| Description |
x, 362 pages : illustrations, maps ; 26 cm |
|
regular print |
| Contents |
1. The Geology-Plant Interface -- 2. Geobotany: Its Historical Roots -- 3. Geoedaphics and Other Environmental Influences: Their Reciprocal Relationships -- 4. Landforms (Geomorphology) and Plant Life -- 5. The Influences of Lithology on Plant Life -- 6. Implications of Geoedaphics for Systematics and Evolution -- 7. Geoedaphics and Biogeography (Geology and the Distribution of Plants) -- 8. Human Influences on the Geology-Plant Interface |
| Summary |
Drawing on case histories from around the world, Arthur Kruckeberg demonstrates the role of landforms and rock types in producing the unique geographical distributions of plants and in stimulating evolutionary diversification. His examples range throughout the rich and heterogeneous tapestry of the earth's surface: the dramatic variations of mountainous topography, the undulating ground and crevices of level limestone karst, and the subtle realm of sand dunes. He describes the ongoing evolutionary consequences of the geology-plant interface and the often underestimated role of geology in shaping climate. Kruckeberg explores the fundamental connection between plants and geology, including the historicla roots of geobotany, the reciprocal relations between geology and other environmental influences, geomorphology and its connection with plant life, lithology as a potent selective agent for plants, and the physical and biological influences of oils. Special emphasis is given to the responses of plants to exceptional rock types and their soils - serpentines, limestones, and other azonal (exceptional) substrates. Edaphic ecology, especially of serpentines, has been his specialty for years |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 323-351) |
| Subject |
Phytogeography.
|
|
Plant ecology.
|
|
Geology.
|
| LC no. |
2002016597 |
| ISBN |
0295982039 alkaline paper |
|
