Subterranean Ecosystems

Author : Horst Wilkens,David C. Culver,William F. Humphreys
Publisher : Elsevier Science & Technology
Page : 816 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2000
Category : Biotic communities
ISBN : STANFORD:36105025076667

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Subterranean Ecosystems by Horst Wilkens,David C. Culver,William F. Humphreys Pdf

The types of animals and habitats found in subterranean ecosystems are described together with the geological formations in which they occur and their distribution on earth. The ecology of some subterranean terrestrial and aquatic systems are described together with subterranean ecosystems in different climatic zones. The nature of the adaptations to life in complete darkness, and to the often sparse and patchily distributed foods or various trophic origins, are described. A central part of the volume deals with the characteristics and process involved in the adaptation, speciation and evolution of subterranean animals. The volume concludes with a consideration of the conservation issues arising.

Author : David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 289 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2014
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780199646173

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Shallow Subterranean Habitats by David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan Pdf

Shallow subterranean habitats (SSHs) are areas of habitable space that are less than 10 m in depth from the surface. These range from large areas such as shallow caves and lava tubes, to tiny areas such as cracks in ceilings, or spaces in soil. Whilst being very different in many ways, they are often bound together by shared characteristics of the habitats and their faunas, and their study can help us to understand subterranean habitats in general. This book concentrates on the more typical SSHs of intermediate size (seepage springs, spaces between rocks, cracks in lava etc.), describing the habitats, their fauna, and the ecological and evolutionary questions posed. Similarities and differences between the habitats are considered and discussed in a broader ecological and evolutionary context. The book is mainly aimed at students and researchers in the field of subterranean biology, but will also be of interest to a wider range of ecologists, evolutionary biologists, freshwater biologists, and conservationists. There will also be an audience of environmental professionals.

Author : Eleonora Trajano,Maria Elina Bichuette,B.G. Kapoor
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 494 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2010-05-20
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781439840481

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Biology of Subterranean Fishes by Eleonora Trajano,Maria Elina Bichuette,B.G. Kapoor Pdf

In most habitats, adaptations are the single most obvious aspects of an organism’s phenotype. However, the most obvious feature of many subterranean animals are losses, not adaptations. Even Darwin saw subterranean animals as degenerates: examples of eyelessness and loss of structure in general. For him, the explanation was a straightforward Lamarckian one, and one that did not involve adaptation and the struggle of existence. This volume is a comprehensive account of all known species of subterranean fishes. It includes an extensive introduction, history of investigations, consideration of non-stygobitic fishes in caves, and detailed analysis of the conservation status of these very rare animals.

Author : David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 336 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2019-04-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780192552761

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The Biology of Caves and Other Subterranean Habitats by David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan Pdf

The second edition of this widely cited textbook continues to provide a concise but comprehensive introduction to cave and subterranean biology, describing this fascinating habitat and its biodiversity. It covers a range of biological processes including ecosystem function, evolution and adaptation, community ecology, biogeography, and conservation. The authors draw on a global range of examples and case studies from both caves and non-cave subterranean habitats. One of the barriers to the study of subterranean biology has been the extraordinarily large number of specialized terms used by researchers; the authors explain these terms clearly and minimize the number that they use. This new edition retains the same 10 chapter structure of the original, but the content has been thoroughly revised and updated throughout to reflect the huge increase in publications concerning subterranean biology over the last decade.

Author : David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2009-01-29
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780191551451

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The Biology of Caves and Other Subterranean Habitats by David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan Pdf

Caves and other subterranean habitats with their often strange (even bizarre) inhabitants have long been objects of fascination, curiosity, and debate. The question of how such organisms have evolved, and the relative roles of natural selection and genetic drift, has engaged subterranean biologists for decades. Indeed, these studies continue to inform the more general question of adaptation and evolution. However, interest in subterranean biology is not limited to questions of evolutionary biology. Both the distribution and the apparent ancient age of many subterranean species continue to be of significant interest to biogeographers. Subterranean ecosystems generally exhibit little or no primary productivity and, as "extreme" ecosystems, provide general insights into ecosystem function. Furthermore, the simplicity of subterranean communities relative to most surface-dwelling communities makes them useful model systems for the study of species interactions such as competition and predation, as well as more general principles of ecosystem function. The rarity of many cave species makes them of special interest in conservation biology. The Biology of Caves and other Subterranean Habitats offers a concise but comprehensive introduction to cave ecology. Whilst there is an emphasis on the organisms that dominate this unique environment, conservation and management aspects are also considered. The book includes a global range of examples and case studies from both caves and non-cave subterranean habitats; it also provides a clear explanation of specialized terms used by speleologists. This accessible text will appeal to researchers new to the field and to the many professional ecologists and conservation practitioners requiring a concise but authoritative overview. Its engaging style will also make it suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in cave and subterranean biology.

Author : Enrico Lunghi,Matthew Niemiller,Helena Bilandzija
Publisher : Frontiers Media SA
Page : 146 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2024-01-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9782832542903

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Adaptations to Subterranean Environments by Enrico Lunghi,Matthew Niemiller,Helena Bilandzija Pdf

Author : James S. Pryke,Michael J. Samways,Tim R. New,Pedro Cardoso,René Gaigher
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
Page : 812 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2024-06-14
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781040023426

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Routledge Handbook of Insect Conservation by James S. Pryke,Michael J. Samways,Tim R. New,Pedro Cardoso,René Gaigher Pdf

This handbook presents a comprehensive overview of insect conservation and provides practical solutions to counteract insect declines, at a time where insects are facing serious threats across the world from habitat destruction to invasive species and climate change. The Routledge Handbook of Insect Conservation consist of six sections, covering all aspects of insect conservation, containing contributions from academics, researchers and practitioners from across the globe. Section I addresses the fundamentals of insect conservation and outlines the reason why insects are important and discusses the greatest drivers of insect decline. The chapters in Section II examine the approaches that can be used for insect conservation globally, such as protected areas and agroecology, while highlighting the importance of insects in the composition and function of ecosystems. The chapters in Section III focus on insect populations in the major biomes around the world, from temperate and tropical forests to savannas and grasslands, with the chapters in Section IV focusing on natural and manmade ecosystems of the world, including mountain, soil, urban, island and agricultural habitats. They discuss the unique pressures and challenges for each biome and ecosystem and offer practical solutions for conserving their insect populations. Section V focuses on the assessment and monitoring of insects for conservation, discussing how we can implement practical monitoring protocols and what options are available. A wide variety of methods and tools are examined, including citizen science, bioindication, the role of taxonomy, drones and eDNA. The book concludes by examining policy and education strategies for insect conservation in Section VI. The chapters discuss key issues around social and policy strategies and conservation legislation for ensuring the long-term protection of insects. This book is essential reading for students and scholars of biodiversity conservation and entomology as well as professionals and policymakers involved in conservation looking for real-world solutions to the threats facing insects across the globe.

Author : Rüdiger Riesch,Michael Tobler,Martin Plath
Publisher : Springer
Page : 326 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2015-01-24
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319133621

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Extremophile Fishes by Rüdiger Riesch,Michael Tobler,Martin Plath Pdf

This book summarizes the key adaptations enabling extremophile fishes to survive under harsh environmental conditions. It reviews the most recent research on acidic, Antarctic, cave, desert, hypersaline, hypoxic, temporary, and fast-flowing habitats, as well as naturally and anthropogenically toxic waters, while pointing out generalities that are evident across different study systems. Knowledge of the different adaptations that allow fish to cope with stressful environmental conditions furthers our understanding of basic physiological, ecological, and evolutionary principles. In several cases, evidence is provided for how the adaptation to extreme environments promotes the emergence of new species. Furthermore, a link is made to conservation biology, and how human activities have exacerbated existing extreme environments and created new ones. The book concludes with a discussion of major open questions in our understanding of the ecology and evolution of life in extreme environments.

Author : William B. White,David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 1250 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2019-05-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780128141250

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Encyclopedia of Caves by William B. White,David C. Culver,Tanja Pipan Pdf

Encyclopedia of Caves, Third Edition, provides detailed background information to anyone with a serious interest in caves. This includes students, both undergraduate and graduate, in the earth, biological and environmental sciences, and consultants, environmental scientists, land managers and government agency staff whose work requires them to know something about caves and the biota that inhabit them. Caves touch on many scientific interests in geology, climate science, biology, hydrology, archaeology, and paleontology, as well as more popular interests in sport caving and cave exploration. Case studies and descriptions of specific caves selected for their special features and public interest are also included. This book will appeal to these audiences by providing in-depth essays written by expert authors chosen for their expertise in their assigned subject. Features 14 new chapters and 13 completely rewritten chapters Contains beautifully illustrated content, with more than 500 color images of cave life and features Provides extensive bibliographies that allow readers to access their subject of interest in greater depth

Author : Philip E. van Beynen
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 490 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2011-06-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789400712072

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Karst Management by Philip E. van Beynen Pdf

Focusing specifically on the management of karst environments, this volume draws together the world’s leading karst experts to provide a vital source for the study and management of this unique physical setting. Although karst landscapes cover 12% of the Earth’s terrain and provide 25% of the world’s drinking water, the resource management of karst environments has only previously received indirect attention. Through a comprehensive approach, Karst Management focuses on engineering issues associated with surface karst such as quarries, dams, and agriculture, subsurface topics such as the management of groundwater, show caves, cave biota, and geo-archaeology projects. Chapters that focus on karst as an integrated system look at IUCN World Heritage sites, national parks, policy and regulation, measuring systematic disturbance, information management, and public environmental education. The text incorporates the most up-to-date research from leading karst scientists. This volume provides important perspectives for university students, educators, geoengineers, resource managers, and planners who are interested in or work with this unique physical landscape.

Author : Malte C. Ebach
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 376 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2017-01-06
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781315355771

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Handbook of Australasian Biogeography by Malte C. Ebach Pdf

The Handbook of Australasian Biogeography is the most comprehensive overview of the biogeography of Australasian plants, fungi and animal taxa in a single volume. This volume is unique in its coverage of marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and subterranean taxa. It is an essential publication for anyone studying or researching Australasian biogeography. The book contains biogeographic reviews of all major plant, animal and fungal groups in Australasia by experts in the field, including a strong emphasis on invertebrates, algae, fungi and subterranean taxa. It discusses how Australasia is different from the rest of the world and what other areas share its history and biota.

Author : Horst Wilkens,Ulrike Strecker
Publisher : Springer
Page : 217 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2017-05-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783662545126

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Evolution in the Dark by Horst Wilkens,Ulrike Strecker Pdf

This book provides fascinating insights into the development and genetics of evolutionary processes on the basis of animals living in the dark, such as the Astyanax cave fish. Biologically functionless traits show high variability, which results from neutral deleterious mutations no longer being eliminated by natural selection, which normally acts to preserve functional capability. These negative mutations accumulate until the traits they are responsible for become rudimentary or even lost. The random genetic basis of regressive evolution is in accordance with Nei’s Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution, which applies to the molecular level. Such processes are particularly conspicuous in species living in constant darkness, where, for example in Astyanax, all traits depending on the exposure to light, like eyes, pigmentation, visually triggered aggressive behaviour, negative phototaxis, and several peripheral outcomes of circadian rhythmicity, are useless and diminish. In compensation constructive traits like taste, olfaction or the lateral line senses are improved by selection and do not show variability. Regressive and constructive traits inherit independently, proving that the rudimentation process is not driven by pleiotropic linkage between them. All these traits are subject to mosaic evolution and exhibit unproportional epistatic gene effects, which play an important role in evolutionary adaptation and improvement. Offering valuable evolutionary insights and supplemented by a wealth of illustrations, this book will appeal to evolutionary and developmental biologists alike.

Author : Mitja Prelovšek,Nadja Zupan Hajna
Publisher : Založba ZRC
Page : 99 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2011-01-01
Category : Karst conservation
ISBN : 9789612542856

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Pressures and Protection of the Underground Karst by Mitja Prelovšek,Nadja Zupan Hajna Pdf

Author : John Gunn
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
Page : 1971 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2004
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781579583996

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Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science by John Gunn Pdf

The Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science examines cave and karst geoscience, cave archaeology and human use of caves, art in caves, hydrology and groundwater, cave and karst history, and conservation and management.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 2589 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2009-01-13
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780123706263

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Encyclopedia of Inland Waters by Anonim Pdf

Inland aquatic habitats occur world-wide at all scales from marshes, swamps and temporary puddles, to ponds, lakes and inland seas; from streams and creeks to rolling rivers. Vital for biological diversity, ecosystem function and as resources for human life, commerce and leisure, inland waters are a vital component of life on Earth. The Encyclopedia of Inland Waters describes and explains all the basic features of the subject, from water chemistry and physics, to the biology of aquatic creatures and the complex function and balance of aquatic ecosystems of varying size and complexity. Used and abused as an essential resource, it is vital that we understand and manage them as much as we appreciate and enjoy them. This extraordinary reference brings together the very best research to provide the basic and advanced information necessary for scientists to understand these ecosystems – and for water resource managers and consultants to manage and protect them for future generations. Encyclopedic reference to Limnology - a key core subject in ecology taught as a specialist course in universitiesOver 240 topic related articles cover the field Gene Likens is a renowned limnologist and conservationist, Emeritus Director of the Institute of Ecosystems Research, elected member of the American Philosophical Society and recipient of the 2001 National Medal of Science Subject Section Editors and authors include the very best research workers in the field