Islands : Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Function /

Oceanic islands represent a set of systems in which biological diversity varies as a consequence of remoteness or size, not environment; they are also generally simpler than continental ecosystems. Islands therefore provide an opportunity to determine the direct effects of biological diversity on ec...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Vitousek, Peter M.
Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
Other Authors: Loope, Lloyd L., Adsersen, H.
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 1995.
Series:Ecological Studies, Analysis and Synthesis ; 115.
Subjects:
Online Access:Connect to the full text of this electronic book
Description
Summary:Oceanic islands represent a set of systems in which biological diversity varies as a consequence of remoteness or size, not environment; they are also generally simpler than continental ecosystems. Islands therefore provide an opportunity to determine the direct effects of biological diversity on ecosystem function. The volume addresses the components of biological diversity on islands and their patterns of variation; the modern threats to the maintenance of biological diversity on islands; the consequences of island biology and its modification by humanity regarding aspects of ecosystem function; the global implications of islands for conservation; and how islands can help one to understand the processes inducing changes throughout the world.
Item Description:Electronic resource.
Physical Description:1 online resource (xvii, 238 pages 17 illustrations)
ISBN:9783642789632 (electronic bk.)
3642789633 (electronic bk.)
ISSN:0070-8356 ;