Primary Succession and Ecosystem Rehabilitation [Hardcover]

This 2003 book examines ecological recovery following natural and human-induced disturbances.The first comprehensive summary of how plant, animal and microbial communities develop following dramatic natural and human-induced disturbances that leave little or no biological legacy. Examining the basic principles that determine ecosystem development, the authors link ecological theory to practical management issues and stress the urgency for reclamation of damaged lands. Written for ecologists concerned with disturbance, landscape dynamics, restoration, life histories, invasions, modeling, soil formation and community or population dynamics, it will serve as a valuable reference for professionals and an authoritative text for graduate students.The first comprehensive summary of how plant, animal and microbial communities develop following dramatic natural and human-induced disturbances that leave little or no biological legacy. Examining the basic principles that determine ecosystem development, the authors link ecological theory to practical management issues and stress the urgency for reclamation of damaged lands. Written for ecologists concerned with disturbance, landscape dynamics, restoration, life histories, invasions, modeling, soil formation and community or population dynamics, it will serve as a valuable reference for professionals and an authoritative text for graduate students.This volume provides the first comprehensive summary of how plant, animal, and microbial communities develop under the harsh conditions following dramatic natural disturbances. The authors examine the basic principles that determine ecosystem development and apply the general rules to the urgent practical need for promoting the reclamation of damaged lands. Written for ecologists concerned with disturbance, landscape dynamics, restoration, life histories, invasions, modeling, soil formation and community or population dynamics, this book also serves as an authoritative text for gradual&