Past and Future Rapid Environmental Changes: The Spatial and Evolutionary Responses of Terrestrial Biota

Huntley, Brian; Cramer, Wolfgang; Morgan, Alan V.; Prentice, Honor C.; Allen, Judy R.M.

Numerous experts including ecologists, geneticists, paleontologists and climatologists, investigate the response of terrestrial organisms to changes in their environment. The volume comprises an introductory and a final chapter by the editors as well as another 35 contributions. These are divided into six sections: 1. past environmental changes - the late-Quaternary; 2. spatial responses to past changes; 3. mechanisms enabling spatial responses; 4. evolutionary responses to past changes; 5. mechanisms enabling evolutionary responses; 6. predicted future environmental changes and simulated responses. The overwhelming and unanimous conclusion of all contributors is that forecasted global environmental changes pose a severe threat to the integrity of ecosystems worldwide and to the survival of at least some species.

Details

Published by: Springer

Publication Date: 2011-09-27

Format: Paperback

ISBN-10: 9783642644719

ISBN-13: 9783642644719

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-60599-4

Dimensions: 235cm x155cm

Pages: 523