Prefacing with the aims of the book, Chapter 1 opens with an explanation of latitudinal gradients, including a description of major features of the striking gradients in species richness, exceptions to the rule, explanations, major theories and field and experimental tests. The following chapter plumbs the depth of time, including the nature of the fossil record, broad timescale diversity patterns, ecosystem changes during mass extinctions and glaciations and their influence on species richness. Chapters 3 and 4 consider hotspots and localscale patterns in species richness while Chapter 5 looks at the limitations and uncertainties on current estimates of richness, the last frontiers of species diversity and the process of identifying new life forms. The last three chapters cover humans and extinctions in history and prehistory, current habitat and global change, including the greenhouse effect, and the race to preserve what we still have, including parks, gene banks and laws. A highly readable, accessible yet rigorous and up-to-date account of the important ecological questions surrounding biological diversity INDICE: Preface: Why the book was written, aims of the book, acknowledgements; 1. Latitudinal gradients.- 2. The depth of time.- 3. Hotspots in species richness.- 4. Local scale patterns in species richness.- 5. Knowing what is out there.- 6: Humans and extinctions in history and prehistory.- 7. Present threats – habitat change and global change.- 8. Conserving what we have.
- ISBN: 978-3-540-74277-7
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 320
- Fecha Publicación: 01/06/2009
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés