Trees
Their Natural History

An updated and revised edition providing an introduction to all aspects of tree biology and ecology.

Peter A. Thomas (Author)

9780521133586, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 April 2014

408 pages, 10 b/w illus. 218 colour illus.
24.6 x 17.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.82 kg

'The much-abused term 'well-written' sits very comfortably here; you could buy this book for an aspiring young biologist, a relative with an interest in trees, your local landscape architect or planner … If you bought the first edition, this one is newer and better. If you didn't buy it last time, think again.' Alan Crowden, Bulletin, British Ecological Society

Trees are familiar components of many landscapes and have been vital in determining the ecology of our planet as well as the development of human cultures and communities. Yet how much do we really understand about how they work? This updated and revised edition provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of tree biology and ecology and presents the state-of-the-art discoveries in this area. The wonders and mysteries of trees are explored throughout the book and questions such as why leaves turn spectacular colours in the autumn, how water reaches the top of the tallest trees, or why the study of genetics has caused so many name changes in trees are all brilliantly answered. Written with a non-technical approach, this book will be a valuable source of reference for students and those with a less formal interest in this fascinating group of plants.

Preface
1. An overview
2. Leaves: the food producers
3. Trunk and branches: more than a connecting drainpipe
4. Roots: the hidden tree
5. Towards the next generation: flowers, fruits and seeds
6. The growing tree
7. The shape of trees
8. The next generation: new trees from old
9. Age, health, damage and death: living in a hostile world
10. Trees and us
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: The Earth: natural history general [WNW], Trees, wildflowers & plants [WNP], Plant ecology [PSTS], Botany & plant sciences [PST], Biology, life sciences [PS], Mathematics & science [P]