Plant Succession Theory and prediction [Hardcover]

'Succession' is the term used to describe the phenomenon of changes in vegetational types in both time and space. The subject of the colonization and exploitation of 'new' areas by plants is a key one in ecology and this book summarizes the theoretical arguments currently raging about the topic.Prologue. The nature of vegetation dynamics; D.C. Glenn-Lewin, E. van der Maarel. Establishment, colonization and persistence; A.G. van der Valk. Community structure and ecosystem properties; R.K. Peet. Regeneration dynamics; T.T. Veblen. From population dynamics to community dynamics: modeling succession as a species replacement process; R. van Hulst. Statistical models of succession; M.B. Usher. Individual-based models of forest succession; D.L. Urban, H.H. Shugart. Climate change and long-term vegetation dynamics; I.C. Prentice. Epilogue.`... this book is useful in combining a summary of knowledge and ideas about succession to date and a forward looking discussion of the development of predictive ability in vegetation ecology.'
Forestry
` ... the editors and publishers are to be congratulated on producing a multiauthor book that maintains stylistic coherence throughout, and develops a consistent theme logically through successive chapters. The result is an authoritative and readable account that all practising and would-be ecologists should consult.'
Journal of Ecology
`The authors certainly cover a lot of ground, providing definitions of some of the clÂ