Birds and Flowers
Birds and Flowers

Author: Jeff Ollerton

Publisher: Pelagic Publishing Ltd

Published: 2024-02-13

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1784274526

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Hummingbirds, and the balletic ways in which they feed on flowers, are familiar to most people. But they belong to just one of at least 74 bird families that are known, or suspected, to be pollinators. Relationships between plants and birds first emerged at least 50 million years ago and over time have influenced the evolution of both groups. This groundbreaking book is the first to deal with pollinating birds in all their diversity, involving almost 1,390 avian species interacting with tens of thousands of different plants. It rescues them from being novelties of natural history and explores these interactions in all their evolutionary and ecological significance. Pollinating birds have intricate lives that are often highly dependent on flowers, and the plants themselves are at the whim of birds for their reproduction. This makes them important players within many ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, dry grasslands, temperate woodlands, coastal mangroves and oceanic islands. Bird–flower relationships are threatened by disease, habitat destruction and climate change. Some of the birds are already extinct. Yet there are optimistic stories to be told about conservation and restoration projects that reveal the commitment of people to preserving these vital ecological connections. In addition, as a source of cultural inspiration with a history stretching back millennia, pollinating birds and their flowers are part of the ongoing relationship between humanity and the rest of nature.

All Things Paper
All Things Paper

Author: Ann Martin

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2013-05-21

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 1462911706

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Make decorative, simple do-it-yourself projects with this friendly guide to paper crafting. You and your family will love to spend hours making beautiful paper art, jewelry, and decorations with All Things Paper. This easy paper crafts book comes with simple-to-follow instructions and detailed photos that show you how to create colorful and impressive art objects to display at home--many of which have practical uses. It is a great book for experienced paper craft hobbyists looking for new ideas or for new folders who want to learn paper crafts from experts. Projects in this papercrafting book include: Candle Luminaries Citrus Slice Coasters Mysterious Stationery Box Everyday Tote Bag Silver Orb Pendant Fine Paper Yarn Necklace Wedding Cake Card Perfect Journey Journal And many more… All the projects in this book are designed by noted paper crafters like Benjamin John Coleman, Patricia Zapata, and Richela Fabian Morgan. They have all been creating amazing objects with paper for many years. Whether you're a beginner or have been paper crafting for many years, you're bound to find something you'll love in All Things Paper. Soon you will be on your way to creating your own designs and paper art.

The Ultimate Guide to Hummingbird Feeders
The Ultimate Guide to Hummingbird Feeders

Author: Barrett Williams

Publisher: Barrett Williams

Published: 2024-08-29

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13:

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**Discover the Enchantment of Hummingbirds Master the Art of Feeding with The Ultimate Guide to Hummingbird Feeders** Unlock the secrets to transforming your backyard into a vibrant sanctuary for one of nature’s most captivating creatures with *The Ultimate Guide to Hummingbird Feeders*. This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to know to attract, nurture, and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of hummingbirds. Begin your journey with an insightful Introduction to Hummingbird Feeders, where you'll delve into the compelling allure of these tiny avian wonders and understand why they capture hearts worldwide. Explore the myriad of benefits that come with making your outdoor space a hummingbird haven. Gain a profound understanding of hummingbird behavior. Learn about their unique feeding patterns, territorial instincts, and seasonal migration habits. Armed with this knowledge, you can create an environment tailored to their needs. Navigate the world of Hummingbird Feeders with ease. Discover the various types available—from bottle to decorative feeders—and learn how to choose the best one based on material, size, and ease of maintenance. Chapter 5 reveals the essential food source for hummingbirds nectar. Perfect your DIY nectar recipes, make informed choices with store-bought options, and avoid harmful additives to ensure a safe dining experience for your feathered guests. Maintenance is crucial for the health of your hummingbird visitors. This guide covers best cleaning practices, mold prevention tips, and strategies for maintaining nectar freshness. Seasonal care tips ensure your feeders are ready to welcome hummingbirds year-round. Optimize feeder placement with insights into strategic positioning and safety measures. Create a hummingbird-friendly environment with the right plants, water features, and natural shelters. Troubleshooting common issues? This book has you covered, offering practical solutions for dealing with pests, ants, and even territorial disputes among hummingbirds. For enthusiastic bird watchers, advanced tips will help maximize the attraction and enjoyment of these enchanting birds. Involve your community with engaging ideas for education, participation in birdwatching clubs, and organizing feeder tours. Finally, conclude with a thoughtful discussion on conservation, ethical feeding practices, and ways to support hummingbird habitats. *The Ultimate Guide to Hummingbird Feeders* is more than just a book; it’s a gateway to creating an oasis that supports and celebrates these remarkable flyers. Embrace the joy and wonder of hummingbird watching today!

The Coevolutionary Process
The Coevolutionary Process

Author: John N. Thompson

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2009-04-24

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 0226797678

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Traditional ecological approaches to species evolution have frequently studied too few species, relatively small areas, and relatively short time spans. In The Coevolutionary Process, John N. Thompson advances a new conceptual approach to the evolution of species interactions—the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution. Thompson demonstrates how an integrated study of life histories, genetics, and the geographic structure of populations yields a broader understanding of coevolution, or the development of reciprocal adaptations and specializations in interdependent species. Using examples of species interactions from an enormous range of taxa, Thompson examines how and when extreme specialization evolves in interdependent species and how geographic differences in specialization, adaptation, and the outcomes of interactions shape coevolution. Through the geographic mosaic theory, Thompson bridges the gap between the study of specialization and coevolution in local communities and the study of broader patterns seen in comparisons of the phylogenies of interacting species.

Mites: Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour
Mites: Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour

Author: David Evans Walter

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-10-08

Total Pages: 505

ISBN-13: 9400771649

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More than 40,000 species of mites have been described, and up to 1 million may exist on earth. These tiny arachnids play many ecological roles including acting as vectors of disease, vital players in soil formation, and important agents of biological control. But despite the grand diversity of mites, even trained biologists are often unaware of their significance. Mites: Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour (2nd edition) aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of these intriguing creatures. It surveys life cycles, feeding behaviour, reproductive biology and host-associations of mites without requiring prior knowledge of their morphology or taxonomy. Topics covered include evolution of mites and other arachnids, mites in soil and water, mites on plants and animals, sperm transfer and reproduction, mites and human disease, and mites as models for ecological and evolutionary theories.

Evolutionary processes and theory
Evolutionary processes and theory

Author: Evitar Nevo

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2012-12-02

Total Pages: 797

ISBN-13: 0323142494

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Evolutionary Processes and Theory contains the proceedings of a workshop held in Israel in March 1985. Contributors explore evolutionary processes and theory and highlight advances in knowledge concerning differentiation, metabolic and immunological mechanisms, and the molecular biology of the genome. Issues that are being debated are also considered, including the origin and evolution of sexual systems, the genetics of altruism, and general forms and levels of social evolution. This volume is organized into six sections encompassing 33 chapters and begins with an overview of the evolutionary problems of molecular biology. Some chapters are devoted to topics such as the role of gene regulation in evolutionary processes; the structural diversity and evolution of intermediate filament proteins; and adaptation and evolution in the immune system. The next section examines the tempo and mode of molecular evolution, including that of hybrid dysgenesis systems, as well as the statistical aspects of the molecular clock. Later chapters focus on DNA and protein sequences; sexual selection and speciation; and the relation between speciation mechanisms and macroevolutionary patterns. The book also methodically explains population genetics, with particular reference to the altruistic behavior in sibling groups with unrelated intruders, the endosperm evolution in higher plants, and the evolutionary aspects of sexual reproduction in predominantly asexual populations. This book will be of interest to geneticists and molecular biologists.

The Natural History of Flowers
The Natural History of Flowers

Author: Michael Fogden

Publisher: Texas A&M University Press

Published: 2018-09-05

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 1623496446

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Flowers have played an important role in human culture and survival for thousands of years. The final products of flowers—fruits and seeds—are vitally important as food. Flowers provide bursts of color to homes and gardens and they symbolize love, sorrow, and renewal. Yet we often overlook their real purpose. Why do flowers exist and why do they have certain colors, shapes, and smells? What function does a flower have in the life and survival of the plants themselves? In nature, flowers play an essential role in improving a plant’s chances of survival. Some flowers are pollinated by wind or water but most are designed to attract and reward pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, to carry their pollen from flower to flower. After being pollinated, flowers produce fruits and again take advantage of wind, water, and animals to disperse their seeds, ensuring a new generation of their species. Pollination and seed dispersal are fine-tuned systems, and their importance in sustaining a healthy environment cannot be overstated. And, as ongoing climate and other environmental changes apply new pressures, flowers must continue to adapt in order to survive. In this beautifully illustrated book with over 200 stunning photographs, Michael Fogden and Patricia Fogden draw from existing research and their extensive field experiences all over the world to present a detailed but accessible introduction to the natural history of flowers. They discuss a representative sample of flowering and fruiting strategies, illustrating interactions between plants and their pollinators and dispersers, and conclude with descriptions of their favorite tropical flowers.