Ecosystems of Florida [Paperback]

Ronald L. Myers (Editor), John J. Ewel (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813010225 | ISBN-13: 978-0813010229 | Publication Date: September 1, 1990 | Edition: First

 

Between roughly 25 and 31 degrees north latitude, a combination of flat topography, poor soils, and limited surface water produce deserts nearly everywhere on earth.  In Florida, however, these conditions support a lavish biota, more diverse than that of any other state east of the Mississippi.
 
In this first comprehensive guide to the state’s natural resources in sixty years, thirty top scholars describe the character, relationships, and importance of Florida’s ecosystems, the organisms that inhabit them, the forces that maintain them, and the agents that threaten them.  From pine flatwoods to coral reef, Ecosystems of Florida provides a detailed, comprehensive, authoritative account of the peninsular state’s complex, fragile environments.
 
 

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

"An important book that everyone who works on Florida environmental policy in any way should own . . . [and] anyone who cares about nature in Florida would love to own."—Tallahassee Democrat

"The first comprehensive guide to the state’s natural resources to be written in half a century . . . invaluable"—Tampa Tribune 
"Ecosystems of Florida has a proud heritage. Its authors have the same skill and enthusiasm that characterized the early Florida ecologists.  The descriptions will encourage and delight a multitude of men and women who are enamored of Florida’s landscapes. The salvation of the Florida scene will come about only if the public savors its beauty, understands its limitations, and speaks up for its preservation.  This book has come just in time to save the landscapes of Florida."—Marjorie Harris Carr, from the foreword

Between roughly 25 and 31 degrees north latitude, a combination of flat topography, poor soils, and limited surface water produce deserts nearly everywhere on earth.  In Florida, however, these conditions support a lavish biota, more diverse than that of any other state east of the Mississippi.
 
In this first comprehensive guide to the state’s natural resources in sixty years, thirty top scholars describe the character, relationships, and importance of Florida’s ecosystems, the organisms that inhabit them, the forces that maintain them, and the agents that threaten them.  From pine flatwoods to coral reef, Ecosystems of Florida provides a detailed, comprehensive, authoritative account of the peninsular state’s complex, fragile environments.
 
In straightforward text, charts, maps, and illustrations, Ecosystems of Florida offers broad vision and detailed expertise to naturalists, wildlife managers, land use planners, foresters, and other professional and general readers interested in Florida’s environmental resources. For the foreseeable future, it will serve as the authoritative guide to the state’s environment and to those who would work with it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 765 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Florida; First edition (September 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813010225
• ISBN-13: 978-0813010229
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Indispensible guide to the ecology of Florida, June 21, 2000

By 

"[e-mail]" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ecosystems of Florida (Paperback)

For more than a decade, 'Ecosystems of Florida' has become the standard by which all other books on Florida's unique ecology are judged. The flora, fauna, soil, climate, and hydrological characteristics of all of Floridas ecosystems are explained in exhaustive yet accessible detail. The book also has general information about the soil, climate, and geological history of Florida that helps the reader explore the ecosytem chapters with a broader understanding of the ecology of the state as a whole. Concluding chapters tie in the influence of people to the history of Florida's ecology and explain the role people will take in shaping or breaking Florida's natural areas in the future. This book has become more than a reference to me. It presents a very complex set of information in a clear, easily-read, and entertaining format that makes it hard to put down.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for Florida Master Naturalists, December 16, 2008

By 

TC Shooter "TC Shooter" (South Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ecosystems of Florida (Hardcover)

Ecosystems of Florida formed the basis for the Florida Master Naturalist program. I recently completed all three modules, and found this book very helpful in expanding the information taught in class. Unfortunately, it is overdue for revision, but the core data has not changed. The classroom slide shows and videos are helpful, and it pays to find a good instructor (I highly recommend Steve Bass, if you live in Southeast Florida), but if you want to delve deeper into the material, this book is the place. Also recommended is "Priceless Florida."

3.0 out of 5 stars Great reference book, January 7, 2012

By 

madcpht - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ecosystems of Florida (Paperback)

I am an Environmental Scientist, living and working in Florida now, but was never formally educated here. I bought this book, recommended by a co-worker. It has proven to be a great learning tool. It contains historical information, along with a wide range of information about geology, geography, soils, climate and more current human influences on the ecosystems of Florida.