Biological Invasions in Marine Ecosystems

Biological Invasions in Marine Ecosystems PDF

Author: Gil Rilov

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-11-12

Total Pages: 642

ISBN-13: 354079235X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Biological invasions are considered to be one of the greatest threats to the integrity of most ecosystems on earth. This volume explores the current state of marine bioinvasions, which have been growing at an exponential rate over recent decades. Focusing on the ecological aspects of biological invasions, it elucidates the different stages of an invasion process, starting with uptake and transport, through inoculation, establishment and finally integration into new ecosystems. Basic ecological concepts - all in the context of bioinvasions - are covered, such as propagule pressure, species interactions, phenotypic plasticity, and the importance of biodiversity. The authors approach bioinvasions as hazards to the integrity of natural communities, but also as a tool for better understanding fundamental ecological processes. Important aspects of managing marine bioinvasions are also discussed, as are many informative case studies from around the world.

Competition and Coexistence

Competition and Coexistence PDF

Author: Ulrich Sommer

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 3642561667

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The question "Why are there so many species?" has puzzled ecologist for a long time. Initially, an academic question, it has gained practical interest by the recent awareness of global biodiversity loss. Species diversity in local ecosystems has always been discussed in relation to the problem of competi tive exclusion and the apparent contradiction between the competitive exclu sion principle and the overwhelming richness of species found in nature. Competition as a mechanism structuring ecological communities has never been uncontroversial. Not only its importance but even its existence have been debated. On the one extreme, some ecologists have taken competi tion for granted and have used it as an explanation by default if the distribu tion of a species was more restricted than could be explained by physiology and dispersal history. For decades, competition has been a core mechanism behind popular concepts like ecological niche, succession, limiting similarity, and character displacement, among others. For some, competition has almost become synonymous with the Darwinian "struggle for existence", although simple plausibility should tell us that organisms have to struggle against much more than competitors, e.g. predators, parasites, pathogens, and envi ronmental harshness.

Evolution of Primary Producers in the Sea

Evolution of Primary Producers in the Sea PDF

Author: Paul Falkowski

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2011-08-31

Total Pages: 456

ISBN-13: 9780080550510

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Evolution of Primary Producers in the Sea reference examines how photosynthesis evolved on Earth and how phytoplankton evolved through time – ultimately to permit the evolution of complex life, including human beings. The first of its kind, this book provides thorough coverage of key topics, with contributions by leading experts in biophysics, evolutionary biology, micropaleontology, marine ecology, and biogeochemistry. This exciting new book is of interest not only to students and researchers in marine science, but also to evolutionary biologists and ecologists interested in understanding the origins and diversification of life. Evolution of Primary Producers in the Sea offers these students and researchers an understanding of the molecular evolution, phylogeny, fossil record, and environmental processes that collectively permits us to comprehend the rise of phytoplankton and their impact on Earth's ecology and biogeochemistry. It is certain to become the first and best word on this exhilarating topic. Discusses the evolution of phytoplankton in the world's oceans as the first living organisms and the first and basic producers in the earths food chain Includes the latest developments in the evolution and ecology of marine phytoplankton specifically with additional information on marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles The only book to consider of the evolution of phytoplankton and its role in molecular evolution, biogeochemistry, paleontology, and oceanographic aspects Written at a level suitable for related reading use in courses on the Evolution of the Biosphere, Ecological and Biological oceanography and marine biology, and Biodiversity

Ocean Acidification

Ocean Acidification PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-09-14

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 030916155X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The ocean has absorbed a significant portion of all human-made carbon dioxide emissions. This benefits human society by moderating the rate of climate change, but also causes unprecedented changes to ocean chemistry. Carbon dioxide taken up by the ocean decreases the pH of the water and leads to a suite of chemical changes collectively known as ocean acidification. The long term consequences of ocean acidification are not known, but are expected to result in changes to many ecosystems and the services they provide to society. Ocean Acidification: A National Strategy to Meet the Challenges of a Changing Ocean reviews the current state of knowledge, explores gaps in understanding, and identifies several key findings. Like climate change, ocean acidification is a growing global problem that will intensify with continued CO2 emissions and has the potential to change marine ecosystems and affect benefits to society. The federal government has taken positive initial steps by developing a national ocean acidification program, but more information is needed to fully understand and address the threat that ocean acidification may pose to marine ecosystems and the services they provide. In addition, a global observation network of chemical and biological sensors is needed to monitor changes in ocean conditions attributable to acidification.

To Rule Eurasia’s Waves

To Rule Eurasia’s Waves PDF

Author: Geoffrey F. Gresh

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2020-10-27

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 0300256019

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The first book to weave Eurasia together through the perspective of the oceans and seas Eurasia’s emerging powers—India, China, and Russia—have increasingly embraced their maritime geographies as they have expanded and strengthened their economies, military capabilities, and global influence. Maritime Eurasia, a region that facilitates international commerce and contains some of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, has already caused a shift in the global political economy and challenged the dominance of the Atlantic world and the United States. Climate change is set to further affect global politics. With meticulous and comprehensive field research, Geoffrey Gresh considers how the melting of the Arctic ice cap will create new shipping lanes and exacerbate a contest for the control of Arctic natural resources. He explores as well the strategic maritime shifts under way from Europe to the Indian Ocean and Pacific Asia. The race for great power status and the earth’s changing landscape, Gresh shows, are rapidly transforming Eurasia and thus creating a new world order.

Wind-Borne Illness from Coastal Seas

Wind-Borne Illness from Coastal Seas PDF

Author: John J Walsh

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2019-07-18

Total Pages: 556

ISBN-13: 0128121327

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Wind-Borne Illness from Coastal Seas: Present and Future Consequences of Toxic Marine Aerosols explores the present and future human health consequences of marine aerosol poisons carried ashore by coastal winds. The book compiles relevant information on an interrelated toxicological, environmental sciences and public health problem that is combined with recent observations, extensive epidemiological data and case studies. It tackles this challenge with a small, interdisciplinary group of authors who dissect the underlying causes and potential remedies of increasing ill health issues on a planet that is covered by 70% seawater and subject to increasing sea spray-containing malign aerosols. The book's authors outline the historical context of the situation, discuss the importance of recognizing toxic marine aerosols as a cause of wind-borne illness, and suggest operational forecasts for avoidance of onshore, wind-borne marine toxins, and crucially, present extensive epidemiological evidence. This resource will be useful to a wide variety of toxicologists, medical doctors and environmental scientists. Contains extensive epidemiological data and case studies on aerosol forms of windborne global marine toxins Presents information from an interdisciplinary author team Argues for future operational forecasts for avoidance of onshore, windborne marine toxins

Contest for the South China Sea

Contest for the South China Sea PDF

Author: Marwyn Samuels

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-11-05

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 1136575537

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

First published in 1982. Wide-ranging and fully documented, this book is the first detailed study of the origins, contexts and consequences of the long-standing dispute between China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines over the Paracel and Spratly Archipelagos in the South China Sea - one of the world's most strategically important inter-ocean basins and China's southern maritime frontier. Samuels' analysis: * Highlights the impact of the shifting balance of power in Asia and the growing competition for oceanic resources * Examines the implications of the dispute in terms of the historical and modern role of china as a maritime power in Asia.

Lanterna Rally - Theme by Grace Themes