Island Colonization: The Origin and Development of Island Communities

by Ian Thornton , Edited by Tim New

• ISBN13: 9780521854849
• ISBN10: 0521854849
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-03-19
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

New or recently sterilized islands (for example through volcanic activity), provide ecologists with natural experiments in which to study colonization, development and establishment of new biological communities. Studies carried out on islands like this have provided answers to fundamental questions as to what general principles are involved in the ecology of communities and what processes underlie and maintain the basic structure of ecosystems. These studies are vital for conservation biology, especially when evolutionary processes need to be maintained in systems in order to maintain biodiversity. The major themes are how animal and plant communities establish, particularly on 'new land' or following extirpations by volcanic activity. This book comprises a broad review of island colonization, bringing together succession models and general principles, case studies which Professor Ian Thornton was intimately involved, and a synthesis of ideas, concluding with a look to the future for similar studies.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction: Theoretical and Experimental Studies

Introduction

Theoretical and experimental colonization

Natural Recolonization after Devastation

A clean slate?

Life returns- primary colonization of devastated surfaces

The Recolonization of Devastated Islands

Recovering island biotas: volcano and Barcena

Thera, Santorini group, Mediterranean

Long and Ritter Islands, Bismarck Sea

Krakatau, Sunda Strait

Assembly of Biotas on New Islands

Lake Wisdom- a new island of fresh water

New islands in the sea

Anak Krakatau, Krakatau's child, b. 1933

Surtsey, Island of Surtur, b. 1963

Motmot - a new island in fresh water

Colonization and Assembly

Dispersal

Stepping stone islands - the case of Sebesi

Learning from nature's lessons; Literature cited

Index

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