http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
xix, 405 pages, 10 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm.
The first book entirely devoted to this topic, Ecosystem Engineers begins with the history of the concept, presenting opposing definitions of ecosystem engineeing. These varied definitions advance the debate and move past trivial difficulties to crystallize key issues such as the value of process-based vs. outcome-based. Authors include case studies spanning a wide spectrum of species and habitats, including above and below-ground, aquatic and terrestrial, and extant and paleontological examples. These studies enable readers to understand how the categorization of species as ecosystem engineers allows scientists to forge new explanatory generalizations. Key for all ecologists and environmentalists, this book ultimately illustrates how to inform and manage natural resources. * The only consolidated treatment available * Provides definitions, case studies, and examples of ecological models * Discusses how ecosystem engineering can inform and improve the management of natural resources * Includes contributions from Clive Jones, the leading figure in the development of the ecosystem engineer concept, and many other eminent ecologists, such as Alan Hastings.
Section 1 History and Concepts -- Section 2 Examples and Applications -- Section 3 Theory and Models -- Section 4 Socio-economic issues and management solutions.
Section I. History and definitions of ecosystem engineering -- 1. On the purpose, meaning, and usage of the physical ecosystem engineering concept -- 2. A historical perspective on ecosystem engineering -- 3. A new spirit and concept for ecosystem engineering? -- 4. Ecosystem engineering: utility, contention, and progress -- Section II. Examaples and applications -- 5. Earthworms as key actors in self-organized soil systems -- 6. Microhabitat manipulation: ecosystem engineering by shelter-building insects -- 7. Carpobrotus as a case study of the complexities of species impacts -- 8. Ecosystem engineering in the fossil record: early examples from the Cambrian period -- 9. Habitat conversion associated with bioeroding marine isopods -- 10. Lessons from disparate ecosystem engineers -- Section III. Theories and models -- 11. Community responses to environmental change: results of Lotka-Volterra community theory -- 12. Model studies of ecosystem engineering in plant communities -- 13. Balancing the engineer-environment equation: the current legacy -- 14. Synthesis of ecosystem engineering theory -- Section IV. Socio-economic issues and management solutions -- 15. Restoring oyster reefs to recover ecosystem services -- 16. Managing invasive ecosystem engineers: the case of Spartina in Pacific estuaries -- 17. Livestock and engineering network in the Israeli Negev: implications for ecosystem management -- 18. Ecosystem engineers and the complex dynamics of non-native species management on California's Channel Islands -- 19. The diverse faces of ecosystem engineers in agroecosystems -- 20. Management and ecosystem engineers: current knowledge and future challenges.
Electronic reproduction. Amsterdam : Elsevier Science & Technology, 2008. Mode of access: World Wide Web. System requirements: Web browser. Title from title screen (viewed on Nov. 14, 2008). Access may be restricted to users at subscribing institutions.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
136907:137041 Elsevier Science & Technology