The Natural History of Texas / Brian R. Chapman and Eric G. Bolen ; foreword by Andrew Sansom.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Chapman, Brian R., author.

Bolen, Eric G., author.

Series:

Integrative natural history series.

Integrative natural history series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ecology--Texas.

Ecology.

Natural history--Texas.

Natural history.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiv, 373 pages :) color illustrations, color maps ;

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

College Station : Texas A&M University Press, [2018]

Summary:

From two veteran ecologists comes a new and sweeping exploration of the natural history of Texas in all its biological diversity and geological variation. Few states, if any, can match Texas for its myriad species, past and present, and its many distinctive landscapes, from prairie grasslands and hardwood forests to coastal lagoons and desert mountains. Beginning with the stories of how biologists and naturalists have over time defined the ecological areas of this very big state, the authors visit each of the eleven regions, including the Texas coast. They describe the dominant flora and fauna of each, explain the defining geologic features, and highlight each region's unique characteristics, such as carnivorous plants in the Piney Woods and returning black bears in the Trans-Pecos. Throughout, the authors remain especially conscious of the conservation and management issues affecting the natural resources of each region, revealing their deep affection for and knowledge about the state. Bolstered by a glossary, further reading suggestions, a description of state symbols, and an appendix of scientific names, this is an educational and essential volume for all Texans. ECOREGIONS Piney Woods Post Oak Savanna Blackland Prairies Cross Timbers and Prairies Rolling Plains Edwards Plateau High Plains Trans-Pecos South Texas Brushland Coastal Prairies Texas Gulf Coast

Contents:

Natural history in Texas: establishing ecological boundaries

Piney woods: steeple-high trees and bottomland swamps

Post oak savanna: land between pines and grasslands

Blackland prairies: grasslands at the edge

Cross timbers and prairies: a cast-iron forest in a land of grass

Rolling plains: rangelands and red-hued canyons

Edwards Plateau: the Texas Hill Country

High Plains: playas, shortgrass, and shin oak

Trans-Pecos: desert legends and rugged grandeur

South Texas brushland: the last great habitat

Coastal prairies: tall grasses and sea breezes

Texas Gulf Coast: marshes, bays, and barrier islands

Appendix A. State symbols: natural history of the iconic native species

Appendix B. Scientific names.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 311-354) and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-62349-573-3

OCLC:

1031871304