Plant Ecology, Second Edition

Plant ecology is the scientific study of the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of plants. This benchmark text, extremely well received in its first edition, shows how pattern and structure at different levels of plant organization--from ecophysiology through population dynamics to community structure and ecosystem function--are influenced by abiotic factors (eg, climate and soils) and by biotic factors (eg, competition and herbivory). Adopting a dynamic approach, this book combines descriptive text with theoretical models and experimental data. It will be invaluable reading for both student and practising ecologist alike. In this second edition, the structure of the book has been completely revised, moving from the small scale to the large scale, in keeping with contemporary teaching methods. This fresh approach allows consideration of several new and important topics such as plant secondary chemistry, herbivory, sex, and breeding systems. Additional chapters address topical applied issues in plant ecology including global warming, pollution and biodiversity. The latest edition of a very widely adopted textbookContent: Chapter 1 Photosynthesis (pages 1–27): Harold A. Mooney and James R. EhleringerChapter 2 Plant Water Relations (pages 28–50): John GraceChapter 3 Nutrient Acquisition (pages 51–72): Alastair FitterChapter 4 Life History and Environment (pages 73–131): Michael J. CrawleyChapter 5 Plant Secondary Metabolism (pages 132–155): Jeffrey B. HarborneChapter 6 Sex (pages 156–213): Michael J. CrawleyChapter 7 Seed Dormancy (pages 214–238): Mark ReesChapter 8 Mechanisms of Plant Competition (pages 239–261): David TilmanChapter 9 Ecology of Pollination and Seed Dispersal (pages 262–283): Henry F. Howe and Lynn C. WestleyChapter 10 Plant Chemistry and Herbivory, or Why the World is Green (pages 284–324): Susan E. Hartley and Clive G. JonesChapter 11 The Structure of Plant Populations (pages 325–358): Michael J. HutchingsChapter 12 Plant Population Dynamics (pages 359–400): Andrew R. WatkinsonChapter 13 Plant–Herbivore Dynamics (pages 401–474): Michael J. CrawleyChapter 14 The Structure of Plant Communities (pages 475–531): Michael J. CrawleyChapter 15 Dynamics of Plant Communities (pages 532–555): Stephen W. PacalaChapter 16 Plants in Trophic Webs (pages 556–567): James P. Grover and Robert D. HoltChapter 17 Plants and Pollution (pages 568–581): Mike AshmoreChapter 18 Climate Change and Vegetation (pages 582–594): J. Philip GrimeChapter 19 Biodiversity (pages 595–632): Michael J. Crawley