Tropical Forests (Ecosystem)

Examines the tropical forests of the world, discussing their climate, geology, types, biodiversity, ecology, history, economic and ecological value, and future, as well as the ways in which people interact with them. Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 14 Acknowledgments......Page 16 Introduction......Page 18 1 Climate and Tropical Forests......Page 22 2 Geology of the Tropical Forests......Page 55 3 Types of Tropical Forest......Page 74 4 The Tropical Forest Ecosystem......Page 97 5 Biodiversity of the Tropical Forests......Page 119 6 Biology of the Tropical Forests: Plants......Page 130 7 Biology of the Tropical Forests: Animals......Page 164 8 Ancient History of Tropical Forests......Page 195 9 People in the Tropical Forests......Page 207 10 The Value of Tropical Forests......Page 220 11 The Future of Tropical Forests......Page 234 12 General Conclusions......Page 243 Glossary......Page 246 Further Reading......Page 253 Web Sites......Page 255 Index......Page 256 Provides biological, climatic, economic, geographical, geological, and historical perspectives on tropical forest environments, and explains how the ecosystems came to be, how they have changed throughout history, and how they have been affected by human activity Examines the history, biology, wildlife, and problems of six different ecosystems -- deserts, temperate forests, wetlands, oceans, tundra, and tropical forests -- and discusses the complex interaction between humans and the environment