Terrestrial Plant Ecology

by Barbour, Michael G.; Burk, Jack H.; Pitts, Wanna D.; Gilliam, Frank S.; Schwartz, Mark W.

• ISBN13: 9780805300048
• ISBN10: 080530004X
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-09-29
• Publisher: Benjamin Cummings

Summary

This comprehensive introduction to plant ecology teaches undergraduates the essentials of interactions between plants and their environment. Completely updated and incorporating a stronger approach to conservation, Terrestrial Plant Ecology, Third Edition, retains the clear and readable style that has been one of its hallmarks. The addition of two new authors, who contribute expertise on topics such as vegetation sampling and the conservation of endangered species, results in the most in-depth and current coverage yet of modern plant ecology.

Author Biography

Wanna D. Pitts received her B.A. in Zoology and M.A. in Biology from San Jose State University, and her Ph.D. in Ecology from University of California, Davis. Now retired, Pitts served as Professor of Biological Sciences at San Jose State University from 1985-1992, as Associate Academic Vice President from 1982-1983, and as Associate Dean of Curriculum for the School of Science from 1978-1982. She also held positions including Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, and as Lecturer in Biological Sciences. Her teaching experience includes both major and non-major biology courses, for undergraduate and graduate students.

Pitts has conducted research, authored and co-authored numerous books and articles on plant ecology and general botany. She has been honored with many awards including sabbatical leave to conduct research on recovery from logging in Southwest Oregon, a student affirmative action certificate of commendation, and a dean's award for teaching.

Table of Contents

I. BACKGROUND AND BASIC CONCEPTS.

1. Introduction.
2. A Brief History of Plant Ecology.

II. THE SPECIES AS AN ECOLOGICAL UNIT.

3. The Species in the Environmental Complex.
4. Population Structure and Plant Demography.
5. Allocation and Life History Patterns.
6. Species Interactions: Competition and Amensalism.
7. Species Interactions: Commensalism, Mutualism, and Herbivory.

III. THE COMMUNITY AS AN ECOLOGICAL UNIT.

8. Community Concepts and Attributes.
9. Methods of Sampling the Plant Community.
10. Classification and Ordination of Plant Communities.
11. Succession.
12. Productivity.
13. Mineral Cycles.

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.

14. Light and Temperature.
15. Photosynthesis.
16. Fire.
17. Soil.
18. Plant-Water Dynamics.
19. Water: Environment and Adaptations.
20. Major Vegetation Types of North America.
Literature Cited.
Index.