Plant Ecology

Book Description

This textbook covers Plant Ecology from the molecular to the global level. It covers the following areas in unprecedented breadth and depth:

- Molecular ecophysiology (stress physiology: light, temperature, oxygen deficiency, drought, salt, heavy metals, xenobiotica and biotic stress factors)
- Autecology (whole plant ecology: thermal balance, water, nutrient, carbon relations)
- Ecosystem ecology (plants as part of ecosystems, element cycles, biodiversity)
- Synecology (development of vegetation in time and space, interactions between vegetation and the abiotic and biotic environment)
- Global aspects of plant ecology (global change, global biogeochemical cycles, land use, international conventions, socio-economic interactions)

The book is carefully structured and well written: complex issues are elegantly presented and easily understandable. It contains more than 500 photographs and drawings, mostly in colour, illustrating the fascinating subject.
The book is primarily aimed at graduate students of biology but will also be of interest to post-graduate students and researchers in botany, geosciences and landscape ecology. Further, it provides a sound basis for those dealing with agriculture, forestry, land use, and landscape management.

Biotechnical and Soil Bioengineering Slope Stabilization: A Practical Guide for Erosion Control

Average customer rating:

Biotechnical and Soil Bioengineering Slope Stabilization: A Practical Guide for Erosion Control
Donald H. Gray , and Robbin B. Sotir
Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471049786

Book Description

The first comprehensive, practical guide to the selection, construction, and installation of soil bioengineering and biotechnical slope protection

Here is the ultimate guide to physically attractive, environmentally compatible, and cost-effective methods of protecting slopes from erosion and mass wasting. Lavishly illustrated with more than 150 photographs and supplemented with scores of charts and tables, this book covers the entire subject from general principles and background on the nature of soil erosion and mass movement to detailed information on root strengths, treatment selection, unit costs, critical tractive stresses, methods for harvesting and handling live cuttings, and more.

Four illustrated case studies, each addressing a different set of problems and solutions, demonstrate both the application of particular technologies and the site investigation, planning, scheduling, and organization required to complete these projects successfully. This unique reference handbook

Reviews the horticultural and engineering underpinnings for biotechnical and soil engineering treatments
Documents and explains the role of woody plants in stabilizing slopes against both surficial erosion and mass movement
Provides details on a broad range of soil bioengineering methods, including live staking, live fascines, brushlayering, live crib walls, branchpacking, and live slope gratings
Describes various biotechnical methods and materials, including the incorporation of vegetation in erosion control blankets, flexible mats, cellular revetments (geocells), rock armor (rip rap), and gabion and open-front crib walls
Summarizes the findings of the National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop to assess the state of the art and determine research needs

Book Description

A thorough analysis of public policy and the Clean Water Act's effect on water quality in the U.S.

Using water quality data and historical records from the past 60 years, this book presents the measured impact of the 1972 Clean Water Act on domestic waterways-ecologically, politically, and economically. Municipal Wastewater Treatment supports the hypothesis that the Act's regulation of wastewater treatment processes at publicly owned treatment works (POTW) and industrial facilities has achieved significant success. The authors' case is presented in:

Background information on the history of water pollution control and water quality management
Chapters addressing long-term trends in biochemical oxygen demand loadings from municipal wastewater plants and the "worst-case" dissolved oxygen levels in waterways downstream of point sources before and after the Clean Water Act
Nine case study assessments of long-term trends of pollutant loading water quality and environmental resources associated with POTW discharges

Using long-term trends in dissolved oxygen as the key indicator of water quality improvements, this book provides a detailed retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of the water pollution control policies and regulations of the 1972 Clean Water Act. The successes of the Act that have been achieved over the past 30 years are placed in the historical context of the "Great Sanitary Awakening" of the 19th century and changes in public policies for water supply and water pollution control that have evolved during the 20th century to protect public health and the intrinsic value of aquatic resources. Case study sites include the Connecticut River, Hudson-Raritan Estuary, Delaware Estuary, Potomac Estuary, Upper Chattahoochee River, Ohio River, Upper Mississippi River, and Willamette River.

Book Description

The Cat in the Hat takes Sally and Dick for an “umbrella-vator” ride through the understory, canopy, and emergent layers of a tropical rain forest, encountering a host of plants, animals, and native peoples along the way.

Customer Reviews:

Great starter book on rain forests!.......2007-03-29

My 6 yr old really enjoyed this intro book on rain forests. One of the off-shore excursions on our upcoming cruise is the Costa Rican rain forest and I purchased several books on rain forests to get him familiar with the topic This one was the perfect intro book for him. It was written in classic Seuss rhyming style which was engaging for my son. The illustrations were colorful and eye-catching and the information about rain forests was just enough for a 6yr old to understand and digest. We read it while also listening to a "Relax with Tropical Rain Forest" audio CD which provided an added dimension to the rain forest learning experience. I plan on reading the other books on rain forests to him but selectively as they contain much more advanced information.

Not impressed.......2007-01-18

This is the first time I've read a book from the Cat in the Hat Learning Library, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I wasn't expecting this.

The illustrations make it look like the kids and the cat are having an adventure in the rainforest. But they aren't. They're just on a field trip, I guess.

The book goes over the four levels of the rainforest and names the different types of animals, plants, and people you would find in a rainforest. The main focus of the book seems to be maintaining the rhyme scheme rather than giving detailed information. At times, clarity is even sacrificed in order to maintain the rhyme. For example, "Millions of acres of land every year are cut down..." Cutting down land is confusing to a child. Usually trees or plants are cut down.

One funny thing was that the cat in the hat says he will give you a prize if you find these six things. Well, he's talking to the kids he is traveling with, not "you" the reader. So my 5-year-old son jumped in and named the things, then said "Where's my prize?"

So after around 40 pages of naming and discussing rainforest plants, animals, and people, a bulldozer showed up on the second to last page and the animals are running for their lives. On the last page the cat in the hat says "Save these trees please!" The end. Well, I like the environmental theme, but I had an awful lot of explaining to do when the bulldozer showed up. I think the book should have begun where it ended, because that is where the real story is. I buy books for my kids in the hope that the author can explain and illustrate a topic better than I can.

My son only asked me to read this book once, then never picked it up again.

I gave the book two stars for the unusual format. The novelty might appeal to some kids.

Interesting way to introduce rain forests to children.......2004-10-25

This is one of the best of The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library. The rhyming style is excellent. This book introduces such concepts as four levels of the rain forest, transpiration, animals in the forest, pollination, and camouflage.

Average customer rating:

Great for the US
Excellent for getting kids interested in being outdoors
Wonderful!
...a treasure-trove for the young explorer.
Wonderful book for this summer when "there's nothing to do!"

Backyard
Donald M. Silver , and Patricia Wynne
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 007057930X

Book Description

An exciting journey of science discovery is as near as your own backyard. Just one small square is alive with creepers and crawlers, lifters and leapers, singers, buzzers, climbers, builders, and recyclers. Backyard invites children ages 7 and up to become nature lovers by looking, listening, touching, and smelling the world from the ground up! From the unique One Small Square series of science acitivity books. . .where children can explore exotic and familiar ecosystems in detail, one small square at a time.

Customer Reviews:

Great for the US.......2007-09-18

This is a beautiful book and my 8 year old daughter refers to it occasionally, but I think that because so many of the animals in it are never seen in Sydney, Australia my children aren't really into this book. It hasn't inspired them to get into the garden and look around.

Excellent for getting kids interested in being outdoors.......2007-03-21

My son is 4 and loves all worms and bugs. This book is carried with us everywhere. He knows the names of the bugs and the earthworms habits. I love it that he is interested in something that will expand his mind, make him aware of his environment and keeps him away from the TV! He is still a little too young for squaring off a part of the yard but that could be next year. The illustrations are excellent, it creates a forum for conversation, love of nature and science. Too often our children are caught up in brands and being sold from TV brands and characters that are shallow and offer little to our children. How wonderful to fuel interest in something outdoors and interactive with the world we live in.

Wonderful!.......2007-01-20

This book (and others in the series) is a real treasure. Your kids, and you, are guaranteed to enjoy and make use of this great little book.

...a treasure-trove for the young explorer........1999-08-24

My three children have thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful illustrations, dynamic fact-filled text, and activities given in this book. We love the whole One Small Square series, but because this book has helped solve some mysteries in our own backyard, this one is our favorite! It also served as a great companion to several curricular themes and field trips during the school year.

Wonderful book for this summer when "there's nothing to do!".......1999-04-26

We read this book over and over! My son learns something new every time. The illustrations are numerous and detailed. "Backyard" provides a great springboard for further exploration of the world.

Average customer rating:

Amazing amount of info and inspiration & [good] price!
Great details

One Small Square: Woods
Donald M. Silver , and Patricia Wynne
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0070579334

Book Description

The woods are full of puzzles to be solved, clues to be found. Inspired by this book's hints and fun-filled experiments and activities, and using only simple equipment, young readers unlock the closely guarded secrets of the woodsfrom the strange meetings of lazy butterflies, to the miraculous "walking" of a twig, to the riddle of why the leaves turn color and fall. One small square at a time, these "detectives" plunge deeper and deeper into ancient mysterieswithout ever getting lost. Beautifully illustrated, Woods offers a picture field guide, a glossary-index, and a resource list.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing amount of info and inspiration & [good] price!.......2002-10-27

What a gem! I was surprised when I discovered this book. The gist of the book is for the child (or adult) to mark off a square space in the woods and begin exploring and learning. This book is a real integration of activities, suggested observations, and fact. The learner is to explore, dig, look, observe and investigate every inch of this square area. While suggesting the learner look for this or that, the author provides factual information about various findings. The book goes into a lot of detail and there are many things that the author thinks may be found. I bet that the learner won't find everything that is mentioned but that is OK, at least the reader can experience it in reading about it in the book if it is missed "in real life".

The book starts off in autumn, assuming the learner begins in the fall and in an area of deciduous trees. A small sampling of what is addressed in this book is why trees lose their leaves, how trees store energy and make energy, examples of camouflage with animals, migration of birds and butterflies, insects, spiders and their webs, lizards and mammals big and small. As the book progresses winter then spring then summer is discussed.

The illustrations are drawn and in color (just like the cover), these are not photographs. There are loads of details in the drawings. At the back is an illustrated guide to creatures grouped by their classification (leaves, mammals, fungi) and an index.

The learner is encouraged to do creative projects such as leaf and trunk rubbings. Also keeping a nature journal or notebook to record the findings is recommended.

I am surprised that so much information and creative ideas packed into this small and very inexpensive book. This is one in a series of "one small square" books and I plan to buy more to use in our homeschooling adventure. Now this is science!

Great details.......2000-03-30

This book provides a small instant field trip to those students who might not have access to woods. It gives incredible details of what goes on in one small square of woods. For those who have access to wooded areas for exploration...safety tips are included as well as supplies needed for collecting data while exploring. I teach second grade and use all of the Small Square books in my teaching.

The Lost Language of Plants: The Ecological Importance of Plant Medicines for Life on Earth

Average customer rating:

Compassion for Plants
Excellent and thoughtful reading!
A Beautiful and Poetic Call to Action
Powerful and Profound
A labor of love that speaks from every page

The Lost Language of Plants: The Ecological Importance of Plant Medicines for Life on Earth
Stephen Harrod Buhner
Manufacturer: Chelsea Green
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

ASIN: 1890132888

Book Description

This could be the most important book you will read this year. Around the office at Chelsea Green it is referred to as the "pharmaceutical Silent Spring." Well-known author, teacher, lecturer, and herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner has produced a book that is certain to generate controversy. It consists of three parts:
1. A critique of technological medicine, and especially the dangers to the environment posed by pharmaceuticals and other synthetic substances that people use in connection with health care and personal body care.
2. A new look at Gaia Theory, including an explanation that plants are the original chemistries of Gaia and those phytochemistries are the fundamental communications network for the Earth's ecosystems.
3. Extensive documentation of how plants communicate their healing qualities to humans and other animals. Western culture has obliterated most people's capacity to perceive these messages, but this book also contains valuable information on how we can restore our faculties of perception.
The book will affect readers on rational and emotional planes. It is grounded in both a New Age spiritual sensibility and hard science. While some of the author's claims may strike traditional thinkers as outlandish, Buhner presents his arguments with such authority and documentation that the scientific underpinnings, however unconventional, are completely credible.
The overall impact is a powerful, eye-opening expos' of the threat that our allopathic Western medical system, in combination with our unquestioning faith in science and technology, poses to the primary life-support systems of the planet. At a time when we are preoccupied with the terrorist attacks and the possibility of biological warfare, perhaps it is time to listen to the planet. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the state of the environment, the state of health care, and our cultural sanity.

Customer Reviews:

Compassion for Plants.......2007-10-02

The beginning of the book held my interest, but then it waned. Somehow I just lost interest and still have not finished it. But I will try.

Excellent and thoughtful reading!.......2007-01-10

This book is a change of pace. It is a book that makes you ponder about life itself.

A Beautiful and Poetic Call to Action.......2006-09-16

This book is absolutely wonderful and exquisitely written. I loved the author's writing style, but especially appreciated his much-needed message. I can only hope that more people will continue to read this book and take away its powerful statement and do something with it! I plan on buying some of this author's other works, and couldn't suggest this book more! It's a true gem!

Powerful and Profound.......2006-04-13

This is a staggeringly powerful and important book. Our relationship with the earth and all of its inhabitants is crucial to our continued biological, psychological and spiritual health and our survival as a species. Why we continue to ignore and deride this very real fact is a devastating mystery to me - this book, however, not only illuminates, in poignant and heart-breaking ways, our continued ignorance, but offers the reader the opportunity to begin learning how to reestablish this most fundamental of relationships. Liberally sprinkled with some truly excellent quotations from various authors, activists and thinkers, and full of some terrifying information about the pharmaceutical industry, this book is a captivating read. It is an incredibly useful text for anyone, most especially for those practicing a plant-based system of healing, as it gives a philosophical groundwork that every holistic herbalist can incorporate into their practice and their lifestyle.

A labor of love that speaks from every page.......2005-02-26

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Thoughtful, poignant, well written, it even brought me to tears at some points. I learned so many things I didn't know, which doesn't happen for me very often, sad to say. I have a pretty good idea how destructive man has been to the environment, but there were chapters in this book that opened my eyes even further, particularly when it comes to the ripple effect of the pharmaceutical industry.

But more than that, the author discusses with due respect the indigenous history of working with plants and how dismissing that history in the name of profit, power and control serves no one.

This book is truly a labor of love that speaks from every page. I had no idea what a page-turner it would turn out to be. Consider yourself forewarned.

...geminiwalker

Plants Of The Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
A classic.
An essential tool
The best for it's purpose
Great Guide

Plants Of The Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska

Manufacturer: Lone Pine Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1551055309

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-09-04

This is simply an outstanding text. I used to work outdoor school in the pacific northwest, and this book ranked space in my day pack every day of the week. Very clear photos show you exactly what the plants look like, and text is clear and interesting. Highly recommended.

A classic........2006-07-10

I'd actually give this 4.5 stars if I could. This is a great all around guide for the west side of the Cascades. It doesn't include every plant, particularly in the sections towards the end on bryophytes, but most plants you'll want to see are in there. I'm torn on the aboriginal use data tht is presented throughout the book. On one hand, it really is quite fascinating, but on the other hand, probably several dozen more species could have been covered if these data were omitted. The maps can be a bit difficult to decipher given the range this book covers, and although most of the photos are good, a few are pretty poor. Still, it is a must-have for any nature buff in the PNW.

An essential tool.......2006-05-04

For anyone interested in Northwest Native Plants, this is an essential reference. Arthur Lee Jacobsen's "Wild Plants of Greater Seattle" is another useful book, although not as detailed. "Vascular plants of the Pacific Northwest", by Charles Leo Hitchcock, in 7 volumes for $300.00, is much more detailed but not as handy. I have used my "Pojar" so much that I wore it out and had to get a second copy. I found it useful when I was just beginning to learn about native plants, and now that I can identify over 200 species on sight, I still use it to learn about ethnobotany, which plants are edible, and where to plant them in my garden.

Another reviewer complained that the book does not list common names in the index. This is just plain wrong. You can look up plants in the index by common name or scientific name, or you can browse through the photos until you get a match. You can also use the keys, which is the best way to learn about the relationship of one species to another, but I'm usually too lazy to work through the process. The way the plants are grouped, it's easy to narrow it down and find your plant.

My one complaint about the book is that it is sometimes difficult to pin down whether or not a particular plant is actually a native. This is usually implied, especially when they tell how indigenous peoples used the plants in everday life, but I wish the plants were clearly marked Native and Non-Native.

The best for it's purpose.......2005-12-05

This is by far the best study and field guide to Northwest plants. Nothing else comes close to being so inclusive. Because of that, I think, the book can be a bit difficult to get through. I little knowledge of plants will help tremendously in using the guide. There are a couple dozen or so keys for various plant families but be warned that keying plants can be difficult. The pictures are great and the notes that accompany each picture are top notch. One thing I like is that the author gives copious notes about aboriginal and regional use of the plants as well as notes about their natural history. There's really a life time of learning here. Great book.

Great Guide.......2005-07-27

I used this book extensively in a field class this summer and it was extremely helpful. Everything I would possibly want to know about NW flora was included in detail (even with sketches of individual leaves). Also, the ethnographic information regarding the uses of various herbal medicines was fascinating.

Priceless : The Vanishing Beauty of A Fragile Planet

Average customer rating:

Inspirational...
A Priceless Reminder
A Celebration of Our Environment
I Love This Book
My favourite book of wildlife photography

Priceless : The Vanishing Beauty of A Fragile Planet
Bradley Trevor Greive , and Mitsuaki Iwago
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0740726951

Book Description

Everyone has heard about animals that are now extinct. But author Bradley Trevor Greive wants everyone to learn about animals that can be saved'and then to do something about it.In inspiring narrative and striking photographs of everything from humpback whales to pigmy possums to African spoonbills, Greive and wildlife photographer Mitsuaki Iwago spell out Earth's diverse animal inventory. They highlight species that once were plentiful but now are scarce'some that are now sadly extinct'and point out specific dangers that other animals face.The authors also present a call to action: 'To preserve our home and the priceless creatures that dwell within it you need only see the world as it is and have a vision of how it could be.' Priceless is a must-have book for everyone interested in the environment, biodiversity, and in all life on Earth

Customer Reviews:

Inspirational... .......2007-01-24

This is truly a wonderful book with incredible wildlife photos accompanied by a simple yet poignant narrative highlighting the need for conservation.

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love and we will love only what we understand." BABA DIOUM

A Priceless Reminder.......2006-07-09

This is a beautifully photographed book and the language that accompanies these images is heartfelt. This is a must have book in every home and classroom.

A Celebration of Our Environment.......2006-02-13

The combination of breath-taking photography, and insightful and inspiring prose create an awesome yet humbling book. Its appeal is universal--everyone can learn, if we listen to its message.

I Love This Book.......2005-08-19

This book is one of the simplest, yet one of the most inspiring and enjoyable books I have ever read. The photography in it is amazing and Greive deffinately has a way with his words. In addition to this intriging visiual presentation, there is much to learn in this book as well. Learn about endangered and threatened animals thoughout the world while looking at unique images of them. This is a must read for everyone and it should be a required book for schools throughout the world to read instead of many other required books that have no appeal to students.

In addition, on the inside cover it reads, "BTG (author) is donating all his author royalties from the worldwide sales of Priceless to his principal wildlife conservation charity, the Taronga Foundation." Thats gotta say something about the book in itself!!!

My favourite book of wildlife photography.......2003-10-26

Reading through Priceless is a bittersweet experience. It is a joy to look at the wonderful photography of Mitsuaki Iwago, and also a joy to learn amazing facts about some of these animals and to detect the passion for conservation and wildlife protection in author Bradley Trevor Greive's text. But there is a sadness: we learn how difficult it is for most species to adapt to the vast changes made by humans to this planet, so difficult that many of them could not do it, and no longer exist.

We learn that "even polar bears from the Arctic Circle and penguins from Antarctica, creatures from the two most isolated and pure economic systems on earth, have a substantial build-up of toxic industrial chemicals stored in their fat deposits"; we learn that the first bomb dropped on Berlin during the Second World War killed the only elephant in the Berlin zoo; that the last passenger pigeon in existence died in the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. The most important lesson from the book, however, is that if we don't do something soon to stop poisoning our world, ultimately us humans will be the ones suffering.

But the book ends with a message of hope, telling us that there are ways we can make a difference and giving suggestions of things we can do. Greive finally pays tribute to Gerald Durrell, celebrated zoologist, conservationist and author. The last 25 pages give information and facts about all the animals featured in the photographs throughout the book.

Book Description

Fish and fungi, plants and protists, mammals and monera all seem to get along swimmingly in and around the peaceful-looking pond environment. But a closer look at a small square reveals an ever-changing world. . .home to a larger variety of creatures and goings-on than you'd ever imagine, even in just a drop of its water! This beautifully illustrated "you are there" science book--part of the critically acclaimed One Small Square series--is brimming over with fun-to-do experiments and activities for children ages 7 and up. Includes a pond field guide, a glossary-index, and a resource list.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing But Nice Things to Say About It.......2005-04-19

This is a wonderful book that can be enjoyed by all age groups and levels of education. The book's introduction says "Although a pond looks peaceful, a pond is home to more creatures doing more things than you imagined. There are millions of ponds everywhere. . .there is a good chance that one is close to your home."

The book does a good job of telling the reader about these creatures and their activities. Pond is written primarily for younger readers. From the beginning it stresses safety and adult involvement in the field activities. The book has excellent illustrations of the pond organisms and the equipment needed for the field activities. The pictures are very communicative and would be enjoyed by younger readers. The accompanying text may be a little beyond their understanding.

Overall the book describes the pond creatures, their habitats, and their activities. Some of the habitats mentioned include the surface film, lily pads, water column, and bottom muck (benthos). Some activities covered are feeding, laying eggs, photosynthesis, and absorbing oxygen, plus others. The book also talks about changing conditions in a pond, such as when it rains, nightime critters and activities, and the pond during different seasons.

The end of the book has seven pages of common pond creatures. It groups them by mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, non-insect invertebrates, plants, fungi, protists, and monera. Both this section and the well-organized index contain many pictures. The groupings may be lost on younger readers, but are very useful for higher level students.

All in all I really like this book. It is well organized and an enjoyable read. As a college educator I use this book as a reference source, yet can read it and show the wonderful illustrations to my young nieces.

One Small Square -- Pond.......2001-04-16

This is one of the best books in a spectacular series that represnts the world, particularly to the young child, as a place of science, high drama, and magic. The magnificent illustrations of Patricia J. Wynne, the world-renowned natural history artist, pull the reader into the world of the small small pond with power and intimacy that no photograph could ever match; the clear and concise text of Donald M. Silver encourages the exploration of science and the joy of reading. I highly recommend this book to teachers, libraries, and parents everywhere, and suggest pursuing the rest of the series as well.

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