Grasses and grassland ecology
By: David J. Gibson.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 305
ISBN-13: 9780198529194; 9780198529187
Subjects: Grassland ecology; Grasslands; Grasses
First sentence: The purpose of this first chapter is to introduce the grassland biome. (from Introduction, Chapter 1).
Description: Grasslands, in particular managed pastures and rangelands, are widespread, covering approximately 40% (52 million km2) of the Earth's land surface. They are dominated by members of the Poaceae - the fourth largest plant family with over 7,500 species, and also the most widespread. Grasslands constitute a major biome on all continents except Antarctica and also represent the most important food crop on Earth with corn, wheat, maize, rice and millet accounting for the majority of our agricultural output.

Grasses and Grassland Ecology provides an ecologically orientated introduction to this influential group of plants, summarizing the most recent scientific research in ecology and agriculture in the context of the older, classic literature. Ten chapters cover the morphology, anatomy, physiology and systematics of grasses, their population, community and ecosystem ecology, their global distribution, and the effects of disturbance and grassland management.

This comprehensive and accessible textbook is suitable for graduate level students as well as professional researchers in the fields of plant ecology, rangeland science, crop science, and agriculture.
Notes: Includes index and 14 colour plates.
Table of contents: title: Systematics and evolution
pagenum: 21; title: Ecological morphology and anatomy
pagenum: 35; title: Physiology
pagenum: 58; title: Population ecology
pagenum: 81; title: Community ecology
pagenum: 110; title: Ecosystem ecology
pagenum: 129; title: World grasslands
pagenum: 160; title: Disturbance
pagenum: 184; title: Management and restoration.
pagenum: 211