Comparative Plant Succession among Terrestrial Biomes of the World

Karel Prach author Lawrence R Walker author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:14th May '20

Should be back in stock very soon

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Comparative Plant Succession among Terrestrial Biomes of the World cover

Provides a comparative approach to plant succession among all terrestrial biomes and disturbances, helping to reveal generalizable patterns.

This book provides the first global synthesis comparing plant succession across all major terrestrial biomes and disturbances. Students and researchers in ecology, restoration ecology and conservation biology will benefit from insights into general patterns, and restorationists can utilize succession concepts in a rapidly changing world.Despite a century of study by ecologists, recovery following disturbances (succession) is not fully understood. This book provides the first global synthesis that compares plant succession in all major terrestrial biomes and after all major terrestrial disturbances. It asks critical questions such as: Does succession follow general patterns across biomes and disturbance types? Do factors that control succession differ from biome to biome? If common drivers exist, what are they? Are they abiotic or biotic, or both? The authors provide insights on broad, generalizable patterns that go beyond site-specific studies, and present discussions on factors such as varying temporal dynamics, latitudinal differences, human-caused vs. natural disturbances, and the role of invasive alien species. This book is a must-read for researchers and students in ecology, plant ecology, restoration ecology and conservation biology. It also provides a valuable framework to aid land managers attempting to manipulate successional recovery following increasingly intense and widespread human-made disturbances.

'… a useful reference volume for students of succession … Prach and Walker … succeed in their comprehensive survey of plant succession, and in highlighting the many gaps for future research.' Gillian L Rapson, Conservation Biology
'… a much-needed summary and synthesis in a single volume … By presenting a thorough, detailed comparative summary of plant succession research to date, Prach and Walker provide the needed foundation for future successional research.' Cynthia Chang, The Quarterly Review of Biology

ISBN: 9781108460248

Dimensions: 228mm x 153mm x 20mm

Weight: 730g

412 pages