Trophic cascades
Subtitle: predators, prey, and the changing dynamics of nature
By: edited by John Terborgh and James A. Estes
Publisher: Island Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington [DC]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 464
ISBN-13: 9781597264860; 9781597264877
Description: "Trophic cascades--the top-down regulation of ecosystems by predators--are an essential aspect of ecosystem function and well-being. Trophic cascades are often drastically disrupted by human interventions--for example, when wolves and cougars are removed, allowing deer and beaver to become destructive--yet have only recently begun to be considered in the development of conservation and management strategies. Trophic Cascades is the first comprehensive presentation of the science on this subject. It brings together some of the world's leading scientists and researchers to explain the importance of large animals in regulating ecosystems, and to relate that scientific knowledge to practical conservation. Chapters examine trophic cascades across the world's major biomes, including intertidal habitats, coastal oceans, lakes, nearshore ecosystems, open oceans, tropical forests, boreal and temperate ecosystems, low arctic scrubland, savannas, and islands. Additional chapters consider aboveground/belowground linkages, predation and ecosystem processes, consumer control by megafauna and fire, and alternative states in ecosystems. An introductory chapter offers a concise overview of trophic cascades, while concluding chapters consider theoretical perspectives and comparative issues. Trophic Cascades provides a scientific basis and justification for the idea that large predators and top-down forcing must be considered in conservation strategies, alongside factors such as habitat preservation and invasive species. It is a groundbreaking work for scientists and managers involved with biodiversity conservation and protection."--Publisher's website.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Trophic cascades : what they are, how they work, and why they matter / John Terborgh, Robert D. Holt, and James A. Estes; title: Food chain dynamics and trophic cascades in intertidal habitats / Robert T. Paine; title: Some effects of apex predators in higher-latitude coastal oceans / James A .Estes, Charles H. Peterson, and Robert S. Steneck; title: Trophic cascades in lakes : lessons and prospects / Stephen R. Carpenter ... [et al.]; title: Prey release, trophic cascades, and phase shifts in tropical nearshore ecosystems / Stuart A. Sandin, Sheila M. Walsh, and Jeremy B.C. Jackson; title: Trophic cascades in open ocean ecosystems / Tim Essington; title: The role of herbivores in terrestrial trophic cascades / Robert J. Marquis; title: Propagation of trophic cascades via multiple pathways in tropical forests / John Terborgh and Kenneth Feeley; title: Large predators, deer, and trophic cascades in boreal and temperate ecosystems / William J. Ripple, Thomas P. Rooney, and Robert L. Beschta; title: Islands as tests of the green world hypothesis / Lauri Oksanen ... [et al.]; title: Trophic cascades on islands / Thomas W. Schoener and David A. Spiller; title: Trophic cascades, aboveground-belowground linkages, and ecosystem functioning / David A. Wardle; title: Ecological and conservation implications of mesopredator release / Justin S. Brashares ... [et al.]; title: Fear-mediated food webs / Joel Berger; title: Trophic cascades in African savanna : Serengeti as a case study / A.R.E. Sinclair ... [et al.]; title: Consumer control by megafauna and fire / William Bond; title: Alternative states in ecosystems / Marten Scheffer; title: Theoretical perspectives on trophic cascades : current trends and future directions / Robert D. Holt, Ricardo M. Holdo, and F.J. Frank van Veen; title: Comparing trophic cascades across ecosystems / Jonathan B. Shurin, Russell W. Markel, and Blake Matthews; title: Conservation relevance of ecological cascades / Michael E. Soulé; title: Conclusion : our trophically degraded planet / John Terborgh and James A. Estes.