The Ecology of Seashores explores the complex shore environment. It covers the ways in which representative species have adapted to life in a constantly changing environment in terms of their interactions, the control of community structure, and how energy and materials are cycled in different ecosystems.
Written by an eminent marine biologist, this work emphasizes ecological processes and the use of systems analysis in understanding such processes. He gives complete coverage of the ecology of all seashore types: rocky shores, soft shores, sandy beaches, and estuaries at an advanced level. When appropriate, the author uses the energy circuit language of symbols and diagrams developed by H.T. Odum as a basis of understanding.
The first comprehensive review and synthesis of the research on shore ecosystems, the book lends order to some of the most complex ecosystem types and presents a wide range of geographical examples. If you are involved in researching or managing coastal zones, The Ecology of Seashores provides exhaustive coverage of the essential background information you need.
Introduction
Shore Environments and Stresses on the Shore
Salient Features of the Shore Environment
Patterns of Zonation on the Shore
Overview
Hard Shores
Zonation Patters on the Hard Shores
Zonation Patterns on Representative Shores
The Causes of Zonation
Hard Shore Microalgae
Hard Shore Micro- and Meiofauna
Rocky Shore Lichens
Hard Shore Macroalgae
Key Faunal Components
Special Habitats
Overview
Soft Shores
Soft Shores as a Habitat
The Physio-Chemical Environment
Soft Shore Types
Biologic Modification of the Sediments
Estuaries
Soft Shore Primary Producers
Soft Shore Fauna
Biological Modification of the Sediments
Microbial Ecology and Organic Detritus
Nutrient Cycling
Estuarine Shelf Interactions
Overview
Adaptations to Shore Life
Introduction
Ecological Niches on the Shore
The Establishment of Zonation Patterns
The Maintenance of Zonation Patterns
Overview
Control of Community Structure
Introduction
Hard Shores
Soft Shores
Synthesis of Factors Involved in Determining Community Structure
Overview
Energy Flow, Food Webs, and Material Cycling
Introduction
Food Sources
Energy Budgets for Individual Species
Optimal….
Secondary Production
P:B Rations and Production Efficiency
Relative Contribution of Soft Shore Benthic Infauna to Secondary Production
Community Metabolism
Trophic Structure and Food Webs
Carbon Flow Models
Stable Isotopes and Food Web Analysis
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Control of Community Structure
Overview
Ecosystem Models
Introduction
Hard Shores
Sand Beaches
Intertidal Mud Flat in the Lynher Estuary, Cornwall, UK
Salt Marshes
Seagrass Ecosystem Model
Mangrove Ecosystems
Estuaries
Network Analysis
Potential Applications of the Ascendency Concept
Emergy Analysis
Appendix
Index
Biography
George A. Knox
"This unique textbook…emphasizes ecological process and systems analysis. Six chapters synthesize complex systems…adaptations to shore life, control of community structure, and energy flow and material cycling. The final chapter presents a number of ecosystem models in the energy circuit language of H.T. Odum." -American Fisheries Society
