Stable Isotopes in Ecological Research [Paperback]

The analysis of stable isotope ratios represents one of the most exciting new technical advances in environmental sciences. In this book, leading experts offer the first survey of applications of stable isotope analysis to ecological research. Central topics are - plant physiology studies - food webs and animal metabolism - biogeochemical fluxes. Extensive coverage is given to natural isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Ecologists of diverse research interests, as well as agronomists, anthropologists, and geochemists will value this overview for its wealth of information on theoretical background, experimental approaches, and technical design of studies utilizing stable isotope ratios.The analysis of stable isotope ratios represents one of the most exciting new technical advances in environmental sciences. In this book, leading experts offer the first survey of applications of stable isotope analysis to ecological research. Central topics are - plant physiology studies - food webs and animal metabolism - biogeochemical fluxes. Extensive coverage is given to natural isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Ecologists of diverse research interests, as well as agronomists, anthropologists, and geochemists will value this overview for its wealth of information on theoretical background, experimental approaches, and technical design of studies utilizing stable isotope ratios.1. Stable Isotopes: History, Units, and Instrumentation.- Section I Ecophysiological Studies in Plants.- 2. Carbon Isotope Fractionation and Plant Water-Use Efficiency.- 3. Carbon Isotope Ratios and Physiological Processes in Aridland Plants.- 4. Stable Carbon Isotope Ratio as an Index of Water-Use Efficiency in C3 HalophytesPossible Relationship to Strategies for Osmotic Adjustment.- 5. Stable Carbon Isotopes in Vernal Pool Aquatics of Differing Photosl£‰