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Biology of Alpine Habitats
Contributor(s): Nagy, Laszlo (Author), Grabherr, Georg (Author)
ISBN: 0198567049     ISBN-13: 9780198567042
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
OUR PRICE:   $76.95  
Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats
Published: May 2009
Qty:
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Science | Life Sciences - Biological Diversity
- Science | Life Sciences - Ecology
Dewey: 577.538
Series: Biology of Habitats
Physical Information: 0.7" H x 6.1" W x 9.1" (1.45 lbs) 390 pages
Themes:
- Topical - Ecology
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:
This book is unique in providing a global overview of alpine (high mountain) habitats that occur above the natural (cold-limited) tree line, describing the factors that have shaped them over both ecological and evolutionary timescales. The broad geographic coverage helps synthesize common
features whilst revealing differences in the world's major alpine systems from the Arctic to the Tropics. The words barren and wasteland have often been applied to describe landscapes beyond the tree line. However, a closer look reveals a large diversity of habitats, assemblages and individual
taxa in the alpine zone, largely connected to topographic diversity within individual alpine regions.

The book considers habitat-forming factors (landforms, energy and climate, hydrology, soils, and vegetation) individually, as well as their composite impacts on habitat characteristics. Evolution and population processes are examined in the context of the responsiveness/resilience of alpine habitats
to global change. Finally, a critical assessment fo the potential impacts of climate change, atmospheric pollutants and land use is made and related to the management and conservation options available for these unique habitats.

Interest in mountains continues to grow as their resource importance is increasingly recognized. This accessible text is suitable for both senior undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in ecology and environmental sciences as well as the many professional ecologists and conservation
biologists requiring a concise, authoritative overview of the topic.

Each of the books in the Oxford Biology of Habitats Series introduces a different habitat, and gives an integrated overview of the design, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of the organisms found there. The practical aspects of working within each habitat, the sorts of studies that are possible,
and habitat biodiversity and conservation status are all explored.