Arthropods of Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems [Paperback]

G.P. Stamou describes the adaptive strategies that allow arthropods to cope with the severity of Mediterranean environments. After an introduction to the structure and function of Mediterranean-type ecosystems, ecophysiological adaptations to water stress and varying temperature are considered. Further, activity patterns and life cycle tactics are discussed in relation to the peculiarity of Mediterranean environments. Phenological patterns and population dynamics as well as community structures are also presented. The volume ends with a synthesis of life history tactics.G.P. Stamou describes the adaptive strategies that allow arthropods to cope with the severity of Mediterranean environments. After an introduction to the structure and function of Mediterranean-type ecosystems, ecophysiological adaptations to water stress and varying temperature are considered. Further, activity patterns and life cycle tactics are discussed in relation to the peculiarity of Mediterranean environments. Phenological patterns and population dynamics as well as community structures are also presented. The volume ends with a synthesis of life history tactics.I Introduction.- 1.1 The Mediterranean Climate.- 1.2 Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems.- 1.2.1 The Physical Environment.- 1.2.2 Vegetation.- 1.2.3 Geographical Distribution.- 1.2.3.1 Maquis Formations.- 1.2.3.2 Phrygnic Formations.- 1.2.4 The Resilience of Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems.- 1.2.4.1 Attributes of Resilience.- 1.2.5 Litter Production and Decomposition.- 2 Water Balance in Mediterranean Arthropods.- 2.1 Water Relations.- 2.2 Components of Water Balance.- 2.3 The Dynamics of Water Relations.- 2.4 Adaptation to Moisture Variations.- 2.5 Responses of Arthropods to Environmental Extremes.- 2.5.1 Behavioural Responses.- 2.5.2 Cryptobiosis.- 2.5.2.1 Anhydrobiosis.- 2.5.2.2 Ecomorphosis.- 3 Respiratory Metabolism.- 3.1 Respiration and Weight.- 3.2 Respiratory Response to Varying Temperature.- 3.3 Acclimation to Constant Temperature.- ló–