The Biology of Lakes and Ponds (Biology of Habitats) [Paperback]

Christer Bronmark (Author), Lars-Anders Hansson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0198549717 | ISBN-13: 978-0198549710 | Edition: annotated edition

Today scientists are increasingly applying modern and evolutionary theory to the understanding of freshwater ecosystems. Taking note of this trend, authors Bronmark and Hansson have compiled a comprehensive overview that summarizes these new approaches and integrates them with more traditional limnology. The result is a comprehensive, accessible resource that fully explores of the evolution of freshwater organisms, the importance of biotic interactions--including competition, predation, parasitism, and symbiosis--and community level processes such as food web interactions. The authors have also included a chapter on conservation that identifies the threats posed by human activity and possible counteractive measures.

Today scientists are increasingly applying modern and evolutionary theory to the understanding of freshwater ecosystems. Taking note of this trend, authors Bronmark and Hansson have compiled a comprehensive overview that summarizes these new approaches and integrates them with more traditional limnology. The result is a comprehensive, accessible resource that fully explores of the evolution of freshwater organisms, the importance of biotic interactions--including competition, predation, parasitism, and symbiosis--and community level processes such as food web interactions. The authors have also included a chapter on conservation that identifies the threats posed by human activity and possible counteractive measures.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The third in the series of textbooks on 'Biology of Habitats' by this publisher, this thin volume succinctly covers the major topics in six chapters on the abiotic 'frame' and adaptations, the organisms, biotic interactions, food web interactions, and environment and conservation. Written as an introductory text for undergraduates, this book emphasizes adaptations to abiotic factors in temperate Europe and North America."--Fisheries

"Limnology is a mixture of scientific disciplines, covering various aspects of physics, chemistry and biology. . . . The authors . . . have deliberately omitted the term limnology, suggesting a focus on biotic interactions. Nevertheless, the first chapter . . . is wisely devoted to 'The abiotic frame', setting the stage for the players that appear in the subsequent chapters. The authors then offer a thorough presentation of the biotic members of aquatic communities, before examining classic biotic interactions, such as competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism and symbiosis, leading to a synthesis in the food-web chapter. . . . Each chapter suggests some tasks for students in the form of 'practical experiments and observations'. . . . Br�nmark and Hansson . . . have succeeded in writing an introductory textbook that merges conventional limnological knowledge with an updated survey of aquatic ecology in general and food web interactions in particular."--Trends in Ecology & Evolution

"This is an introductory text to aquatic ecology and limnology. Though the book is by two Swedish researchers, the focus is on 'the general patterns in adaptations and processes among organisms of lakes and ponds', patterns which apply to lakes throughout the world. The authors especially seek to present 'what we think is interesting and important to know for an aquatic ecologist at the beginning of his or her career.' Chapters include 'The abiotic frame and adaptations to cope with abiotic constraints'; 'The organisms: the actors within the abiotic frame'; 'Biotics: competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, and symbiosis'; 'Food web interactions in freshwater ecosystems'; and 'Environment and conservation'."--Aquaphyte

"Br�nmark and Hansson have produced an excellent text on the ecology of lakes and ponds for undergraduates. The book is well written and contains a thorough review of the pertinent literature. A history of the aquatic ecology field runs throughout the text making this a good review for graduate students as well as instructors in aquatic ecology. . . . The entire text contains excellent figures and illustrations that help explain difficult concepts and interactions. Additionally, each chapter (except Chapter 6) has suggested experiments that relate to the material, as well as historical work in the field of aquatic ecology. In addition to a list of References, there is a list of selected literature for further reading. These references are listed by category, e.g., limnological methods, abiotic frame, food web interactions. There is also a glossary and keyword index. Br�nmark and Hansson have produced an excellent text for undergraduates in aquatic ecology."--Ecology

"The authors have drawn on their own areas of expertise in benthic and plankton ecology to assemble a well-written and thorough volume that can be used in a typical academic course. They avoid an encyclopedic approach while still covering the major topics one would expect from more typical limnology textbooks. It is intended as an introductory textbook for aquatic ecology and limnology, but I have used numerous sections in my own introductory ecology course. ... The organization of the book is logical, and the authors are to be commended for truly integrating abiotic and biotic components throughout the volume into a holistic view of lakes and ponds. All figures and illustrations are well drawn and clearly annotated. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for experiments and questions for discussion. In addition, references for further reading are provided for each chapter."--The Quarterly Review of Biology

About the Author

Lars-Anders Hansson, Lund University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; annotated edition edition (December 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198549717
• ISBN-13: 978-0198549710
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,946,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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