Savannas, Barrens, and Rock Outcrop Plant Communities of North America [Paperback]

A coherent, readable summary of the technical information available on savannas, barrens and rock outcrop plant communities.This book considers the natural history and ecology of savannas, barrens, and rock outcrop communities of North America. These are communities for which numerous technical articles have been written, but the information has not been synthesized. All of these communities have unique ecological features. However, they share a common feature in having an environment that restricts tree growth and prevents development of closed-canopied forests. The content of chapters generally includes a description of the climate, geology, and soils associated with the community, information about the historic and current vegetation, and a consideration of endangered or threatened organisms (if applicable).This book considers the natural history and ecology of savannas, barrens, and rock outcrop communities of North America. These are communities for which numerous technical articles have been written, but the information has not been synthesized. All of these communities have unique ecological features. However, they share a common feature in having an environment that restricts tree growth and prevents development of closed-canopied forests. The content of chapters generally includes a description of the climate, geology, and soils associated with the community, information about the historic and current vegetation, and a consideration of endangered or threatened organisms (if applicable).Savannas and barrens were major components of the historic North American landscape before it was extensively altered by agricultural and urban development during the past century. Rock outcrop plant communities and serpentine barrens are of interest because they are refuges for endemic species adapted to extreme environmental conditions. Many of these communities are currently reduced to less than one percent of their original area and are imperiled ecosystems. This book prl1