Title: Biological diversity : the coexistence of species on changing landscapes /
Authors: Huston, Michael A.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press,
Year: 1994
Subjects: Species diversity; Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources
Abstract: "This book describes the natural processes that must be understood in order to manage and protect the Earth's biological diversity. The author begins with a clear definition of biological diversity and a summary of the types of diversity patterns found on Earth. Next he lays out a scientific framework for understanding the complex array of diversity patterns, including the distribution of rare species to landscape patterns visible from space. Many fascinating case studies of coral reefs, fire-maintained shrublands, prairies, and tropical rain forests illustrate the theories and models described in this book, including such fundamental issues as endemism, invasions, and extinction in temperate, tropical, and marine ecosystems."--Publisher description.
Contents: Raw material and tools -- Theories of species diversity -- Mechanisms that regulate diversity at various spatial and temporal scales -- Case studies : patterns and hypotheses.