Ecological Communities and Processes in a Mojave Desert Ecosystem

This book provides a broad overview of plant and animal ecology in the Mojave Desert.

Philip W. Rundel (Author), Arthur C. Gibson (Author)

9780521021418, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 October 2005

388 pages, 143 b/w illus. 6 maps 143 tables
24.7 x 19 x 2 cm, 0.705 kg

'I happily recommend this book to all who are interested in whole organism biology. It is a source book of ideas, as well as an exemplary account of one special area of great interest: an unexpected product of the Cold War. Out of the strong has come forth sweetness.' A. D. Q. Agnew, Annals of Botany

Deserts provide a harsh and inhospitable environment for plants and animals, and the ecosystem is correspondingly fragile and prone to disruption by a variety of external factors. The Mojave Desert is a winter-rainfall desert, experiencing drought in the summer months, and occasional rain during the cooler winter months. For many years, it has attracted the attention of ecologists and conservation biologists concerned to maintain the unique status of this region. This book provides a broad overview of plant and animal ecology in the Mojave Desert, presented with a focus on data from Rock Valley, Nevada. The data from many major research projects is synthesized into a description of community structure and dynamics in desert ecosystems.

Preface
Historical prologue on Rock Valley studies
1. Introduction to the Mojave Desert
2. Physical geography of Rock Valley
3. Adaptations of Mojave Desert plants
4. Desert perennials of southern Nevada
5. Mojave Desert annuals
6. Adaptations of Mojave Desert animals
7. Mammals
8. Reptiles
9. Birds
10. Arthropods
11. Soil organisms and seed reserves
12. Nitrogen cycling
13. Human impacts on Mojave Desert ecosystems
Literature cited
Index.

Subject Areas: Biogeography [RGM], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]