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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Hydrobiology > Freshwater biology, limnology
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The Biology of Temporary Waters (Paperback)
Loot Price: R2,184
Discovery Miles 21 840
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The Biology of Temporary Waters (Paperback)
Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days
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Temporary waters are found throughout the world, and include
intermittent streams and ponds, episodic rain puddles, seasonal
limestone lakes, the water-retaining structures of plants, such as
bromeliads and pitcher plants, and a variety of man-made container
habitats. They are probably populated by various plant, animal, and
microscopic communities ranging from the very simple to the highly
complex. Temporary waters therefore represent fascinating and
significant arenas in which to study the properties of species, as
the latter deal with the rigours of living in highly variable
environments. Obligate temporary water species display a remarkable
array of adaptations to the periodic loss of their primary medium
that largely set them apart from the inhabitants of permanent water
bodies. Survival of individuals frequently depends upon exceptional
physiological tolerance or effective migrational abilities that are
timed to appropriate habitat phases. Quite apart from their
inherent biological interest, temporary waters are now in the
limelight from a conservation perspective as these habitats come
more and more into conflict with human activities. Traditionally,
many temporary waters (be they ponds, pools, streams, or wetlands)
have been considered to be 'wasted' areas of land, potentially
convertible to agriculture once drained. In reality, they are
natural features of the global landscape that represent distinct
and unique habitats for many species, some that are found nowhere
else and others that reach their maximum abundance and/or genetic
diversity there. Temporary waters are also very important from a
human health perspective since they function as breeding places for
the vectors of many disease organisms, including those that spread
malaria, schistosomiasis, yellow fever, and dengue. Most of these
exact a high toll in terms of global human suffering and reduced
regional economies. This book collates and synthesises the highly
scattered and diverse global literature on pure and applied aspects
of these habitats and their biota. It examines the ecology of
temporary waters in both natural and human environments, and seeks
to identify common evolutionary themes. It will be of particular
interest to aquatic ecologists, invertebrate and vertebrate
biologists, environmental biologists, wetland managers and
conservationists, those charged with controlling water-associated
diseases, entomologists, educators, and natural historians.
General
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