Terrestrial Plant Ecology, 3/E
Michael G. Barbour, University of California, Davis
Jack H. Burk, California State University, Fullerton
Wanna D. Pitts, San Jose State University (Emeritus)
Frank S. Gilliam, Marshall University
Mark W. Schwartz, University of California, Davis

ISBN-10: 080530004X
ISBN-13: 9780805300048

Publisher: Benjamin Cummings
Copyright: 1999
Format: Cloth; 688 pp
Published: 09/29/1998

Suggested retail price: $129.40
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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.

  • NEW - <F75BS>NEW! The text includes significant developments in the areas of landscape ecology, conservation biology, restoration ecology, and ecohistory.
  • NEW - <F75BS>NEW! Major revisions have been made to the chapters on population biology, species interactions, succession, nutrient cycling, soil, fire, photosynthesis, and the vegetation of North America.
  • This text is unique in that it provides a comprehensive introduction to a wide range of topics in plant ecology, from populations and communities to landscapes.
  • The authors blend classic topics with concise summaries of recent research results, and present conflicting evidence and opinions when consensus viewpoints do not exist.
  • The text's four-part structure includes information on the broad aspects of plant ecology and the history of the science; autoecology; synecology; and the role of light, temperature, soil, and water at both the autoecological and synecological levels.
  • Chapters are written as self-contained units that may be assigned for reading in any order.

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.

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.

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