Ecophysiology of Coniferous Forests

Conifers--pine, fir, and spruce trees--are dominant species in forests around the world. This book focuses on the physiology of conifers and how these physiological systems operate. Special consideration is devoted to the means by which ecophysiological processes influence organismal function and distribution. Chapters focus on the genetics of conifers, their geographic distribution and the factors that influence this distribution, the impact of insect herbivory on ecophysiological parameters, the effects of air pollution, and the potential impact that global climatic changes will have upon conifers. Because of the growing realization that forests have a crucial role to play in global environmental health, this book will appeal to a developing union of ecologists, physiologists and more theoretically minded foresters.

"These books are highly recommended additions to the literature on conifers. They contain a treasure trove of information, and a strong editorial hand has brought an unusual degree of symmetry and evenness of treatment to the topics. It is easy to find one's way around each chapter and either to browse or to focus...Both books will find substantial use for physiological ecologist and others interested in conifers and forest ecology."—TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION

"Ecophysiology of Coniferous Forests is not a compendium of biological minutia; rather, it is a compilation of thought-provoking ideas and relationships assembled by teams of authors whose challenge was to provide 'a current, comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment of the field of conifer ecophysiology...a valuable resource for research scientists, academicians, and those interested in the causes and consequences of coniferous forest ecosystem processes."—S.B. McLaughlin, Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in BIOSCIENCE