Answers to practical questions about plant growth are sought with increasing urgency. Climate change is affecting the stability of vegetation, the yield of many important crops, and there is a continual need for ever more productive varieties to feed a growing global population. Answering questions posed by these problems requires a more integrated understanding of how plants function in producing growth. This book shows how this understanding can be achieved. First and foremost, plant growth must be defined as a dynamic system with developmental, morphological, and physiological processes responding to fluctuations in the environment due to weather, changes in the architecture of the plant as it grows, and the effects of plants on their environment: connecting these processes in a complete system is the essential integration. Part I shows, for contrasting plant types, that developmental, morphological, and physiological processes must all be considered to explain differences in growth and survival; Part II defines the types of control processes occurring in plants and their different functions; Part III illustrates the importance of plant morphology in controlling growth; Part IV how, and to what extent, the effects of environmental factors are controlled by plant processes particularly as plants grow in size. A final chapter defines how a theory for growth of a particular plant must be based on its characteristics as a dynamic system.

What good is a rattlesnake? What purpose do animals serve? All species play a vital role in their biological communities, and the removal of just one can have a noticeable and catastrophic ripple effect. Yet social and political pressures frequently pit species conservation against economic progress and prosperity, and scientists fear that we may be in the midst of a mass extinction event. Brian R. Chapman and William I. Lutterschmidt make the case that the effort to preserve animals is the responsibility of every Texan and that biodiversity contributes enormous economic value to the citizens of Texas. Texans on the Brink brings together experts on eighty-eight endangered and threatened animal species of Texas and includes brief descriptions of the processes that state and federal agencies employ to list and protect designated species. Species accounts include a description of the species accompanied by a photograph, an easy-to-read account of the biology and ecology of the species, and a description of efforts underway to preserve the species and its required habitat. Sobering examples of species that were once part of the Texas fauna but are now extinct or extirpated are also given to further demonstrate just how vulnerable biodiversity can be. All species require healthy habitats, and every species-even a rattlesnake-provides important services for the biotic communities in which they live. It is imperative to learn as much as we can about these animals if we are to preserve biodiversity successfully in Texas.

Working for a covert government agency, Iax travels the world beyond to other Realms in various Dimensions, of which only a privileged few have knowledge. Her job: Putting a halt to imminent battles and wars before it's too late. Finding herself dropped into a heated battle in the Dragon Cove Realm of the Dragon Dimension, Iax assumes the usual; get in, get the job done, get out. Easy-peasy. This mission is like no other, however, as it will change her life in ways she never could have imagined. She has to learn what it means to be vulnerable, and finds out that sometimes with vulnerability, comes great rewards. Join Iax and Mazar in the first installment of The Dragon Dimension, as they battle logic, genetically predetermined fate, and themselves. Get Caught in the Dragon Cove, where secrets and tempting passions lurking just out of sight, are all revealed. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Due to the moderate profanity and mild sexual content in this novel, the author has deemed it appropriate only for readers 16+. If you're interested in a more revved up version (more offensive language), please find the following options at many online retailers. The Dragon Dimension (Caught in the Dragon Cove: 1st Edition-Uncut, and 2nd Edition-Rated PG-16. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation in this matter.

Working for a covert government agency, Iax travels the world beyond to other Realms in various Dimensions, of which only a privileged few have knowledge. Her job: Putting a halt to imminent battles and wars before it's too late. Finding herself dropped into a heated battle in the Dragon Cove Realm of the Dragon Dimension, Iax assumes the usual; get in, get the job done, get out. Easy-peasy. This mission is like no other, however, as it will change her life in ways she never could have imagined. She has to learn what it means to be vulnerable, and finds out that sometimes with vulnerability, comes great rewards. Join Iax and Mazar in the first installment of The Dragon Dimension, as they battle logic, genetically predetermined fate, and themselves. Get Caught in the Dragon Cove, where secrets and tempting passions lurking just out of sight, are all revealed. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Due to the strong profanity and mild sexual content in this novel, the author has deemed it appropriate only for readers 18+. If you're interested in a more low-key version (less offensive language), please find the following options at many online retailers. The Dragon Dimension (Caught in the Dragon Cove: 1st Edition-Uncut, and 2nd Edition-Rated PG-16. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation in this matter.