The Karoo Ecological Patterns and Processes [Paperback]

Originally published in 1999, this book was the first to synthesise ecological studies of this unique southern African region.The Succulent and Nama Karoo form part of the arid southwestern zone of Africa, a vast area of rugged landscapes and low treeless vegetation. Studies of this unique region have yielded fascinating insights into the ecology of its flora and fauna. This book is the first to synthesise these studies, presenting information on biogeographic patterns and life processes, form and function of animals and plants, foraging ecology, landscape-level dynamics and anthropogenic influences.The Succulent and Nama Karoo form part of the arid southwestern zone of Africa, a vast area of rugged landscapes and low treeless vegetation. Studies of this unique region have yielded fascinating insights into the ecology of its flora and fauna. This book is the first to synthesise these studies, presenting information on biogeographic patterns and life processes, form and function of animals and plants, foraging ecology, landscape-level dynamics and anthropogenic influences.The Succulent and Nama Karoo form part of the arid southwestern zone of Africa, a vast region of rugged landscapes and low treeless vegetation. Studies of this unique biome have yielded fascinating insights into the ecology of its flora and fauna. This book is the first to synthesize these studies, presenting information on biogeographic patterns and life processes, form and function of animals and plants, foraging ecology, landscape-level dynamics, and anthropogenic influences. The contributions offer novel analyses of the factors distinguishing the Karoo from other temperate deserts and challenge generalizations about semi-arid ecosystems.Foreword P. W. Roux; Preface; Acknowledgements; Part I. The Driving Variables W. Dean and S. Milton: 1. The climate of the Karoo - a functional approach P. Desmet and R. Cowling; 2. Soils of the arid south-western zone of Africa M. Watkeys; 3. Paleoenvironments MlL