Author: Augusto Cesar FrancoPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biological models
Languages : en
Pages : 152
Book Description
Modeling Plant Interactions in Desert Environments
Author: Augusto Cesar FrancoPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biological models
Languages : en
Pages : 152
Book Description
Plant Responses to Hyperarid Desert Environments
Author: Monier M. Abd El-GhaniPublisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319591355
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 601
Book Description
This book provides a comprehensive discussion on plant responses in hyperarid regions of Egypt, China, Mexico, and Pakistan. It describes their location, physiographic features, accidental vegetation along two transects, endangered vegetation species, human impact, and variety of plant types (e.g. climbing, succulent, and parasitic). Studies on biotic and abiotic interactions, plant biodiversity, and soil-plant relationships are also covered. Covering a wide range of plant conditions and adaptations, this book analyzes what happens when plants must endure very high temperatures and aridity. Plants have adapted by evolving their physical structure to store and conserve water. Examples are the absence of leaves which reduces transpiration and the growth of extremely long roots, allowing them to acquire moisture at, or near the water table. Plants in hyperarid habitats have also made behavioral adaptations in order to survive by synchronizing with the seasons of greatest moisture and/or coolest temperatures. For example, desert perennials remain dormant during dry periods of the year, then spring to life when water becomes available. The book includes many color illustrations, and has extensive and up-to-date references for further reading.
Examining Mechanisms of Positive Plant Interactions in Deserts
Author: Alessandro Gino Guiseppe FilazzolaPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Deserts are ecologically important ecosystems that contain high levels of endemism and that are sensitive to global change. Positive interactions among plants have been cited as factors that support desert biodiversity by buffering against climate variability. However, there is limited understanding on the underlying mechanisms that determine positive plant interactions. Herein, we proposed a conceptual framework that describes multiple mechanisms of facilitation among plants. We then empirically tested in multiple deserts of California the different facilitation mechanisms in the context of extreme climate events, multiple stressors, and spatial gradients. We also conducted species distribution modelling to assess the role of positive interactions in expanding the niche and geographic range of beneficiary species. We expanded upon the previous literature by describing six mechanisms of facilitation and two meta-mechanisms. We found in experimentation that shrubs can buffer against extreme drought using the described mechanisms, but that facilitation effects are strongest at intermediate or low levels of abiotic stress. The shrub species used was found to deter herbivory and ameliorate abiotic stress, but not increase soil moisture. We also found shrub facilitation to be species specific and typically increased the biomass of plant species with more competitive traits. Consequently, non-native species were found to be frequently facilitated and shrubs were observed to have lower species richness. Positive interactions were determined to increase the geographic range of annual plant species that have been previously reported as facilitated in the literature. We challenged previous research that suggests positive interactions increase linearly with abiotic stress and that facilitation can buffer against climate variability. Shrubs were determined to be significant foundation species in these desert ecosystems supporting annual productivity and the unique occurrence of annual species. However, these interactions are more sensitive to global change than previously thought and could collapse at environmental extremes. The proposed framework and experiments provides better understanding into the predictability of positive plant interactions and an opportunity for future applied research into the restoration and conservation of desert ecosystems.
Ecology of Desert Systems
Author: Walter G. WhitfordPublisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0081026552
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 476
Book Description
Nearly one-third of the land area on our planet is classified as arid or desert. Therefore, an understanding of the dynamics of such arid ecosystems is essential to managing those systems in a way that sustains human populations. This second edition of Ecology of Desert Systems provides a clear, extensive guide to the complex interactions involved in these areas. This book details the relationships between abiotic and biotic environments of desert ecosystems, demonstrating to readers how these interactions drive ecological processes. These include plant growth and animal reproductive success, the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation and animals, and the influence of invasive species and anthropogenic climate change specific to arid systems. Drawing on the extensive experience of its expert authors, Ecology of Desert Systems is an essential guide to arid ecosystems for students looking for an overview of the field, researchers keen to learn how their work fits in to the overall picture, and those involved with environmental management of desert areas. - Highlights the complexity of global desert systems in a clear, concise way - Reviews the most current issues facing researchers in the field, including the spread of invasive species due to globalized trade, the impact of industrial mining, and climate change - Updated and extended to include information on invasive species management, industrial mining impacts, and the current and future role of climate change in desert systems
Geomorphology of Desert Environments
Author: Anthony J. ParsonsPublisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402057199
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
About one-third of the Earth’s land surface experiences a desert climate, and this area supports approximately 15% of the planet’s population. This percentage continues to grow, and with this growth comes the need to acquire and apply an understanding of desert geomorphology. Such an understanding is vital in managing scarce and fragile resources and in mitigating natural hazards. This authoritative reference book is comprehensive in its coverage of the geomorphology of desert environments, and is arranged thematically. It begins with an overview of global deserts, proceeds through treatments of weathering, hillslopes, rivers, piedmonts, lake basins, and aeolian surfaces, and concludes with a discussion of the role of climatic change. Written by a team of international authors, all of whom are active in the field, the chapters cover the spectrum of desert geomorphology.
Modeling and Simulation of the Interaction of Plants with the Environment Using L-systems and Their Extensions
Author: Radomír MechPhysiological Ecology of North American Desert Plants
Author: Stanley D. SmithPublisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642592120
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 287
Book Description
Following a description of the physical and biological characterization of the four North American deserts together with the primary adaptations of plants to environmental stress, the authors go on to present case studies of key species. They provide an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the major patterns of adaptation in desert plants, with one chapter devoted to several important exotic plants that have invaded these deserts. The whole is rounded off with a synthesis of the resource requirements of desert plants and how they may respond to global climate change.
Modeling and Simulation of the Interaction of Plants with the Environment Using L-systems and Their Extensions
Author: Model Ecosystems in Extreme Environments
Author: Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128127430
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 230
Book Description
Model Ecosystems in Extreme Environments, Second Edition examines ecosystems at the most extreme habitats and their interaction with the environment, providing a key element in our understanding of the role and function of microorganisms in nature. The book highlights current topics in the field, such as biodiversity and the structure of microbial communities in extreme environments, the effects of extreme environmental conditions on microbial ecosystems, and ecological and evolutionary interactions in extreme environments, among other topics. It will be a valuable text for faculty and students working with extremophiles and/or microbial ecology and researchers, including astrobiologists, biologists, evolutionary scientists, astronomers, geochemists and oceanographers. - Explores, in detail, how microbial ecosystems thrive in extreme environments - Highlights the relevance of extremophiles as model ecosystems to the study of microbial ecology - Examines how extreme ecosystems can help our search for life on other planets
Computational Models of Mixed-Initiative Interaction
Author: Susan HallerPublisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780792355724
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 406
Book Description
Computational Models of Mixed-Initiative Interaction brings together research that spans several disciplines related to artificial intelligence, including natural language processing, information retrieval, machine learning, planning, and computer-aided instruction, to account for the role that mixed initiative plays in the design of intelligent systems. The ten contributions address the single issue of how control of an interaction should be managed when abilities needed to solve a problem are distributed among collaborating agents. Managing control of an interaction among humans and computers to gather and assemble knowledge and expertise is a major challenge that must be met to develop machines that effectively collaborate with humans. This is the first collection to specifically address this issue.