staggering diversity includes ecologically important inhabitants of nearly every environment from deep-sea trenches, through headwater streams, to desert soils. The wide range of crustacean phenotypes and environments is accompanied by a comparable diversity of behavioral and social systems, including the elaborate courtship and wildly exaggerated morphologies of fiddler crabs, the mysterious queuing behavior of migrating spiny lobsters, and even eusociality in coral-reef shrimps. This diversity makes crustaceans particularly valuable for exploring the comparative evolution of sexual and social systems. Despite exciting recent advances, however, general recognition of the value of Crustacea as models has lagged behind that of the better studied insects and vertebrates. This book synthesizes the state of the field in crustacean behavior and sociobiology, and places it in a conceptually based, comparative framework that will be valuable to active researchers and students in animal behavior, ecology, and evolutionary biology. It brings together a group of experts in fields related to crustacean behavioral ecology, ranging from physiology and functional morphology, through mating and social behavior, to ecology and phylogeny. Each chapter makes connections to other non-crustacean taxa, and the volume closes with a summary section that synthesizes the contributions, discusses anthropogenic impacts, highlights unanswered questions, and provides a vision for profitable future research.Less

Food Webs and the Dynamics of Marine Reefs

Tim McClanahan and George M. Branch (eds)

The book summarizes recent developments in the ecology of kelp forests and coral reefs in order to develop an understanding of the general principles of their ecological organization and how they ... More

The book summarizes recent developments in the ecology of kelp forests and coral reefs in order to develop an understanding of the general principles of their ecological organization and how they might be managed from an ecosystem perspective. Ecosystem management has recently become a major focus of efforts to sustain and manage natural resources and this primarily depends on an understanding of the state of the environment, component taxa, and their interactions that compose these food webs. Consequently, this book is an effort to make the desired transition toward ecosystem management by summarizing some of the recent and significant advances in our understanding of the Earth's shallow subtidal marine reefs in the last few decades, specifically coral reefs and kelp forests. The book offers a current review of our understanding of shallow benthic marine reefs and associated fisheries, focusing on food webs and how they have and are currently being altered by human influences. Chapters collectively span the globe and bring together the disparate literature into a synthetic and holistic understanding of these ecosystems. The authors introduce the environments and the food webs, how they vary in space and time, and address human influences. Based on the data and information reviewed, the authors present recommendations that would alleviate potential environmental or biodiversity problems. The main findings of the chapters are summarized in a concluding section synthesizing the organization of shallow marine reefs.Less

Freshwater Ecology and Conservation: Approaches and Techniques

Jocelyne Hughes (ed.)

This practical manual of freshwater ecology and conservation provides a state-of-the-art review of the methods and techniques used to measure, monitor, and conserve freshwater ecosystems. It offers a ... More

This practical manual of freshwater ecology and conservation provides a state-of-the-art review of the methods and techniques used to measure, monitor, and conserve freshwater ecosystems. It offers a single, comprehensive, and accessible synthesis of the vast amount of technical literature for freshwater ecology and conservation that is currently dispersed in manuals, toolkits, journals, handbooks, ‘grey’ literature, and websites. Successful conservation outcomes are ultimately built on a sound ecological framework in which every species must be assessed and understood at the individual, community, and catchment level of interaction. For example, freshwater ecologists need to understand hydrochemical storages and fluxes, the physical systems influencing freshwaters at the catchment and landscape scale, and the hydrochemical processes that maintain species assemblages and their dynamics. A thorough understanding of all these varied processes, and the techniques for studying them, is essential for the effective conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems. Primarily aimed at graduate students and established researchers in the fields of freshwater ecology and conservation biology, this book is also a valuable reference for conservation practitioners, aquatic managers, and professional limnologists worldwide.Less

Freshwater Mussel Ecology: A Multifactor Approach to Distribution and Abundance

David Strayer

Pearly mussels (Unionoidea) live in lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. These bivalves play important roles in freshwater ecosystems and were once both culturally and economically valuable ... More

Pearly mussels (Unionoidea) live in lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. These bivalves play important roles in freshwater ecosystems and were once both culturally and economically valuable as sources of food, pearls, and mother-of-pearl. Today, however, hundreds of species of these mussels are extinct or endangered. This book provides a critical synthesis of the factors that control the distribution and abundance of pearly mussels. Using empirical analyses and models, it assesses the effects of dispersal, habitat quality, fish host availability, adequate food, predators, and parasites. The book also addresses conservation issues that apply to other inhabitants of fresh waters around the globe and other pressing issues in contemporary ecology.Less