"This book must be regarded as the most integrated,
informative and accessible account of the complexities of plant
physiological ecology." -- Plant Science
The growth, reproduction and geographical distribution of
plants are profoundly influenced by their physiological ecology: the
interaction with the surrounding physical, chemical and biological
environments. This textbook is notable in emphasizing that the
mechanisms underlying plant physiological ecology can be found at the
levels of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology and whole-plant
physiology. At the same time, the integrative power of physiological
ecology is well-suited to assess the costs, benefits and consequences
of modifying plants for human needs, and to evaluate the role of
plants in ecosystems.
Plant Physiological Ecology begins with the primary processes
of carbon metabolism and transport, plant-water relations, and energy
balance. After considering individual leaves and whole plants, these
physiological processes are then scaled up to the level of the canopy.
Subsequent chapters discuss mineral nutrition and the ways in which
plants cope with nutrient-deficient or toxic soils. The book then
looks at patterns of growth and allocation, life-history traits, and
interactions between plants and other organisms. Later chapters deal
with traits that affect decomposition of plant material and with plant
physiological ecology at the level of ecosystems and global
environmental processes.
Plant Physiological Ecology features numerous boxed entries
that provide extended discussions of selected issues, a glossary, and
numerous references to the primary and review literature. The
significant new text is suitable for use in plant ecology courses, as
well as classes ranging from plant physiology to plant molecular
Table of contents:
* Assumptions and Approaches * Photosynthesis, Respirations and Long-
distance Transport * Water Relations * Leaf Energy Budgets: Effects of
Radiation and Temperature * Scaling Up * Plant Nutrition * Growth and
Allocation * Life Cycles * Biotic Influences * Role in Ecosystem and
Global Processes * Glossary
informative and accessible account of the complexities of plant
physiological ecology." -- Plant Science
The growth, reproduction and geographical distribution of
plants are profoundly influenced by their physiological ecology: the
interaction with the surrounding physical, chemical and biological
environments. This textbook is notable in emphasizing that the
mechanisms underlying plant physiological ecology can be found at the
levels of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology and whole-plant
physiology. At the same time, the integrative power of physiological
ecology is well-suited to assess the costs, benefits and consequences
of modifying plants for human needs, and to evaluate the role of
plants in ecosystems.
Plant Physiological Ecology begins with the primary processes
of carbon metabolism and transport, plant-water relations, and energy
balance. After considering individual leaves and whole plants, these
physiological processes are then scaled up to the level of the canopy.
Subsequent chapters discuss mineral nutrition and the ways in which
plants cope with nutrient-deficient or toxic soils. The book then
looks at patterns of growth and allocation, life-history traits, and
interactions between plants and other organisms. Later chapters deal
with traits that affect decomposition of plant material and with plant
physiological ecology at the level of ecosystems and global
environmental processes.
Plant Physiological Ecology features numerous boxed entries
that provide extended discussions of selected issues, a glossary, and
numerous references to the primary and review literature. The
significant new text is suitable for use in plant ecology courses, as
well as classes ranging from plant physiology to plant molecular
Table of contents:
* Assumptions and Approaches * Photosynthesis, Respirations and Long-
distance Transport * Water Relations * Leaf Energy Budgets: Effects of
Radiation and Temperature * Scaling Up * Plant Nutrition * Growth and
Allocation * Life Cycles * Biotic Influences * Role in Ecosystem and
Global Processes * Glossary