Comparative Plant Succession among Terrestrial Biomes of the World

Description

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. Cover Front Matter ECOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY, AND CONSERVATION Comparative Plant Succession among Terrestrial Biomes of the World Copyright Contents Preface 1 Introduction Part I - Plant Succession and Biomes 2 Humans and Succession 3 Terrestrial Biomes Part II - Succession by Disturbance Type 4 Comparative Approach 5 Volcanoes 6 Glaciers 7 Cyclones 8 Dunes 9 Landslides 10 Floods 11 Fire 12 Clearcuts 13 Plowed Fields 14 Mines 15 Other Disturbances Part III - Synthesis 16 Synthesis 17 Conclusions and Future Research Challenges Appendix 1. Glossary Appendix 2. Literature and Search Phrases Used in Comparative Analyses References Index