Ecosystems of the World Subterranean Ecosystems

Product DescriptionThe last 50 years of research on the subterranean biome has revealed considerable taxonomic and ecological diversity as well as unique lineages of organisms - even a new animal class - dependent on a variety of energy sources. During this time biospeleology has developed from a descriptive discipline to encompass the whole field of biological science. The marked change of living conditions in the subterranean realm relative to the surface environment, due to the complete lack of light, provides unique opportunities to test various hypotheses. This book shows for the first time the importance for the biosphere of a previously neglected biota. The types of animals and habitats found in subterranean ecosystems are described together with the geological formations in which they occur and their distribution on earth. The ecology of some subterranean terrestrial and aquatic systems are described together with subterranean ecosystems in different climatic zones. The nature of the adaptations to life in complete darkness, and to the often sparse and patchily distributed foods or various trophic origins, are described. A central part of the volume deals with the characteristics and process involved in the adaptation, speciation and evolution of subterranean animals. The volume concludes with a consideration of the conservation issues arising.ReviewP. Wood, Dept. of Geography, Loughborough University, UKThis is a timely and long-awaited book, which provides a valuable synthesis of research on subterranean ecosystems across the globe. ...The editors and publishers have clearly spent a long time preparing and organising this book and as a result the reader is led logically through the chapters. Anyone, even with little or no previous knowledge of subterranean biology, could pick up this book and learn all the fundamental points in the first few chapters. The fine details, such as the systematic list of genera and the 840page index of authors, organisms and an extensive general index, make this book a remarkable resource. ...It is a must for any cave biology enthusiast and cave club library.Cave and Karst Science, Vol. 27, No. 3(translated from Dutch) It is up-to-date, written by experts, contains many illustrations, the most recent references, and offers in 8 parts and 36 chapters not only a good overview of what is known about the ecology of the subterranean environment but provides unusual and fascinating examples.Speleo Nederland, Pierk 4This magnificent tome is number 30 in the series Ecosystems of the World. Subterranean Ecosystems brings together chapters compiled by researchers from the perspective of their own studies which exemplify different aspects of research into subsurface ecosystems.(...)After reading this book, it is difficult not to become enthused about the lives and environment of the mini-creatures who live their lives in the underworld. Undoubtedly it is a volume of great scientific value, but nevertheless it reveals a plethora of interesting material regarding the evolution of the underground world.The British Caver, Vol. 124D. Jaume...it should be on the library shelves of every academic institution.Global Ecology & Biogeography