"General overview of mountain, desert, and grassland ecosystems, including an exploration of disturbances these ecosystems face due to human interference and climate change; and current conservation and reclamation efforts. Features include fact boxes, sidebars, activities, glossary, list of recommended reading and Web sites, and index"--Provided by publisher.
The mixed grass and shrub vegetation known to scientists as desert grassland is common to the basins and valleys that skirt the mountain ranges throughout southwestern North America, extending from Arizona, New Mexico and Texas down through thirteen Mexican states. This variegated ground cover is crucial to life in an arid environment. The Desert Grassland offers the most comprehensive study to date of these flora and the rich biotic communities they support.Leading experts in geography, biology, botany, zoology, and geoscience present new research on the desert grassland and review a vast amount of earlier work. They reveal that present-day grasses once grew in the ice-age forests that existed in these areas before the climate dried and the trees vanished and how the intensity and frequency of fire can influence the plant and animal species of the grassland. They also document how the influence of humans--from Amerindians to contemporary ranchers, public land managers, and real estate developers--has changed the relative abundance of woody and herbaceous species and how the introduction of new plants and domesticated animals to the area has also affected biodiversity. The book concludes with a review of the attempts, both failed and successful, to reestablish plants in desert grasslands affected by overgrazing, drought, and farm abandonment.Meticulously researched and copiously illustrated, The Desert Grassland is a major contribution to ecological literature. For advanced lay readers as well as students and scholars of history, geography, and ecology, it will be a standard reference work for years to come.
You see mountains rise in magnificence just about anywhere but have you ever climbed one? Have you ever met the animals that treat mountains as their homes? If not, then this is your chance to learn about life in the mountains. There are interesting facts that will push you to continue reading and pictures to cement the knowledge, too. Grab a copy today!
Experience the full force of nature with this stunning visual encyclopedia celebrating the world's most wonderful wildlife. With an inspiring foreword by leading naturalist and wildlife photographer Chris Packham, this epic adventure takes you across the continents to meet all creatures big and small. You'll visit the deserts of Australia, the grasslands of Africa, the rainforests of South America, the mountains of Asia, and the coral reefs of Australia on this mind-blowing tour to meet the incredibly diverse range of life on Earth. Breathtaking photography, animal profiles, accessible maps, and facts and stats combine to create this standout reference title. Revealing a wealth of species across hundreds of spectacular pages, Wildlife of the World introduces you to animals that roam, swim, and fly in each and every part of our planet. Calling all globe-trotters, nature enthusiasts, and biology students, this is your chance to experience the animal kingdom as never before and gain an absolutely essential addition to your home library. Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution. Reviews: "[G]orgeous coffee table book of animal life across the planet...This book is a perfect reference guide, a delight to page through..." - Publishers Weekly "If there's a must-have coffee-table book, this is it." - The Sacramento Bee "Beautifully illustrated with handsome photographs." - Booklist (Starred Review) "[A] big book filled with great photography." - St. Louis Post-Dispatch "Like a classic children's treasury book, this lavish work is an ideal option for researchers and browsers alike." - School Library Journal (Starred Review)
"Explains why the world's deserts are extreme environments and examines how gray foxes, rattlesnakes, and other animals have adapted to the harsh climates"--Provided by publisher.