Tropical Ecology

This full-color illustrated textbook offers the first comprehensive introduction to all major aspects of tropical ecology. It explains why the world's tropical rain forests are so universally rich in species, what factors may contribute to high species richness, how nutrient cycles affect rain forest ecology, and how ecologists investigate the complex interrelationships among flora and fauna. It covers tropical montane ecology, riverine ecosystems, savanna, dry forest--and more.

Tropical Ecology begins with a historical overview followed by a sweeping discussion of biogeography and evolution, and then introduces students to the unique and complex structure of tropical rain forests. Other topics include the processes that influence everything from species richness to rates of how global climate change may affect rain forest characteristics and function; how fragmentation of ecosystems affects species richness and ecological processes; human ecology in the tropics; biodiversity; and conservation of tropical ecosystems and species.

Drawing on real-world examples taken from actual research, Tropical Ecology is the best textbook on the subject for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

Offers the first comprehensive introduction to tropical ecology

Describes all the major kinds of tropical terrestrial ecosystems

Explains species diversity, evolutionary processes, and coevolutionary interactions

Features numerous color illustrations and examples from actual research

Covers global warming, deforestation, reforestation, fragmentation, and conservation

The essential textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students

Suitable for courses with a field component

Leading universities that have adopted this book

Biola University

Bucknell University

California State University, Fullerton

Colorado State University - Fort Collins

Francis Marion University

Michigan State University

Middlebury College

Northern Kentucky University

Ohio Wesleyan University

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Syracuse University

Tulane University

University of California, Santa Cruz

University of Central Florida

University of Cincinnati

University of Florida

University of Missouri

University of New Mexico

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of the West Indies