A comprehensive introduction to tropical ecology

This full-color illustrated textbook offers the first comprehensive introduction to all major aspects of tropical ecology. It explains why the world's tropical rain forests are so universally rich in species, what factors may contribute to high species richness, how nutrient cycles affect rain forest ecology, and how ecologists investigate the complex interrelationships among flora and fauna. It covers tropical montane ecology, riverine ecosystems, savanna, dry forest—and more.

Tropical Ecology begins with a historical overview followed by a sweeping discussion of biogeography and evolution, and then introduces students to the unique and complex structure of tropical rain forests. Other topics include the processes that influence everything from species richness to rates of photosynthesis: how global climate change may affect rain forest characteristics and function; how fragmentation of ecosystems affects species richness and ecological processes; human ecology in the tropics; biodiversity; and conservation of tropical ecosystems and species.

Drawing on real-world examples taken from actual research, Tropical Ecology is the best textbook on the subject for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

Offers the first comprehensive introduction to tropical ecology
Describes all the major kinds of tropical terrestrial ecosystems
Explains species diversity, evolutionary processes, and coevolutionary interactions
Features numerous color illustrations and examples from actual research
Covers global warming, deforestation, reforestation, fragmentation, and conservation
The essential textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students
Suitable for courses with a field component

Leading universities that have adopted this book include:

Biola University
Bucknell University
California State University, Fullerton
Colorado State University - Fort Collins
Francis Marion University
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
Northern Kentucky University
Ohio Wesleyan University
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Syracuse University
Tulane University
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Florida
University of Missouri
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of the West Indies

John Kricher