Forest Ecosystems - Tapa blanda

"Perry has made one of the truly major contributions to ecosystem science... Using straightforward language and simple, clear diagrams and tables Perry highlights significant concepts and theories of ecosystem science and comprehensively reviews literature on forest ecosystems from the past 25 years. Unlike other publications, this book emphasizes ecosystem processes (e.g., species interactions, biogeochemical cycling, productivity), the roles of disturbances in influencing structural variability (e.g. landscape mosaics), dynamics of ecosystems, spacial and temporal dimensions, and applications in forest management (e.g., conserving biodiversity and forest management). Basic ecological terminology, concepts, and history are introduced through discussion of these topics... A must for all forest ecology students and libraries." -- Choice

"Without question, this is an outstanding work on forest ecosystems in print. It is fresh, exciting, and more comprehensive than many other texts. Perry introduces a whole new view of forest ecosystems. This will challenge, stimulate, and redefine current understanding and management. The personal style and practical, clever examples will appeal to many disciplines and interests." -- Michael Amaranthus, U.S. Forest Service

A textbook for advanced students of forest science, ecology, and environmental studies as well as a reference for professionals in these fields, Forest Ecosystems offers a comprehensive survey of the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems worldwide: temperate, tropical, and boreal. Basic ecological concepts are stressed throughout, at scales ranging from the global to the microscopic.

The text begins with an introduction to the basic elements of the science of ecology and the role of forests in the global ecosystem. The opening chapters describe how climate influences large-scale distribution of vegetation types, and how global warming might influence that distribution. After a look at factors that influence landscape patterns, the focus shifts to topics that include temporal dynamics, biological diversity, and soils. Subsequent chapters deal with primary productivity, nutrient cycling, herbivory, ecosystem stability, and factors contributing to ecosystem collapse such as acid rain and mismanagement. A concluding chapter discusses principles of sustainable forest management.