Fern ecology / edited by Klaus Mehltreter, Lawrence R. Walker, Joanne M. Sharpe.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Mehltreter, Klaus, editor.

Walker, Lawrence R., editor.

Sharpe, Joanne M., editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ferns--Ecology.

Ferns.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvi, 444 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Ferns are an integral part of the world's flora, appreciated for their beauty as ornamentals, problematic as invaders and endangered by human interference. They often dominate forest understories but also colonize open areas, invade waterways and survive in nutrient-poor wastelands and eroded pastures. Presented here is the first comprehensive summary of fern ecology, with worldwide examples from Siberia to the islands of Hawaii. Topics include a brief history of the ecological study of ferns, a global survey of fern biogeography, fern population dynamics, the role of ferns in ecosystem nutrient cycles, their adaptations to xeric environments and future directions in fern ecology. Fully illustrated concepts and processes provide a framework for future research and utilization of ferns for graduate students and professionals in ecology, conservation and land management.

Contents:

Ecological importance of ferns / Joanne M. Sharpe, Klaus Mehltreter and Lawrence R. Walker

Biogeography of ferns / Michael Kessler

Ecological insights from fern population dynamics / Joanne M. Sharpe and Klaus Mehltreter

Nutrient ecology of ferns / Sarah J. Richardson and Lawrence R. Walker

Fern adaptations to xeric environments / Peter Hietz

Ferns, disturbance and succession / Lawrence R. Walker and Joanne M. Sharpe

Interactions of ferns with fungi and animals / Klaus Mehltreter

Problem ferns: their impact and management / Roderick C. Robinson, Elizabeth Sheffield and Joanne M. Sharpe

Fern conservation / Klaus Mehltreter

Current and future directions in fern ecology / Lawrence R. Walker, Klaus Mehltreter and Joanne M. Sharpe

Appendix A: Classification system of ferns and lycophytes

Appendix B: Index to genera of ferns and lycophytes in alphabetical order / Alan R. Smith

Appendix C: Geological timescale.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-107-21242-1

0-511-85005-0

1-282-65312-1

9786612653124

0-511-84489-1

0-511-68421-5

0-511-67900-9

0-511-67775-8

0-511-68223-9

0-511-68025-2

OCLC:

642661099