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Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems David Briggs (Wolfson College, Cambridge)

Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems By David Briggs (Wolfson College, Cambridge)

Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems by David Briggs (Wolfson College, Cambridge)


$36.99
Condition - Very Good
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Summary

This book examines implications of human influences on micro-evolutionary processes, with particular emphasis on plants. It considers how far it is possible to conserve endangered species and threatened ecosystems through management and the extent to which damaged landscapes and their plant and animal communities can be precisely recreated or restored.

Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems Summary

Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems by David Briggs (Wolfson College, Cambridge)

As human activities are increasingly domesticating the Earth's ecosystems, new selection pressures are acting to produce winners and losers amongst our wildlife. With particular emphasis on plants, Briggs examines the implications of human influences on micro-evolutionary processes in different groups of organisms, including wild, weedy, invasive, feral, and endangered species. Using case studies from around the world, he argues that Darwinian evolution is ongoing. He considers how far it is possible to conserve endangered species and threatened ecosystems through management, and questions the extent to which damaged landscapes and their plant and animal communities can be precisely recreated or restored. Many of Darwin's ideas are highlighted, including his insights into natural selection, speciation, the vulnerability of rare organisms, the impact of invasive species, and the effects of climate change on organisms. An important text for students and researchers of evolution, conservation, climate change and sustainable use of resources.

Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems Reviews

'... a book that successfully offers broad and balanced coverage of Darwinian ideas as they operate today in plant populations. ... The book is thought-provoking as advertised; it is also quite humbling.' Plant Science Bulletin
'David Briggs has produced a resoundingly fascinating overview of the effects of human influences on microevolutionary processes in a wide range of plants and habitats, ranging from weeds to rainforests ... This is an important book, which should be devoured by students.' Bulletin of the British Ecological Society

About David Briggs (Wolfson College, Cambridge)

David Briggs is Emeritus Fellow of Wolfson College, University of Cambridge. He completed his BSc and PhD from Durham University. He has served as Demonstrator in Botany, Botany School, University of Cambridge from 1961-1964; a Lecturer in Botany, University of Glasgow from 1974-2001; and Lecturer in Botany, and Curator of the Herbarium, Department of Plant Sciences at Cambridge University from 1974-2001. He has a lifelong interest in conservation, evolution, genetics and taxonomy. His practical conservation experience includes being a former member of the Wicken Fen Committee of the National Trust and the Milngavie Civic Trust. He was formerly the Chair of Cam Valley Forum - an action group active in the conservation of the Cam, its flood plain and tributaries. He has co-authored Plant Variation and Evolution, also by Cambridge University Press, now in its third edition.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Studying change; 3. Key concepts in plant evolution; 4. The origin and extent of human-influenced habitats; 5. Consequences of human influences on the biosphere; 6. Categories; 7. Investigating microevolution in anthropogenic ecosystems; 8. Plant microevolution in managed grassland ecosystems; 9. Harvesting crops: arable and forestry; 10. Pollution and microevolutionary change; 11. Introduced plants; 12. Endangered species: investigating the extinction processes at the population level; 13. Hybrids and speciation in anthropogenically-influenced ecosystems; 14. Ex situ conservation: within and outside reserves; 15. In situ conservation; 16. Creative conservation through restoration and reintroduction; 17. Reserves in the landscape; 18. Climate change; 19. Microevolution and climate change; 20. The implications of climate change for the theory and practice of conservation; 21. Overview; Bibliography; Index.

Additional information

GOR008029775
9780521818353
0521818354
Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems by David Briggs (Wolfson College, Cambridge)
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Cambridge University Press
20091126
618
Winner of British Ecological Society Marsh Book of the Year Award 2011
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Plant Microevolution and Conservation in Human-influenced Ecosystems