Ecosystems Of California

Author : Harold Mooney,Erika Zavaleta
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 1008 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2016-01-19
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780520278806

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Ecosystems of California by Harold Mooney,Erika Zavaleta Pdf

This long-anticipated reference and sourcebook for CaliforniaÕs remarkable ecological abundance provides an integrated assessment of each major ecosystem typeÑits distribution, structure, function, and management. A comprehensive synthesis of our knowledge about this biologically diverse state, Ecosystems of California covers the state from oceans to mountaintops using multiple lenses: past and present, flora and fauna, aquatic and terrestrial, natural and managed. Each chapter evaluates natural processes for a specific ecosystem, describes drivers of change, and discusses how that ecosystem may be altered in the future. This book also explores the drivers of CaliforniaÕs ecological patterns and the history of the stateÕs various ecosystems, outlining how the challenges of climate change and invasive species and opportunities for regulation and stewardship could potentially affect the stateÕs ecosystems. The text explicitly incorporates both human impacts and conservation and restoration efforts and shows how ecosystems support human well-being. Edited by two esteemed ecosystem ecologists and with overviews by leading experts on each ecosystem, this definitive work will be indispensable for natural resource management and conservation professionals as well as for undergraduate or graduate students of CaliforniaÕs environment and curious naturalists.

Author : Jan W. van Wagtendonk
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 568 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2018-06-08
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780520961913

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Fire in California's Ecosystems by Jan W. van Wagtendonk Pdf

Fire in California’s Ecosystems describes fire in detail—both as an integral natural process in the California landscape and as a growing threat to urban and suburban developments in the state. Written by many of the foremost authorities on the subject, this comprehensive volume is an ideal authoritative reference tool and the foremost synthesis of knowledge on the science, ecology, and management of fire in California. Part One introduces the basics of fire ecology, including overviews of historical fires, vegetation, climate, weather, fire as a physical and ecological process, and fire regimes, and reviews the interactions between fire and the physical, plant, and animal components of the environment. Part Two explores the history and ecology of fire in each of California's nine bioregions. Part Three examines fire management in California during Native American and post-Euro-American settlement and also current issues related to fire policy such as fuel management, watershed management, air quality, invasive plant species, at-risk species, climate change, social dynamics, and the future of fire management. This edition includes critical scientific and management updates and four new chapters on fire weather, fire regimes, climate change, and social dynamics.

Author : Markes E. Johnson,Jorge Ledesma-V‡zquez
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Science
ISBN : 0816525307

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Atlas of Coastal Ecosystems in the Western Gulf of California by Markes E. Johnson,Jorge Ledesma-V‡zquez Pdf

The Gulf of California is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it is also important to earth and marine scientists who work far beyond the area. In text and an accompanying CD-ROM with stunning satellite images, this atlas captures the dynamics of natural cycles in the fertility of the Gulf of California that have been in near-continuous operation for more than five million years. The book is designed to answer key questions that link the health of coastal ecosystems with the regionÕs evolutionary history: What was the richness of ÒfossilÓ ecosystems in the Gulf of California? How has it changed over time? Which ecosystems are most amenable to conservation? With an emphasis on the intricate workings of the Gulf, a team of scientists led by Markes E. Johnson and Jorge Ledesma-V‡zquez explores how marine invertebrates such as corals and bivalves, as well as certain algae, contribute to the operation of a vast Òorganic engineÓ that acts as a significant carbon trap. The Atlas reveals that the role of these organisms in the ecology of the Gulf was greatly underestimated in the past. The organisms that live in these environments (or provide the sediments for beaches and dunes) are mass producers of calcium carbonate. Until now, no book has considered the centrality of calcium carbonate production as it functions today across multiple ecosystems and how it has evolved over time. An important work of scholarship that also evokes the regionÕs natural splendor, the Atlas will be of interest to a wide range of scientists, including geologists, paleontologists, marine biologists, ecologists, and conservation biologists.

Author : Richard C. Brusca
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
Page : 384 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2010-04-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 0816527393

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The Gulf of California by Richard C. Brusca Pdf

Few places in the world can claim such a diversity of species as the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), with its 6,000 recorded animal species estimated to be half the number actually living in its waters. So rich are the Gulf's water that over a half-million tons of seafood are taken from them annuallyÑand this figure does not count the wasted by-catch, which would triple or quadruple that tonnage. This timely book provides a benchmark for understanding the Gulf's extraordinary diversity, how it is threatened, and in what ways it isÑor should beÑprotected. In spite of its dazzling richness, most of the Gulf's coastline now harbors but a pale shadow of the diversity that existed just a half-century ago. Recommendations based on sound, careful science must guide Mexico in moving forward to protect the Gulf of California. This edited volume contains contributions by twenty-four Gulf of California experts, from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. From the origins of the Gulf to its physical and chemical characteristics, from urgently needed conservation alternatives for fisheries and the entire Gulf ecosystem to information about its invertebrates, fishes, cetaceans, and sea turtles, this thought-provoking book provides new insights and clear paths to achieve sustainable use solidly based on robust science. The interdisciplinary, international cooperation involved in creating this much-needed collection provides a model for achieving success in answering critically important questions about a precious but rapidly disappearing ecological treasure.

Author : Neil G. Sugihara,Jan W. van Wagtendonk,Kevin E. Shaffer,JoAnn Fites-Kaufman,Andrea E. Thode
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 613 pages
File Size : 42,6 Mb
Release : 2006-11-29
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780520246058

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Fire in California's Ecosystems by Neil G. Sugihara,Jan W. van Wagtendonk,Kevin E. Shaffer,JoAnn Fites-Kaufman,Andrea E. Thode Pdf

Focusing on California and issues specific to fire ecology and management in the state's bioregions, this work provides scientific information for use in land restoration and other management decisions made in the field. It introduces the basics of fire ecology, and includes an overview of fire, vegetation and climate in California; and more.

Author : Bruce M Pavlik
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 386 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2008-07-02
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0520940784

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The California Deserts by Bruce M Pavlik Pdf

This highly readable, spectacularly illustrated compendium is an ecological journey into a wondrous land of extremes. The California Deserts explores the remarkable diversity of life in this harsh yet fragile quarter of the Golden State. In a rich narrative, it illuminates how that diversity, created by drought and heat, has evolved with climate change since the Ice Ages. Along the way, we find there is much to learn from each desert species-- whether it is a cactus, pupfish, tortoise, or bighorn sheep--about adaptation to a warming, arid world. The book tells of human adaptation as well, and is underscored by a deep appreciation for the intimate knowledge acquired by native people during their 12,000-year desert experience. In this sense, the book is a journey of rediscovery, as it reflects on the ways that knowledge has been reclaimed and amplified by new discoveries. The book also takes the measure of the ecological condition of these deserts today, presenting issues of conservation, management, and restoration. With its many sidebars, photographs, and featured topics, The California Deserts provides a unique introduction to places of remarkable and often unexpected beauty.

Author : Karen Holl
Publisher : Island Press
Page : 221 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2020-03-03
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781610919722

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Primer of Ecological Restoration by Karen Holl Pdf

The pace, intensity, and scale at which humans have altered our planet in recent decades is unprecedented. We have dramatically transformed landscapes and waterways through agriculture, logging, mining, and fire suppression, with drastic impacts on public health and human well-being. What can we do to counteract and even reverse the worst of these effects? Restore damaged ecosystems. The Primer of Ecological Restoration is a succinct introduction to the theory and practice of ecological restoration as a strategy to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems. In twelve brief chapters, the book introduces readers to the basics of restoration project planning, monitoring, and adaptive management. It explains abiotic factors such as landforms, soil, and hydrology that are the building blocks to successfully recovering microorganism, plant, and animal communities. Additional chapters cover topics such as invasive species and legal and financial considerations. Each chapter concludes with recommended reading and reference lists, and the book can be paired with online resources for teaching. Perfect for introductory classes in ecological restoration or for practitioners seeking constructive guidance for real-world projects, Primer of Ecological Restoration offers accessible, practical information on recent trends in the field.

Author : California. Department of Fish and Game
Publisher : Calif. Department of Fish and Game
Page : 116 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2003
Category : Biodiversity
ISBN : UCSD:31822033456799

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Atlas of the Biodiversity of California by California. Department of Fish and Game Pdf

Those of us who live in California know that it is an amazing place, and one of the reasons our state is so unique is the incredible diversity of life throughout its length and breadth. This atlas shows what the diversity of life in California is and where such resources are located.

Author : Colbert E. Cushing,Kenneth W. Cummins,G. Wayne Minshall
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 852 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2006-02-06
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0520245679

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River and Stream Ecosystems of the World by Colbert E. Cushing,Kenneth W. Cummins,G. Wayne Minshall Pdf

This ia a synopsis and review of the major rivers of the world.

Author : Charles Krebs
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 596 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2008-04-02
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0520254791

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The Ecological World View by Charles Krebs Pdf

Filled with many examples of topic issues and current events, this book develops a basic understanding of how the natural world works and of how humans interact with the planet's natural ecosystems. It covers the history of ecology and describes the general approaches of the scientific method, then takes a look at basic principles of population dynamics and applies them to everyday practical problems.

Author : Elna Bakker,Gordy Slack
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 477 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2023-04-28
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780520907249

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An Island Called California by Elna Bakker,Gordy Slack Pdf

Bakker’s classic of ecological science now includes three new chapters on Southern California which make the book more useful than ever. Striking new photographs illustrate the diversity of life, climate, and geological formation.

Author : Harold Mooney,Erika Zavaleta
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 1008 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2016-01-19
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780520962170

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Ecosystems of California by Harold Mooney,Erika Zavaleta Pdf

This long-anticipated reference and sourcebook for California’s remarkable ecological abundance provides an integrated assessment of each major ecosystem type—its distribution, structure, function, and management. A comprehensive synthesis of our knowledge about this biologically diverse state, Ecosystems of California covers the state from oceans to mountaintops using multiple lenses: past and present, flora and fauna, aquatic and terrestrial, natural and managed. Each chapter evaluates natural processes for a specific ecosystem, describes drivers of change, and discusses how that ecosystem may be altered in the future. This book also explores the drivers of California’s ecological patterns and the history of the state’s various ecosystems, outlining how the challenges of climate change and invasive species and opportunities for regulation and stewardship could potentially affect the state’s ecosystems. The text explicitly incorporates both human impacts and conservation and restoration efforts and shows how ecosystems support human well-being. Edited by two esteemed ecosystem ecologists and with overviews by leading experts on each ecosystem, this definitive work will be indispensable for natural resource management and conservation professionals as well as for undergraduate or graduate students of California’s environment and curious naturalists.

Author : Michael John Swift,O. W. Heal,Jonathan Michael Anderson,J. M. Anderson
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 388 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 1979-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 0520040015

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Decomposition in Terrestrial Ecosystems by Michael John Swift,O. W. Heal,Jonathan Michael Anderson,J. M. Anderson Pdf

Author : Josep G. Canadell,Diane E. Pataki,Louis F. Pitelka
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 344 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2007-01-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783540327301

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Terrestrial Ecosystems in a Changing World by Josep G. Canadell,Diane E. Pataki,Louis F. Pitelka Pdf

This book examines the impacts of global change on terrestrial ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on impacts of atmospheric, climate and land use change, and the book discusses the future challenges and the scientific frameworks to address them. Finally, the book explores fundamental new research developments and the need for stronger integration of natural and human dimensions in addressing the challenge of global change.

Author : H. Scott Butterfield,T. Rodd Kelsey,Abigail K. Hart
Publisher : Island Press
Page : 290 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2021-04-08
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781642831269

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Rewilding Agricultural Landscapes by H. Scott Butterfield,T. Rodd Kelsey,Abigail K. Hart Pdf

As the world population grows, so does the demand for food, putting unprecedented pressure on agricultural lands. In many desert dryland regions, however, intensive cultivation is causing their productivity to decline precipitously. "Rewilding" the least productive of these landscapes offers a sensible way to reverse the damage, recover natural diversity, and ensure long-term sustainability of remaining farms and the communities they support. This accessibly written, groundbreaking contributed volume is the first to examine in detail what it would take to retire eligible farmland and restore functioning natural ecosystems. The lessons in Rewilding Agricultural Landscapes will be useful to conservation leaders, policymakers, groundwater agencies, and water managers looking for inspiration and practical advice for solving the complicated issues of agricultural sustainability and water management.