Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests [Hardcover]

Stephen H. Bullock (Editor), Harold A. Mooney (Editor), Ernesto Medina (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 24, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0521435145 | ISBN-13: 978-0521435147

Prolonged seasonal drought affects most of the tropics, including vast areas presently or recently dominated by 'dry forests'. These forests have received scant attention, despite the fact that humans have used and changed them more than rain forests. This volume reviews the available information, often making contrasts with wetter forests. The world's dry forest heterogeneity of structure and function is shown regionally. In the neotropics, biogeographic patterns differ from those of wet forests, as does the spectrum of plant life-forms in terms of structure, physiology, phenology and reproduction. Biomass distribution, nutrient cycling, below-ground dynamics and nitrogen gas emission are also reviewed. Exploitation schemes are surveyed, and examples are given of non-timber product economies. It is hoped that this review will stimulate research leading to more conservative and productive management of dry forests.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'... a well produced, useful, and timely book that can only be recommended.' Jon C. Lovett, Journal of New Phytology '... to be warmly welcomed.' Philip Stott, Progress in Physical Geography

Book Description

Until recently tropical 'dry forests' were more widespread than rain forests. This volume provides the first review of dry forests, including regional overviews, biogeography, palaeontology, plant ecology and ecosystem functions. Exploitation schemes and non-timber products also are surveyed.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 468 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 24, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521435145
• ISBN-13: 978-0521435147
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,018,690 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)