Synopses & Reviews
Mangrove trees, uniquely others, can flourish on shores where they are regularly flooded by seawater. Their rich, diverse, and biologically unique environment is of great biological interest, yet poorly understood. Mangroves are also of vital economic importance throughout the tropics, since they protect shores against erosion and are the basis of many local fisheries and other human activities. This book gives an up-to-date, readable overview of the biology of mangrove systems. The text is clear and lively, well-illustrated, and supplemented with ample references for further reading. It provides an excellent introduction of anyone intending to work in research or management in mangrove systems, and will be ideal for students taking courses in marine sciences or environmental biology. No other book covers all aspects of the biology of mangroves.
Review
"Recommended for lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers." -- Choice
Review
"The author describes the characteristics and geographical distribution of the woody trees and shrubs that comprise a mangal, a term used to describe the entire mangrove ecosystem. Mangals are almost exclusively tropical and are inundated by tides. ... In eight chapters, the author addresses mangrove species and their variable habitats, associated plants, animals, and invertebrates, and continues to discuss the quantification of major carbon fluxes associated with the functional components of the ecosystem. He continues by comparing the unique qualities of a mangal to its surroundings and associated ecological interchanges. Finally, the author addresses the biodiversity and biogeography of mangrove systems and addresses impacts associated with the uses, management, and natural and man-induced alterations to these habitats. ... Very readable. Of interest to any student of wetland habitats."--Southeastern Naturalist
Synopsis
Mangrove trees, uniquely others, can flourish on shores where they are regularly flooded by seawater. Their rich, diverse, and biologically unique environment is of great biological interest, yet poorly understood. Mangroves are also of vital economic importance throughout the tropics, since they protect shores against erosion and are the basis of many local fisheries and other human activities. This book gives an up-to-date, readable overview of the biology of mangrove systems. The text is clear and lively, well-illustrated, and supplemented with ample references for further reading. It provides an excellent introduction of anyone intending to work in research or management in mangrove systems, and will be ideal for students taking courses in marine sciences or environmental biology. No other book covers all aspects of the biology of mangroves.
About the Author
Peter J. Hogarth is Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biology, University of York, UK.
Table of Contents
1. Mangroves and seagrasses
2. Mangrove trees and their environment
3. Seagrasses and their environment
4. Community structure and dynamics
5. The mangrove community: terrestrial components
6. The mangrove community: marine components
7. Seagrass communities
8. Measuring and modelling
9. Comparisons and connections
10. Biodiversity and biogeography
11. Impacts