Food Webs and Container Habitats: The Natural History and Ecology of Phytotelmata [Hardcover]

R. L. Kitching (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0521773164 | ISBN-13: 978-0521773164 | Edition: 1

The animal communities in plant-held water bodies, such as tree holes and pitcher plants, are models for food web studies. In this book, Professor Kitching introduces us to these fascinating miniature worlds and demonstrates how they can be used to tackle some of the major questions in community ecology. Based on his thirty years of research around the world, he presents much previously unpublished information, as well as summarizing over a hundred years of natural history observations made by others. The book covers many aspects of the theory of food web formation and maintenance presented with field-collected information on tree holes, bromeliads, pitcher plants, bamboo containers, and the axils of fleshy plants.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent reference. It is by far the most detailed treatment of the topic ever attempted, and it is essential reading for anyone interested in phytotelmata...If Kitching's intention was to make this work informative and interesting to a relatively broad audience, he has succeeded." Plant Systematics and Evolution

"Generalists will find fascinating the first 89 pages on the flora, fauna, and environment of phytotelmata. This excellent work is an essential addition to the field of community ecology." Choice

"The information in this book is of the weird and wonderful sort that makes birders, plant enthusiasts, herpetophiles, and really all naturalists exclaim, 'wow'!" The Canaidian Field-Naturalist

Book Description

This book introduces the natural history and ecology of the animal communities in plant-held water bodies, such as tree-holes and pitcher plants. In this book, Professor Kitching introduces us to these fascinating miniature worlds and demonstrates how they can be used to tackle some of the major questions in community ecology, including food web formation. It is a unique introduction to the field naturalist, and a stimulating source treatment for graduate students and professionals working in the fields of tropical and other forest ecology, as well as entomology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (August 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521773164
• ISBN-13: 978-0521773164
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,757,014 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Community Ecology, August 15, 2007

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This review is from: Food Webs and Container Habitats: The Natural History and Ecology of Phytotelmata (Hardcover)

Kitching breaks down community ecology into its components using container habitats to demonstrate the underlying principles. A must for those who seek to understand the complexities of ecosystems and life on earth.