Nearly one-third of the land area on our planet is classified as arid or desert. Therefore, an understanding of the dynamics of such arid ecosystems is essential to managing those systems in a way that sustains human populations. This second edition of Ecology of Desert Systems provides a clear, extensive guide to the complex interactions involved in these areas.
This book details the relationships between abiotic and biotic environments of desert ecosystems, demonstrating to readers how these interactions drive ecological processes. These include plant growth and animal reproductive success, the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation and animals, and the influence of invasive species and anthropogenic climate change specific to arid systems. Drawing on the extensive experience of its expert authors, Ecology of Desert Systems is an essential guide to arid ecosystems for students looking for an overview of the field, researchers keen to learn how their work fits in to the overall picture, and those involved with environmental management of desert areas.
1. Cover image - p. iv 2. Title page - p. iv 3. Table of Contents - p. iv 4. Copyright - p. iv 5. Preface - p. ix 6. Acknowledgments - p. xi 7. Chapter 1: Conceptual Framework, Paradigms, and Models - p. xi 8. Chapter 2: Landforms, Geomorphology, and Vegetation - p. 20 9. Chapter 3: Characterization of Desert Climates - p. 45 10. Chapter 4: Wind and Water Processes - p. 72 11. Chapter 5: Patch—Mosiac Dynamics - p. 107 12. Chapter 6: Adaptations - p. 133 13. Chapter 7: Primary Production - p. 171 14. Chapter 8: Consumers and Their Effects - p. 201 15. Chapter 9: Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling - p. 263 16. Chapter 10: Nonnative, Exotic, or Alien Species - p. 315 17. Chapter 11: Anthropogenic Climate Change in Deserts - p. 342 18. Chapter 12: Desertification - p. 370 19. Chapter 13: Rehabilitation of Degraded Landscapes - p. 395 20. Chapter 14: Monitoring and Assessment - p. 412 21. Chapter 15: The Human Footprint (Roads; Urbanization; Energy Developments) - p. 424 22. Glossary - p. 447 23. Index - p. 451
Nearly one-third of the land area on our planet is classified as arid or desert. Therefore, an understanding of the dynamics of such arid ecosystems is essential to managing those systems in a way that sustains human populations. This second edition of Ecology of Desert Systems provides a clear, extensive guide to the complex interactions involved in these areas.
This book details the relationships between abiotic and biotic environments of desert ecosystems, demonstrating to readers how these interactions drive ecological processes. These include plant growth and animal reproductive success, the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation and animals, and the influence of invasive species and anthropogenic climate change specific to arid systems. Drawing on the extensive experience of its expert authors, Ecology of Desert Systems is an essential guide to arid ecosystems for students looking for an overview of the field, researchers keen to learn how their work fits in to the overall picture, and those involved with environmental management of desert areas.
1. Cover image - p. iv 2. Title page - p. iv 3. Table of Contents - p. iv 4. Copyright - p. iv 5. Preface - p. ix 6. Acknowledgments - p. xi 7. Chapter 1: Conceptual Framework, Paradigms, and Models - p. xi 8. Chapter 2: Landforms, Geomorphology, and Vegetation - p. 20 9. Chapter 3: Characterization of Desert Climates - p. 45 10. Chapter 4: Wind and Water Processes - p. 72 11. Chapter 5: Patch—Mosiac Dynamics - p. 107 12. Chapter 6: Adaptations - p. 133 13. Chapter 7: Primary Production - p. 171 14. Chapter 8: Consumers and Their Effects - p. 201 15. Chapter 9: Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling - p. 263 16. Chapter 10: Nonnative, Exotic, or Alien Species - p. 315 17. Chapter 11: Anthropogenic Climate Change in Deserts - p. 342 18. Chapter 12: Desertification - p. 370 19. Chapter 13: Rehabilitation of Degraded Landscapes - p. 395 20. Chapter 14: Monitoring and Assessment - p. 412 21. Chapter 15: The Human Footprint (Roads; Urbanization; Energy Developments) - p. 424 22. Glossary - p. 447 23. Index - p. 451
