Biological Diversity of Mexico: Origins and Distribution [Hardcover]

Antonio Lot (Editor), Robert Bye (Editor), T.P. Ramamoorthy (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 1993

Mexico is among the richest countries in the world in terms of the number of native animal and plant species. Found in a wide variety of habitats--from alpine meadows and tropical forests to vast stretches of desert and isolated pockets of biogeographical uniqueness--these species comprise a fascinating, important, and vastly underutilized biological laboratory. This volume presents a collection of selected papers that explore this marvelous biological abundance. The book is divided into six parts. The first section sets the stage with geological and paleobotanical overviews; the succeeding five sections employ a strong taxonomic base to document species richness, endemism and distribution for animals and plants, followed by reviews of contrasting ecosystems and plants that are closely associated with humans. The last section summarizes the disheartening rate of habitat destruction which threatens to diminish this diversity. In addition to the purely scientific value of this important work, it provides the much-needed basic data that will help conservation policymakers assess and respond to Mexico's ecological evolution.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A stimulating collection of 26 essays, arranged into six parts, on the origins, richness and distribution of Mexican biota. . . . a valuable source for comparative research, a timely compilation of data needed for conservation efforts, and an important reference for those interested in the biological heritage of the world." --Pedro F. Quintana-Ascencio (SUNY-Stony Brook), The Quarterly Review of Biology

"This is a tremendous book, a heavyweight, weighing in at well over 4 pounds and containing over 800 pages. Does it do justice to the subject?....The answer to the question is yes, this book does do justice to a big subject. The price seems reasonable, and the editors, all from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, are to be congratulated." --Brittonia (of The New York Botanical Garden)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 856 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 7, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019506674X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195066746
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,857,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)