This page contains reviews written between January and December 2000. They are stored here for archival purposes only. Please click on a title to be taken to that review.
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Agusti,
Rook and Andrews (eds). The Evolution of Neogene Terrestrial Ecosystems
in Europe.
Akçakaya, Burgman and Ginzburg. Applied Population
Ecology. 2e.
Barry. Environment and Social Theory.
Benton and Short. Environmental Discourse and Practice.
Bergesen, Parmann and Thommessen (eds). Yearbook of International
Co-operation on Environment and Development 1999/2000.
Blondel and Aronson. Biology and Wildlife of the Mediterranean
Region.
Bolen and Robinson. Wildlife Ecology and Management
4E.
Bowman. Australian Rainforests: islands of green in
a land of fire.
Brown, Flavin and French.Title: State of the World 2000.
Brown, Gardner and Halweil. Beyond Malthus: 19 dimensions
of the population challenge.
Cox and Moore. Biogeography: An ecological and evolutionary
approach 6E
Dale. Spatial Analysis in Plant Ecology.
Dincauze. Environmental Archaeology: principles and
practice.
Dodson (ed). Ecology and Readings in Ecology.
Edmonds (ed). Managing the Chinese environment
European Environment Agency. Environment in the European
Union at the turn of the century
Entwistle and Dunstone (eds). Priorities for the
Conservation of Mammalian Diversity.
Ernst (ed). Earth Systems: Processes and Issues.
Food and Agriculture Organisation. Title: State of the
world’s forests 1999.
Gosling and Sutherland (eds). Behaviour and Conservation.
Goudie. The Human Impact on the Natural Environment
5e.
Gullen and Cranston. The Insects: an outline of entomology
2e.
Harvey. Global Warming: The hard science.
Humphries and Parenti. Cladistic Biogeography. 2e.
Hunter Jr (ed). Maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems.
Hutton and Dickson (eds). Endangered species: threatened
convention
Kump, Kasting and Crane. The Earth System.
Larson, Mattes and Kelly. Cliff Ecology - patterns and
process in cliff ecosystems.
Leigh Jr.Tropical Forest Ecology.
Magurran and May (eds). Evolution of Biological Diversity.
Moore and Jennings (eds). Commercial Fishing: the wider
ecological impacts.
Morin. Community Ecology.
Nebel and Wright. Environmental Science 7e.
Odum and Odum. Modeling for all scales: an introduction
to system simulation.
Phillips and Mighall. Society and exploitation through
nature.
Pratt with Howarth and Brady.Environment and Philosophy.
Rao. Sustainable Development: Economics and Policy.
Rietbergen-McCracken and Abaza (eds). (1) Environmental
Valuation (2) Economic Instruments for Environmental Management.
Reitz and Wing Zooarchaeology.
Ricklefs and Miller. Ecology 4e.
Rodwell (ed).British Plant Communities Volume 5 -
Maritime communities and vegetation of open habitats.
Seidensticker, Christie and Jackson (eds). Riding the
tiger.
Smith (ed). The Daily Globe: Environmental change, the
public and the media.
Southwood and Henderson. Ecological Methods 3e.
Sparks (ed). Statistics in Ecotoxicology.
Specht and Specht. Australian Plant Communities.
Thomas. Trees: their natural history.
Townsend, Harper and Begon. Essentials of Ecology.
UNEP. Global Environment Outlook
Weller. Wetland birds: habitat resources and conservation
implications.
Whisenant. Repairing Damaged Wildlands.
Wood, Stedman-Edwards and Mang (eds). The Root Causes
of Biodiversity Loss.
Jorge Agusti, Lorenzo Rook and Peter Andrews (eds)
The Evolution of Neogene Terrestrial Ecosystems in Europe. Cambridge University
Press. ISBN: 0 512 64097 0
This text is part of a short series under the title of ‘hominoid evolution and climatic change in Europe’. This particular text focusses on ecosystem development and as such provides a highly advanced overview of current knowledge. For those wishing for a brief overview of this region’s development then the opening four chapters are the most useful. The introduction sets the scene for the research in a few pages. Essentially, the aim is to chart the development of humans alongside the development of ecosystems and see how these are related. The next three chapters (i.e. part I) provide a detailed overview of the geography of the region, geologic correlation and climatic reconstructions. Of these the first is the most useful providing, in map form, a broad picture of how the region changed. Part II brings together information on Miocene mammals. Unlike the first part the information presented is both highly specific and highly detailed. This reflects both the interests of the contributors and also the lack of broad-scale detail - this is still an emerging field in many ways. Parts III and IV provide a similar level of detail for non-mammals and mammals. Much of this work describes research findings and their limitations when using certain sets of species to determine abiotic changes over the last 20 million years. There are some areas of more general interest e.g. chapter 20 dealing with mammal turnover but again the work is highly specialised.
This text illustrates a number of issues for ecologists and especially those in the educational world. It is undoubtedly a fine text with complex research carefully set out. As such it should make a great contribution to an otherwise under-reported field: undergraduates and teachers with a special interest in this would find much of use. However, much of the work could be of value to school students if put in the right context and language. It would be nice to see such work put in a lay context for students because it highlights crucial issues being tackled and covers areas too long neglected. It is to be hoped that this happens.
H
Resit Akçakaya, Mark Burgman and Lev Ginzburg Applied Population
Ecology. 2e .Sinauer ISBN: 0 87893 0280
Subtitled ‘principles and computer exercises using RAMOS ® EcoLab this is a text complete with CD Rom and exercises. As such it joins the growing number of more interactive texts using the versatility of computers to demonstrate concepts and models. Such a trend, if carefully managed, can only be for the good of professionals and students alike since it allows a range of ideas to be explored without the need for lengthy field data analysis or field visits. However, herein lies the problem. The data input need to be realistic and one needs a certain degree of training to interpret results correctly. Thus far from being a gimmick, any text that uses these devices needs to be even more careful in training correct use and interpretation of models. To what extend does this text match the criteria?
The explicit aim of the authors is to help our understanding of population ecology through the use of quantitative modelling. It goes further to aim for real-world data and the practical application of results in such fields as wildlife management. The opening chapter gives an overview of population growth and the use of models in interpreting population data. In common with other chapters there are examples of applications (in this case human and pest populations), additional topics (growth in continuous time) and exercises (humans and blue whales) to reinforce ideas. In these cases, the work is done by completing tables in the book but this is not the case with later examples. The second chapter opens up discussion on variation and its causes as well as getting simple models using the RAMOS software on the CD Rom. Here, major examples investigate risk curves. From here, topics tackle issues of increasing difficulty in population regulation (major sections on chaos theory) and age structure. Chapter 6 examining metapopulation analysis is of increasing concern in terms of habitat loss and its inclusion here is a useful addition. The authors finish with work on population viability and resource management.
Overall, a very useful text. It takes a more complex (and not always intuitive) part of ecology and gradually builds a rigorous base to its study. Given that more students at high school and above are expected to be able to understand models then this text is to be welcomed. It would probably need some instructor input for younger pupils but there is enough here to give a solid grounding to any level.
John Barry Environment and Social Theory. Routledge.
ISBN: 0 415 17270 5
This is one of the texts in the ‘introduction to environment’ series which is, in turn, one of three sets of texts aiming to cover all aspects of environmental thought. Here, Barry examines the ways in which the environment is perceived. The value of such study is not obvious at first glance because we are often more concerned about understanding the science behind the issues. However, as we look increasingly towards the application of these scientific ideas as policy the way in which we define our understanding of our surroundings does become crucial. It is this understanding that Barry refers to as a ‘social theory’ of environment.
The book divides roughly into two parts. The first chapters provide an overview of the way in which the Western tradition has related to the environment. The first chapter spends some time outlining the notion of social theory and its place in our study of environment. Given that this is a flexible term even in purist social circles such a brief overview is welcome for non-specialists. Chapters 2 to 4 use take this initial theme and show how our attitudes have changed from the Judeo-Christian start to such modern thinkers as Habermas and Giddens. Remaining chapters study a range of current strands to the social theory debate starting with gender (taken here to mean primarily women) and forms of ecofeminism. Subsequently, we are given overviews of economic, risk and post-modernism perspectives of social theory. Chapter 8 attempts to bring this together to provide an understanding of the ecology-biology-social theory set through analyses of, for example, sociobiology. The increasing politicisation of ecology should be enough to demonstrate the utility of such an approach. The final chapter turns the debate around by considering the impact of ecology on social theory producing a ‘green’ social theory.
Overall, an interesting introduction to the subject more easily understood than many works on this topic. As yet this is still less mainstream than many topics in ecology but as we blend increasingly science with public action than an understanding of the effect of our actions will become more important. This text is a useful place to start.
Lisa Benton and John Rennie Short. Environmental
Discourse and Practice; Environmental Discourse and Practice: a Reader.
Blackwell Publishers. ISBN: (1) 0 631 21114 4; (2) 0 631 21637 5.
I’m not too sure if two sets of books chosen for review make a trend but this is the second two-volume set produced in recent months. The format is similar: the first book introduces the reader to the basic concepts and arguments and the second provides much of the background reading. There are great advantages in this. Firstly, the reader is given a chance to explore texts that they might not find in the usual course of events (too restricted or rare, difficult to find etc.). Secondly, there is the chance to get behind the minds of the writers and see from where their arguments are being formed. The writers/editors also get the opportunity to highlight key texts for students at a time where the luxury of reading around one’s subject is diminishing.
The subject matter here is the growth of environmental thought and the environmental movement in the United States. That the whole notion of environmental concern in a consumerist society is a paradox is accepted by the authors but at the same time they note the interest in and concern for, environmental issues. This is mirrored in the UK where, even by conservative records, it is possible to argue for one household in five with a direct financial commitment to some form of the environmental movement. For their part, Benton and Short start their argument with an examination of indigenous use and first (European) settler intervention. The idea of the "invented" and "ecological" Indians raise the question as to their actual role in changing the new landscape. The chapters move forward from early colonialists to late C19th. At this time, the early environmental thinkers were starting to put a new perspective on perception of land: from taming the frontier to maintaining the natural heritage. We are taken quickly from Emerson to Carson as the discourse gained momentum. From chapter 7 onwards specific environmental themes in contemporary American society are investigated and their impact on perception outlined. The authors’ argument throughout the text is that this constant discourse has defined and re-defined our views on the environment. Thus by knowing what is happening today we can shape the ideas of tomorrow.
The main text is an excellent critique of our fashioning of the environmental world-view as it pertains to America. The second volume is, if anything, of greater interest and benefit to non-US readers in that it highlights a few of the numerous writings on environmental matters. All the key thinkers are here from Native Americans to Emerson, Leopold, Carson and Muir to contemporary analysts whose writings add to what has been put in the main text.
Overall, these are very useful additions to the literature. Although highly focussed on the USA the authors have made the text accessible enough for parallels to be drawn easily elsewhere. The Reader is equally useful mainly because of the wealth of writing its puts in one place. Obviously a key text for university but senior students of sociology, environmental science and commerce would also find much to help them explain patterns seen today.
Helge Ole Bergesen, Georg Parmann and Øystein
Thommessen (eds). Yearbook of International Co-operation on Environment
and Development 1999/2000. Earthscan. ISBN: 1 85383 630 3
Prepared under the aegis of the Fridtjof Nansen Institute this is one of the less heralded yearbooks. Its focus is the unglamorous world of international agreements: less news-worthy than, say an International Whaling Commission meeting with all its drama but in the end, more important in getting some co-operation about the environment that’s left. The text opens with the examination of a few key themes. This year essays range from international agreements on biodiversity to an examination of the WTO and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. However, the major source of information comes from the studies of international agreements and bodies. The aim is to highlight all the key features of the agreement such as: objectives, scope, dates of adoption etc., affiliated instruments and organisation, secretariat, finance, rules, monitoring, decision-making, publications and web page. In short, everything you’d need to know to see what’s in force where. The range of agreements chosen is broad with examples from atmosphere, hazardous sunbstances, marine, nature conservation, nuclear safety and freshwater resources. If you won’t to know what your country’s signed up for there are tables showing that as well. Next, there’s a similar section dealing with intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. Finally, a group of nations is chosen (primarily from the OECD) for study in terms of basic national statistics and input (including financial) into international agreements.
This is a well structured and thoughtful overview of international agreements which, despite their lack of hype, are essential if we are to make any global headway on the environment.
Jaques Blondel and James Aronson. Biology and
Wildlife of the Mediterranean Region. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0
19 850035 1
The Mediterranean regions ranks as one of the greatest areas of human endeavour. From this it follows that it is one of the most disturbed of landscapes and also one of those holding most interest for ecologists. Now that field trips and holidays to this region from the UK are more common there is need for a textbook which outlines the key ideas. This book is put forward as one such text so it is reasonable to ask to what extent it fulfills its aim. Unusually, it starts with a glossary which covers a surprising range of subject matter from ecological and statistical terms to local geographical nomenclature. An opening chapter highlights the development of this region from early Tertiary times onwards. We are also given an overview of key climatic conditions and geographical regions. This is followed by an excellent chapter on the development of biodiversity which summarises the numerous forces which have shaped this unique area, leaving a subsequent chapter to explain the present-day situation. Chapter four examines in better detail than is usually found, the question of scale. Using scales from the regional to the micro. This novel approach works because it highlights the great diversity seen in the region (it would also provide an excellent object lesson in observation). Next, two chapters of a more ecological nature look at populations, life histories and ecosystems. Since the region is so diverse it follows that we will find a similarly diverse range of responses to living there. Finally, the impact of human occupation is explored in depth along with (and some times because of) changes in biodiversity. The text is completed by a consideration of how it might be conserved.
Returning to the original question it is possible to state that the authors have certainly met their objective. The text is well illustrated with diagrams, maps, photographs and line drawings. The use of jargon is reduced with the glossary taking care of most of it. The coverage whilst never aiming to be comprehensive has certainly covered a great range of material. However the best feature is the writing of the authors. It has an infectious, breathless style of two obviously knowledgeable and enthusiastic ecologists trying to get through everything before the end! Use it as a guide, case study or example of good writing but if your study includes Mediterranean aspects then this is a serious contender for shelf space.
Eric Bolen and William Robinson. Wildlife Ecology
and Management 4E. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0 13 840422 4.
Given that most people see wildlife management as little more than providing fences for New Forest ponies this book is an eye-opener. It manages to blend ecology and practical conservation into one text as few others have done. To add interest and practical application to the text chapters are filled with case studies, biographies of key people and their influences (making this a part-history book). Chapters summaries help put the work into focus. It’s this mixture of perspectives that makes the text useful. Whereas it’s not aiming to be a complete reference manual on the subject it does cover a very wide range of topics and manages to show linkages between them. This is not to say the book is without its controversial elements. For example, the chapter on hunting and trapping might seem less appropriate given debates in Britain at the moment. Likewise, chapters on park wildlife, nongame species and exotics would receive less coverage in the UK. From this its not too hard to guess that it’s produced for the North American market. Case studies of bison, passenger pigeon and similar all have a solid US perspective. In fact for the British teacher this is the only drawback. It is far more theoretical than the BTCV volumes and whilst being less detailed practically, covers a far greater range of subjects. Used as a guide and supplemented with local examples this would make a very good text for those wishing to explore wildlife management in real detail.
David Bowman. Australian Rainforests: islands
of green in a land of fire. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 46568
0
One of the advantages of Australian rainforests is that they are relatively accessible. That this also brings them under pressure means that what little is left needs to be studied with a view to maintaining their diversity. From the range of material produced comes this text which looks not so much at the various rainforest divisions but at their possible formation and maintenance. There is some controversy about the relative roles of rainforest and sclerophyll in Australian ecological history. It is the division between the water-loving rainforests and the fire-controlled eucalypts. Which came first and why? Was rainforest affected by Aboriginal firestick farming or was the change already underway? It’s questions like these that can tie a seemingly remote forest into the wider global-forest management picture.
This text must seen more like an exploration than an explanation. It starts with the lack of agreement over what actually constitutes a rainforest with Eucalyptus sp. accepted both there and in drier ecosystems. Thus Bowman moves from a consideration of definition to an analysis of possibilities. Taking the various theories to explain rainforest distribution he concludes with support for the fire theory arguing that millions of years of fires (not Aboriginal clearing as some suggest) are mainly responsible for the modern distribution pattern. However, even this is not certain in every area! The reader is left with a fascinating exploration into not just Australian floral history but into the whole nature of biogeographical distributions; for although the arguments are localised the focus of their topics affect all our work.
Lester Brown, Christopher Flavin and Hilary French.
State of the World 2000. Earthscan.ISBN: 1 85383 680 X
Given that this is the 17th edition of this increasingly highly regarded yearbook there is a temptation for the reader to pass over critical analysis assuming its quality on the one hand and of the authors assuming a constant uncritical readership on the other. Whereas readers must come to their own conclusion this reviewer can at least report the editors have maintained their standards whilst opening up new and challenging areas for discussion. Previous issues have looked at deserts and rangelands - the more "traditional" environmental areas. This issue has definitely broken from tradition with a series of thought-provoking essays on a different theme. True, the first chapter does provide an overview of key issues facing us in the new century but that’s as far as it goes. Chapter 2 considers the rate and nature of change arguing that decline is not gentle but may be catastrophic - we won’t know which way until we get there! Chapter 4 on the two malnourishments - underfed and overfed is a great antidote to the more usual hunger analyses. It is possible to be obese and malnourished but the implications of this are only just being recognised. Chapter 6 looks at the papers costs of the information revolution. It seems we are getting further from the "paperless office" as we go on. If IT is seen as an environmental cost then it can also be seen as an environmental benefit. Chapter 7 points out how we can use the new facilities such as the internet to spread environmental information. Finally, there’s the discussion on the nature of global capital, trade and the environment. The catalogue of changes wrought in the name of the IMF or GATT/WTO demonstrates clearly the problems we are facing although the newer schemes like debt for nature and carbon trading may well alter this.
This is a most stimulating text. It covers some excellent new ground which should appeal to regular readers. The text is still evenly edited and the essays still provide excellent examples that could be studied with good effect by students as examples of good practice. More illustrative material would help but this still remains one of the only must-buys of this year - no serious library can afford to be without it.
Lester Brown, Gary Gardner and Brian Halweil.
Beyond Malthus: 19 dimensions of the population challenge. Earthscan.
ISBN: 1 85383 656 7.
This slim volume is an extension of a Worldwatch monograph on the impact of population pressure. In the 200 years since Malthus’ classic essay there have been several arguments both for and against its basic tenet on population rising faster than food supply. Although the "Ehrlich equation" has been with us for about 20 years there is still controversy in this area (notably in the Boserupian perspective on development and food supply). However, now that more data are being analysed it seems, according to Brown and his co-authors, that a new phenomenon can be detected.
The opening chapter sets the scene with an examination of growth rates and changes in growth projections. The 19 dimensions mentioned (see contents, above) cover a wide range of human-environment interactions. Each aspect is briefly analysed and some of the key data presented. Such an approach has both positive and negative elements. On the plus side these brief notes make excellent material for classroom discussion. Set against this must be the loss of detailed material. The authors make their case well and do have the usual impressive array of arguments that you would expect of a Worldwatch paper but some other perspectives might be welcomed. Their conclusion is the one aspect that might draw most attention. The argument is put forward that as populations increase so there comes a time when the nation can no longer respond to changes. In this context, AIDS is being seen as the "final straw" for many sub-Saharan nations. This "demographic fatigue" is the real problem and there needs to be a concerted effort (from both North and South) to limit all populations (it being nice to see the USA brought into the debate in terms of its ecological footprint). Overall, a good publication with much to recommend it for senior school students and above.
C. Barry Cox and Peter Moore. Biogeography: An ecological
and evolutionary approach 6E. Blackwell Science. ISBN: 0 86542 778 X
After 6 editions this must be seen as one of the leading introductory texts on biogeography. Its coverage is increased in this edition with a chapter of marine biogeography; a long-neglected but newly-emerging part of the subject. Other notable changes include the more clear cut division of present and future biogeographies and the re-working of islands. There has been an attempt to improve the readability of the text by the inclusion of chapter summaries, reading lists and references for each chapter. In addition there is a significant increase in diagrams which helps understanding. The strength of this text lies in its comprehensive coverage. The beginner would find reference to all the material needed to understand the development of the subject. Against this must be set some critical areas of the text. With the re-working of chapters there has been a tendency to lose the logical development of subject matter - as such the text reads better as a reference book than as something to follow from cover to cover. The diagrams are muted and pastel but with current production a bolder scheme could be used to better effect. These aspects are to be regretted because they get in the way of enjoying a classic text on the subject.
Overall, a detailed text which should be considered as standard reading for those wishing to gain a thorough grounding in the subject.
Mark Dale. Spatial Analysis in Plant Ecology. Cambridge
University Press. ISBN: 0 521 45227 9
One of the most pleasing aspects of texts such as this is that it tells the non-specialist that even in areas that appear settled in ecological method there are still huge areas to be learnt. This is a highly specialist text best appreciated by undergraduates and yet there is still information for teachers to give to school students. Most of our work is dealing with patterns and processes. It follows that the first aspect is to find those patterns from which we can develop ideas about processes. As our understanding of distribution becomes more complex so it follows that we need more powerful ways of finding out what is really happening.
The author starts with two of the best chapters for the non-specialist - concepts of patterns and sampling. Precisely what pattern are we looking at? Is there a pattern that can be detected? These are the ideas of the introductory chapter which is followed by an overview of sampling and its limitations. Of course, not all samples are equal and we need to appreciate the limits of this seemingly simple process. Subsequent chapters cover a range of situations in detail concluding with a useful set of recommendations allowing the reader to determine the best test to use. The final chapter is of more general use in that it deals with the various recommendations made throughout the text and also suggests what directions future research might take.
Overall, a thoughtful text highlighting the difficulties inherent in analysing patterns. Of most use for the specialist but with insights where the non-specialist can gain.
Dena Dincauze. Environmental Archaeology: principles
and practice. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 31077 6
About 30 years ago when environmental archaeology was in its infancy much of the work was focussed on individual interpretations of limited floral and faunal assemblages. Since that time the integration of the various sub-disciplines has proceeded apace and there is need for an introductory text which outlines this growing field. It also allows an opportunity to see one subject area i.e. environmental science through the perspective of another discipline. Such a perspective can only be gained through an understanding of key ideas and by starting the text with a glossary the reader is given some idea of the subjects to be covered. The remainder of the text is divided into 8 parts. The introductory chapters outline the value of environmental study in interpreting past cultures but it also demonstrates the limits for data interpretation. Interestingly, there is good use made of the more theoretical aspects in terms of causal relationships. Such a divergence from traditional texts is to be welcomed as there is too little consideration of theory in many books. Part two examines the various aspects of chronology which although limited in ecology is of great significance to archaeology. Parts three to seven group chapters in key areas - climate, geomorphology, sediments and soils, vegetation and fauna. Each part has chapters devoted to basic principles and their applications. Chpaters finish with a small ‘coda’ which provide a useful overview of the work in a very few sentences (allowing the reader to focus more quickly on areas that are of interest. Often there is a case study illustrating the way in which analysis can proceed. These studies are global in nature and offer considerable insight for the historical ecologist. A final chapter in part 8 briefly sums up work to date and puts forward an agenda for continuing work.
This is a most interesting text on a number of levels. As an archaeological text it both demonstrates the long way environmental analysis has come but it also shows how far it could still go. Ecologists would find much of interest in seeing how the subject is being applied. Treatment is somewhat uneven but given the nature of the task this is not surprising. Students in both historical and ecological areas would find much of use especially for the insight into each others work.
Stanley Dodson (ed). Ecology; Readings in Ecology.
Oxford University Press. ISBN: (1) 0 19 512079 5 (2) 0 19 513309 9
These two books are reviewed together because that’s how they’re supposed to be read. There’s a tremendous amount of material published on introductory ecology so one could rightly wonder what could be said that was new. Dodson and his fellow authors (all professors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison) have accomplished this by taking a completely new slant on the topic and produced texts both invigorating and illuminating. It must be seen as something of a rite of passage for a relatively young discipline such as ecology to be able to divide itself successfully into various sub-groups. The book follows this argument by allowing each practitioner a chapter to outline the key features of the sub-discipline. Within that chapter each author outlines the basic ideas surrounding that subject, the key concepts and how they are applied. In addition, there is space given to argue how that part of ecology fits into the other areas. This is not so much an ecology text as a text on ecology. The result is a persuasive set of cases which succeed in demonstrating the utility of their part of the subject and which, with the addition of personal details and photographs, actually bring the subject to life. Here is a book by real people!
The companion Readings continues this theme with authors now back in the picture as editors. Each is given the opportunity of presenting papers or excerpts which, in their opinion, highlight key thinkers or ideas. The whole collection covers a tremendous ground in terms of history, place and idea. Writers such as Aldo Leopold and Donald Worster as juxtaposed with Fabre and Krebs. An eclectic mixture but one which actually works well. Overall, a splendid piece of work. At a time when it is all too easy to forget the people behind the science the authors and editor should be congratulated at putting forward such an excellent set of ideas.
Richard Louis Edmonds (ed). Managing the Chinese
environment. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0 19 829635 5
Until a few year ago, knowledge of China and its environment was limited. The change of political direction, the growth of the market economy and the huge size of both population and nation makes anything happening in the People’s Republic of interest. If, as some people predict, China tries to emulate the living standards of, say, America then its ecological footprint will be huge. Several texts have been published highlighting environmental degradation (the Three Gorges Project comes to mind) but there has been far less written about the current standard and organisation of environmental protection. This text seeks to fill the gap with a series of papers examining key aspects of the Chinese approach highlighting both positive and negative elements.
This is very much an advanced technical book. Each chapter has copious footnotes providing the reader with a large amount of additional information. Much of the data is in a form readily accessible to the lay reader and this alone provides information often missing elsewhere. For the teacher the information here is an antidote to the often over-simplified versions about China: this text should be seen more of a reference work in this instance. Hopefully, as more is learnt about China an increasing volume of work will find its way to the educational market: this book is an good start.
European Environment Agency. Environment in the European
Union at the turn of the century. European Environment Agency. ISBN: 92
9157
Considering the role of the European Union globally and its place in British education nationally there is a dearth of great texts that would help students learn more about the EU and its environment. One of the great exceptions to this was the Dobrís Assessment of a few years ago which provided an overview in a way that students could consult. Given the expansion of the EU and the changes in its social and political composition one welcomes the release of a new report. In essence, the text adopts a fairly standard four-fold approach with introduction (including a great summary complete with smileys to indicate status - a must as a wall poster!), resource consumption, issues arising and potential solutions. However, although the report is aimed at EU officials and similar people the text holds a number of surprises.
One aspect not in dispute is the comprehensive nature of the treatment. There can be very few aspects of the EU environment not covered. For example in "issues" alone there are sections on: greenhouse effect, ozone, hazardous chemicals, transboundary pollution, water, soil, waste, hazards, GMOs, health, biodiversity, urban areas, rural areas, coasts and mountains! This is where the standard treatment stops. The text actaully reads as two separate volumes on the one page. The text itself is fairly dry and relates to the "fine print" of environmental argument. This is surrounded by a wealth of full-colour diagrams, maps, graphs, discussion boxes etc. So copious are these and so high the standard that they could be used without the body of the text to great effect. In addition to data there are numerous great ideas for teaching from information boxes to diagrams that could form the basis for excellent overhead projection transparencies! Students from year 9 upwards could dip into this and gather all sorts of data for reports and presentations (although younger students might well need help in finding their way around the text - annoyingly there’s no index).
Overall a surprising find packed full of vital data providing a wealth of information for student and teacher alike.
Abigail Entwistle and Nigel Dunstone (eds). Priorities
for the Conservation of Mammalian Diversity. Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 0 521 77536 1
About 25 years ago I started to design and run a wildlife conservation course. Many of the students were keen and committed to wildlife and this made the job easier when we started the practical section of the work. However, I always started with the same idea - justify conservation. After all, what we are really trying to do is to counter natural forces and create landscapes that we deem to be ‘wild’. The first task was to put forward a campaign for species conservation. Some got ‘easy’ targets like tigers and pandas but I always made sure that some got the plague rat or black widow spider or somesuch. My point was that just because it was furry and got a great press it didn’t mean it had an automatic right to exist. In the intervening years I’ve seen the debate change and the whole focus become far more rigorous in its approach but now I find that in this text I am almost back to the beginning.
Now that we have become more sophisticated in our work there is a tendency to think that the basic arguments have all been put. However, there is still a great deal to say and the case for species conservation (as against habitat conservation) is re-visited in this text to great effect. In my attempts I used a chart of ‘psycho-lovability’ culled from a journal where pandas were high on the list (large and furry) whilst elephants were OK (large) but rats were not (small and furry) whilst insects were just not considered (small and scaly!). This text brings in ‘charismatic’ and ‘flagship’ fauna to much the same effect. The editors have also taken the opportunity of widening the debate to consider extinction patterns, abundance and rarity as well in the first two parts of this book. The third (largest) part really moves the work forward with critical analyses of legislation (does it actually work), differential benefits from conservation, tourism and captive breeding amongst others. The subtitle of the book (has the panda had its day) is also the focus of a chapter which really encapsulates the debate - to what extent can be work on and justify species conservation?
This text is the third in the increasingly interesting conservation biology series from CUP. It is very well written and puts difficult concepts clearly for a lay as well as an academic audience. It tackles the questions we thought had long since ceased to be important and shows us that we left a lot out of the early debates. Overall, an excellent text that deserves the widest readership. It should be a standard on any library shelf that takes conservation seriously.
WG Ernst (ed). Earth Systems: Processes and Issues.
Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 47895 2
Considering the part played by the abiotic environment there are few texts dedicated to it. Even rarer is the text that interweaves physical and biological sciences and puts them in a practical framework of engineering, economics, public policy and politics. Such is the perspective of the text edited by Ernst and founded upon the course he has developed at Stamford university. The idea of the text is to present the beginner with an overview of all the key processes showing how they operate and interact. An introductory part covering the ideas of earth science, physical geography and time scales provides a sound introduction. Time is one of the most difficult topics to teach as it requires a different mind-set to operate in geological areas. By linking it to other time scales the authors have managed to show how these scales are related. Particularly interesting are the timeframes of political action and times needed to solve, say, elements of global pollution. Given that so many texts refer to the four "spheres" it’s nice to see a detailed description of their workings. Each section attempts to give equal coverage of that aspect but some work on the biosphere might be seen a too limited for most classes (although most key concepts do appear, but in other chapters). The third part takes this material and puts it into the context of resource management and public policy. It’s rare to find such a broad approach and it helps to put contemporary issues into their scientific base which allows students both a better grasp of the science involved and a chance to make a more reasoned decision. This latter part is particularly important given the rise of courses such as civics and citizenship (as well as applied ecological and environmental topics in many aspects of the UK curriculum).
Chapters start with an introductory "message", are well-illustrated and conclude with the usual questions and further reading. The only obvious negative point for a British reader is the heavy emphasis on the USA (for whom the text was produced) rendering sections like public policy less useful than might have otherwise been the case. However, the concepts are transferable and the wealth of information and diagrams makes it a great introductory text for undergraduates and a good source of ideas for teachers and senior school students. Not since Strahler and Strahler’s physical geography text has there been as useful a book produced. It should be a welcome addition to the school library.
Food and Agriculture Organisation. State of the world’s
forests 1999. FAO. ISBN: 92 5 104193-8
This is one of the many UN statistical publications cited by numerous yearbooks and biennials. A biennial itself with this being the third issue, State of the World’s Forests has become a well-regarded source of data. Earlier issues tried to provide an overview of changes over many years; this issue concentrates on key developments during the last two years. Even from the summary it is clear that there have been marked trends over the past two years. The global impact of El Niño has been marked. However, it is in the realm of human action that much of note has occurred. Parts one and two examine in some detail the growth of environmental values in forests and the part that this has played at Kyoto and subsequently. There is also recognition of the role of forestry in many households e.g. through fuelwood, not traditionally part of the conventional accounting process. This demand is increasing and so we have seen the development of other strategies to counter this. Part three moves on to look at international efforts in forestry especially through UN groups and towards the issues and options facing them. Part four examines the position of forestry in the various global economic groupings such as the EU, ASEAN etc. Appendices aid with acronyms and definitions but it is Appendix 3, the data tables, that give this publication its value.
Despite the undoubted value of this text its production and scope has not kept up with other key yearbooks such as the UNDP and World Bank. It has little of obvious value to the school student but, once extracted, the data are invaluable for the teacher trying to find current data. This is one of those "hidden gems" of information that are worth the effort reading through.
Morris Gosling and William Sutherland (eds).
Behaviour and Conservation. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 66539
6
The idea that behaviour and ecology are linked is still relatively new. That the attitudes and social conventions of animals (even humans) has any bearing on conservation is newer still and yet after this text the reader is given far greater insight into how the two are related. The opening chapter really sets the scene. Where other texts overview chapters the editors discuss the variety of behavioural responses that they consider important and show how they impact upon our conservation efforts. In terms of topic impact the reader is left until the second chapter where human population growth is subjected to a novel behavioural perspective. It’s not just the question of the number of children (and certainly not because they are having too many) but the social attitude towards family size that is crucial. If only part of this new approach is correct then we have a lot of re-thinking to do. Chapter three continues this demand for cleraer thinking by attacking the notion of the ‘noble savage’ - the idea that all pre-literate societies are, by default, working the land soundly and sustainably. Two other chapters make up this section on human impact and their inclusion is timely for until we realise that what we do is a function of how we react then conservation will not be given the respect it deserves. Part three turns to more conventional ethology by examining habitats in terms of loss and fragmentation. This is perhaps where most people come in; the idea of territoriality and habitat size for top carnivores is well established. Less well realised is the impact of habitat changes on smaller fauna where issues of genetic mix are brought up. Part four looks at the role of sexual selection in conservation. Most people seem to think that all you need are two animals and that keeps the population going. Sadly, we are now finding that in a functioning population numerous other factors come into play. Finally, 5 chapters on the theme of applied behaviour highlight its relevance to conservation. It’s not enough to take a captive-bred species out into the wild and release it if it hasn’t got the social (and other) skills to survive.
Overall, a fascinating text which seems to only touch the key elements of a new subject area. Clearly we need to hear more about this field. In the meantime, this book will provide undergraduates with a new area to consider and teachers with a broader understanding of the complexities on conservation ecology to pass on to their students.
Andrew Goudie. The Human Impact on the Natural
Environment 5E. Blackwell Publishers. ISBN: 0 631 19978 0
Accessible, comprehensive overviews are not too common. That Goudie has just released the 5th edition shows both the reaction to the concept and earlier editions. At first glance there are very few changes between this edition and the 1986 2nd edition. It’s fair to ask what has changed to justify the new edition. Although the most immediate change is in the layout with far clearer text and diagrams there is also a more sophisticated approach to human impact in keeping with developments in the subject. This edition removes many of the older diagrams and tables replacing them with more relevant, recent studies. New areas of concern (e.g. coastal erosion) are added to the original chapter structure whilst some aspects (e.g. the future) are almost completely re-written. Extensive references are provided for each chapter; in many cases being completely revised since the last edition in 1993. Interestingly, the chapter structure used in the first edition has been retained (which says much for its structure). Of course, since then a great amount of material has been added from which the author taken selectively. This provides a textbook that gets across an idea of human impact rather than an encyclopaedic gathering with few linkages between them.
To those new to the text there is a wealth of detail on a bewildering array of topics. Of course this loses detail but brevity can be useful in keeping the attention of younger readers such as older GCSE students. Issues are presented clearly and carefully with no obvious signs of exaggeration making them ideal additions to lessons.
PJ Gullen and PS Cranston. The Insects: an outline
of entomology 2e. Blackwell Science. ISBN: 0 632 05343 7.
Insects comprise a major portion of the Earth’s biodiversity. Given constraints on current school-based animal ecology they form ideal examples of key ecological principles. What is needed is a text which highlights the main features of the phylum. The emphasis with this text is not just to describe insect biology but to put this in the context of biodiversity, ecology and economics. Biodiversity is the focus of the opening chapter where the importance of insects is made clear. This is more than just scene-setting - insects can be made a central part of ecological teaching but a case must be made for so doing. By leading with a practical element, subsequent chapters dealing with insect physiology can be better appreciated. These chapters cover external and internal anatomy in all its key aspects. Two final chapters dealing with life histories and evolution demonstrate that diversity (a key of insect taxonomy as much as species richness) can take many forms. The ecology section takes insects not from the classificatory angle but from a locational perspective (ground-dwelling and aquatic) which allows groups of similar insects to be studied and compared. Interactions are part of standard ecological theory and herbivory, sociobiology, predation and defence are all given suitable coverage. This leaves us with the final chapters exploring economics and insects. Given their range and importance as pests and disease vectors it is important that these aspects are dealt with. A closing chapter, looking at insect collections, completes a very broad study of insects.
This is really best seen as a reference text. It is very well illustrated with excellent drawings adding an unusual feature to texts too often set with photographs. This approach allows the beginner to see clearly the features under discussion. The opening and final chapters provide a dimension outside the more usual insect biology texts and provide both a critical review and a motivation to learn more. By its nature the text is difficult for the beginner in places but this is more than made up for the comprehensive coverage.
L Danny Harvey. Global Warming: The hard science.
Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0 582 38167 3
One of the problems with early work on global warming was the lack of science that could be translated to people working in other fields. Often it was possible to raise serious questions about greenhouse science and find few answers. Since that time there have been numerous publications dealing with every possible aspect of the topic, but one area stands out by being under-represented. So much of the work of alerting the general public to global warming has taken place within the realm of "givens" i.e. it must be accepted irrespective of questions placed in the way. Now we have a text which whilst not proving the easiest to read (some areas require more than basic background reading) does at last put scientific method firmly in the front line.
Chapters fall into three parts. The first five chapters overview the climate system and the changes to which it is subject. The opening chapter puts climate change into a geological perspective and uses this as a means of measuring current changes. Subsequent chapters expand on the science needed to understand these changes - from biogeochemical cycles to anthropogenic change. Chapter five, examining recent climatic data is particularly useful in this regard because it shows the considerable range of material that we are using to base our predictions upon. Part two looks at the mathematics of processes to see how we model, what we model, how well we can model and what it might all mean. Like the first part, aspects taken here are well chosen not to obscure the debate but to go right to the heart of the scientific rationale. Thus work on modelling is followed by work on radiative forcing, biogeochemical responses, climate sensitivity and equilibria. The final chapter in this section, sea level rise, is another excellent area putting together much of the more publicly accessible science. The final part of two chapters examine the relationship between science and policy. Again the final chapter provides much of interest with its consideration not on science but on our ability to be "surprised" - a debate about our knowledge base.
Overall a very useful text pulling together vital aspects of global warming. As stated in the introduction this is not a book for the beginner and even more proficient readers might find some of the advanced concepts difficult. However, undergraduates and teachers will find much of value: the former putting study of the topic on a far better platform, the latter being provided with greater depth to pass on to the student.
Christopher Humphries and Lynne Parenti. Cladistic
Biogeography. 2e. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0 19 854818 4
One of the problems with introducing more advanced concepts at school level (and even above) is that there is often little indication of the debate that lies just below the surface and which could, if properly identified, ignite interest in the subject. The distribution of plants and animals is one such area. Given that texts have displayed global distribution maps for decades there is good reason for assuming that everything has been said. However, just below the surface are debates which are both lively and illuminating. Cladistic biogeography is one such area. Stemming from Croziat’s work and studying the historical biogeography of lineages, this is an attempt to provide a more detailed answer to the question of what organisms are found where, and why.
This slim text starts with a historical overview of the development of biogeography with particular attention to distribution. The resulting patterns show a range of answers, virtually unique for each taxon but with certain similarities. Readers are taken through the resulting explanations. We are told how each worker has built upon the previous ideas. This alone provides a useful overview that is often missing is more generalised texts. The second chapter focusses on method. Like the first chapter the authors take a historical approach which has the advantage of both putting historically and geographically disjunct papers into context and providing the reader with a sense of development. There is no way that we can say the debate is finished! The thrid chapter takes the idea of area cladograms and applies them to specific examples. This is the most taxing area for non-specialist readers and although the approach is solid, most people would benefit from additional reading in this area (a glossary at the back does help with basic points but it is not comprehensive). A final chapter uses the information to put forward an interpretation of historical biogeography.
The value of the text lies in its ability to show the development of ideas and their current applications. Designed for a specialist audience it who will appreciate the insight it gives it does have value for the non-specialist in demonstrating changes in critical areas of organism distribution.
Malcolm Hunter Jr (ed). Maintaining biodiversity
in forest ecosystems. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 63768 6
Biodiversity, as a theory, offers an increasing degree of insight into the workings of ecosystems. We have replaced the static view of the steady-state with a far more dynamic image of a constantly changing world. Whilst this is fine, it’s not really until we get the use of biodiversity in practical applications that we can see how the subject has matured. Since the maintenance of diversity is the foundation stone of the topic it is even more apt to see how it can be used to promote that which is under analysis. Under a somewhat unprepossessing style, Hunter has managed to produce a text which covers both theory and practice in a way which adds value to both sides. The introduction covers some founding principles of both ecology and ecological forestry in such a way as to provide the beginner with a sound grasp of what follows. This is followed by seven chapters all dealing with certain aspects of landscape ecology i.e. maintaining biodiversity at the ecosystem level. Examples are taken from a range of forest systems and often tie in theory with application. The third part looks at biodiversity at the micro-level i.e. individual tree or forest stand. That this can range from a single stump to plantation forestry shows the depth of treatment. The final part examines the way in which biodiversity can be used: in restoration, conservation and management.
This book is a surprise. Understated in production terms for an American text (and lacking the more usual North American focus) it produces a startling amount of data which acts to both synthesise current understanding and show how it might be developed. It could be used with ease by senior school students (unusual for a text aimed mainly for undergraduates and upwards) mainly because of the clear style of writing. Teachers will find a great deal of useful data which can be applied as much to ecological theory as to their local woodlands. Field centres and conservation groups would benefit from reading this text. The editor is to be congratulated for finding a new perspective on biodiversity and putting it so clearly.
Jon Hutton and Barnabas Dickson (eds). Endangered
species: threatened convention. Earthscan. ISBN: 1 85383 636 2
At the time, the Washington Convention was part of a swirl of international legislation in the years following the first environment conference at Stockholm in 1972. Soon to become re-named as CITES - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - this ground-breaking piece of international co-operation has been in force for almost 25 years. It is appropriate that some stock is taken of its work and the authors assembled here examine a wide range of evidence in coming to their conclusions. The two opening chapters form the introduction both outlining the genesis of CITES and the way in which it operates. Chapter two is an excellent overview of the causes and nature of extinction. The next four chapters, under the heading of CITES in practice, examine various ways in which it works. Their approach is not universal but highly selective, looking at areas of perceived difficulty notably, legislative problems, the use of the precautionary principle, Appendix II trade and unilateralism. This list alone gives some indication of the turn the book takes: application and interpretation of the law, basic principles and the rights and responsibilities of trade and nationality. The next four chapters take a range of case studies showing the same mix of success and failure as seen in the previous section. The case studies here are crisp and short with enough detail for the more specialist reader whilst allowing the school student to understand the key ideas. Finally we are asked, in the third part to question if CITES works. Again there is a thoughtful reflection on some key areas of theory, legislation and community involvement. Clearly there are flaws in CITES (as the final endpiece chapter describes) but there is much there to work upon.
Although a more specialist text this is well worth reading for those with an interest in CITES. It is not often that students get the chance to see real legislation in practice and yet get a critique so clear and free of jargon to make it a suitable case study. Clarity of writing and argument make this a good example of quality work which could usefully be used as a model.
Lee Kump, James Kasting and Robert Crane. The Earth
System. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0 13 177387 9
The basis of this text is both straightforward and highly effective. The authors argue that the old ways of doing "Earth science" in terms of discrete subjects like geology, oceanography etc. does not hold at a time when complex multi-layered problems of interactions are at the heart of our understanding of environmental issues. With this in mind and with an audience of non-science students the authors have devised this text. The first two chapters set the scene with an overview of global change and an introduction to systems analysis via Lovelock’s Daisyworld. This is followed with a scientists guide to the principles of the greenhouse effect. Since the text is focussed both on the cyclical nature of systems and on inter-related forces the next four chapters outline the major circulatory systems in the atmosphere, oceans, Earth and carbon cycle. Although cycles suggest a common repeating pattern it must also be noted that change appears to be one-way and so the authors have produced a series of chapters dealing with climate regulation, atmospheric evolution, biodiversity and glaciation. A final set of chapters deals with human-induced changes such as global warming, ozone depletion and biodiversity.
This is an interesting perspective on an old problem: how to deal with key aspects of science for non-science students. Having chosen the idea of global interactions the authors proceed to examine the working on the key cycles and processes. To help the student each chapter has a number of useful features from overview and key questions at the beginning to key terms, review questions, critical-thinking problems and bibliography at the back. Often there are boxes within chapters explaining scientific/technical ideas in more detail. The wealth of detail would make this an ideal text for the teacher looking to introduce complex subjects although the senior school student might find some areas a little taxing.
Douglas Larson, Uta Mattes and Peter Kelly. Cliff
Ecology - patterns and process in cliff ecosystems. Cambridge University
Press. ISBN: 0 521 55489 6
At what scale does a feature become of interest in its own right? As the globalisation trend continues in an ecological setting with topics such as global biodiversity it is easy to think that small-scale work is no longer of interest. There are good reasons why this should not be the case. If we accept that landscapes are made of mosaics then it is the performance of those individual pieces which are of importance. Further, by looking at small-scale work we can better model ideas which can then be scaled up to a regional level. Having said that it is important that the topic chosen be sufficiently recognised to be a valid study area.
In cliffs we have, usually, simplified ecosystems which can repay study by student groups (in much the same way that walls have been used in lichen studies). Such work has been extended to quarries (ITE. Ecology of Quarries, 1981). However, in this work the three authors have attempted to pull together studies from around the world to make a case for cliff studies on a grander basis. The paucity of ecological material shown here is in contra-distinction to the geomorphological literature. In fact a great deal of the text is taken up with abiotic factors showing the slant in research interests. Chapters dealing with biotic aspects tend to be more compilations of data than ecological descriptions. This is not too surprising given the difficulty of vertical sampling! Thus the majority of the text is an attempt to gather information. The penultimate chapter deals with human uses of cliff areas. Leaving aside their use as landscape (as witnessed by the large number of stamp illustrations in the text) they have a small but significant part to play and it is to be regretted that more could not be made of this section. In the brief final chapter we are presented with perhaps the best information: a summary which distills the data and makes the case for cliff study far more compelling.
This is a specialist text which seeks to argue for a new area of study. As such it has value - there is too much temptation to look for the global answer and leave large, potentially crucial, areas uncovered. This book challenges the way we sub-divide areas and that is to be welcomed. As a single text it would make a useful addition to school and field centre libraries with access to cliff areas such as the West and North of the UK. It will be interesting to see how this subject develops.
Egbert Giles Leigh Jr. Tropical Forest Ecology.
Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0 19 509603 7
Many introductory texts seek to bring together all aspects of rainforests in order to make some general points: rarely is there a detailed study of a specific area. When it does happen, as with Rackham’s study of Hayley Wood or Leigh’s study, here, of Barro Colorado Island then the result is both a surprise and a delight. The parallel between the two texts is more than arbitrary: both are beautifully illustrated with line drawings and both examine in minute detail a relatively small area. Leigh has taken this small island in the middle of Panama as the focal point for a detailed examination of forest ecology. He starts with an overview of the area showing both its formation and subsequent human impact upon it (it became an island because of the Panama canal work). The next chapter, highlighting Leigh’s avowedly personal examination of the area, describes the key plants and animals (the dramatis personae of the area). Two chapters on climates and soil changes describe much of the abiotic component. This paves the way for a study of selected aspects of trees, notably leaf design and arrangement. Given that light is such a key factor then the way in which this is collected is crucial. The penultimate chapters turn the attention to animals with a study of herbivores, diversity and mutualism. This leaves a very brief final chapter to call for conservation of these areas.
As a study of one area this is an excellent text. The drawings are superb and add to the feeling of place. Leigh brings in copious tables of data so that the reader can judge from specific data what the main trends are likely to be. That said, this is best appreciated by someone with a reasonable knowledge of rainforests to start with. The text can get daunting and although summaries are useful there is still a lot to digest. For the specialist this is a great addition, for ecology teachers there are the makings of a superb case study but you would need to read all the text carefully.
Anne Magurran and Robert May (eds). Evolution
of Biological Diversity. Oxford University Press ISBN: 0 19 850304 0
Long before biodiversity became a buzz-word there were people working on rates of species change in areas from genetics to the fossil record. Then the b-word came into common focus at the beginning of the 1990s and it transformed popular debate. The notion of saving biodiversity became current - an almost unstoppable force. This, despite the enormous academic and conceptual difficulties in even defining the term in the first place! Now the dust has settled its time to consider biodiversity with a greater degree of rigour which is where Marurran and May’s text fits in. The reader is treated to a selection of some of science’s key writers all of whom focus on their element of biodiversity. Although presented as a series of 14 separate chapters there are a number of themes which unite various chapters. One of the most fundamental must be the definition of the species. If, as some argue, species are much like a continuum then where does one start and end? This leads on to questions of genetics with its sub-theme of the role of sex in selection. Such themes dominate the majority of the book - rightly, since speciation must begin at the individual level and anything that affects such a change is important. The dominance of the genetic in speciation leaves little space in the text for other, equally valid, perspectives. The final four chapters (i.e. all of those not focussed on genetics) contain much stimulating material. Gould’s work on hierarchies (chapter 11) has all of his usual hallmarks as an example of both good writing and controversial science. The influence of range on speciation covers the oft-neglected spatial component whilst the final two chapters are excellent reviews of fossil biodiversity from much-cited authors.
Although this text is aimed squarely at the graduate and researcher there is actually much that could be used to stimulate a senior school ecology class. Much of the debate within the book requires some background of the subject but there is enough material to start excellent work in senior science classes. For those who interest in biodiversity goes beyond the simplistic public statement, this book is a vital addition to the literature.
Geoffrey Moore and Simon Jennings (eds). Commercial
Fishing: the wider ecological impacts. Blackwell Science. ISBN: 0 632
05608 8
As readers will be aware, this is one of the BES publications aimed at younger ecologists. Thus rather than outline the case it puts forward perhaps it would be better to ask if it works! Commercial fishing is an emotive issue through news and television broadcasts. It has been a central conservation plank of many of the pressure groups. It follows that any work in this area must be put carefully to avoid the many pitfalls in discussing emotive issues. The text starts well with a good overview which manages to highlight the key points well. The chapters follow each other with a clear, logical pattern. There are a few diagrams (more would be welcome) and the writing style is usually easy to follow.
I tested this text with an average group of senior school students (Australia having been no more successful than Europe in conserving its fish stocks!). There were several fishers in the group and a fair bit of knowledge. The text managed to both sort out a way forward whilst still holding the interests of the fishers with their high degree of practical knowledge. It provided discussion and concepts such as by-catch (a less commonly known concept) were well regarded. Overall, an excellent start much appreciated by this audience. A definite value-for-money text for the school library.
Peter Morin. Community Ecology. Blackwell Science.
ISBN: 0 86542 350 4
Community ecology occupies an unusual position in ecology. It could reasonably claim to be one of the earlier aspects of study with descriptions of plant assemblages but it is also one of the most recent with a return in interest in the subject. In the intervening years more emphasis was placed on the individual and species and the development of a community approach was less evident. Luckily this situation is changing rapidly as this text testifies. The 14 chapters are divided into three main areas. The first deals with the basic patterns found in communities and some of the processes that appear to be working there. As such this is the more usual material of competition, predation, food webs etc. but with more depth than is found in the usual ecology texts. It is in the second and third parts that the topic is opened up. The second part deals with interactions between species focusing on the factors involved: time, habitats and spatial dynamics. This last aspect allows a more detailed discussion of island biogeography. The final part contains much that shows this subject as a maturing study area. One of the key aspects of the community is how all the species fit together i.e. integrative dynamics. This also brings in questions of diversity (i.e. community change through genetic variation) and succession (community change as a response to abiotic factors). Finally, there is a very brief chapter outlining how community ecology could be linked to applied problems.
Although aimed at an introductory audience the treatment here is quite advanced and would need some prior knowledge of ecology. This is to be regretted because the ideas presented here are fundamental to many discussions in ecology today. This aside, there is much teachers could find to pass on to students who would be better informed about the communities they are studying.
Bernard Nebel and Richard Wright. Environmental
Science 7E. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0 13 083134 4
This is a text aimed squarely at senior school and college students. Chapters are well thought out and contain a range of stimuli and aids in addition to the text. These include an opening set of "key issues and questions" to guide the reader, a concluding set of items - environment on the web, review questions and thinking environmentally. Throughout the text there are essay-boxes dealing with global perspectives, ethics and "earth watch" (expanding ideas in the text). As you would expect from a North American text, layout and illustration are outstanding. Unlike most North American texts the range of examples is catholic. True, there are a few cases using North American examples but these would either be known to students anywhere or be self explanatory. Other examples span the globe from Australia the North Pole. This is important as any teacher knows. Students need to be able to relate the work to their area which is where many US texts fail the UK market.
There’s more to this text than just learning more about the environment. At the end of each section there is a section called "making a difference". This suggests that students become pro-active in environmental matters rather than read about it after its happened. For example, one suggestion is to "find an environmental organisation ...or create one"! This suggests a new perspective to the whole text. By suggesting certain courses of action the authors move far more towards the notion of civics and citizenship than would be common in the UK. However, given the interest commonly shown by students in environmental matters this might be one area to explore more fully.
In conclusion, a good text, beautifully produced with a range of cases and examples.
Howard T Odum and Elisabeth C Odum. Modeling for
all scales: an introduction to system simulation. Academic Press. ISBN:
0 12 524170 4
It was Eugene Odum who brought out the best of the first wave of modern ecology texts Fundamentals of Ecology. His basic argument was that to understand the environment one should apply energy models. A sense of deja vu would greet any reader of that first text when confronted with this latest offering which uses much the same systems work but which allows the reader to more fully understand and even manipulate and construct their own models. In some ways this is the companion text that we wanted - a way to understand the original Odum’s work. In other ways this far extends the original concept and as such joins the small but rising set of texts dealing exclusively with models and their making. The authors start off with a very simple system (an overflowing rainwater tank) and show how it can be modelled. Although this might be seen as too simplistic it provides an excellent introduction to what can appear complex but which is, in reality, a connecting of simple patterns into something grander. By the time the first part has been completed we have been given more basic details on flows and networks. The second part starts to produce more complex models and links the reader with both the CD Rom that accompanies the book, and programming through Basic. Again, there is an emphasis on the underlying simplicity of models but now we can see their utility as well. Although this might seem a difficult section there would be many senior school students who could link their interest in computing and ecology and construct these modesl (or just use the ones already made on the CD. Part three raises the level of complexity through the use of larger models dealing with production, growth, competition, succession, trade etc. The value here lies in the fact that what were once seen primarily as ecology models are being used in different contexts (another link to other subjects!). Finally, we are given examples of how these models can be used in real world situations.
This is not an easy text but many teachers and computer-oriented students should find much of interest. Clearly the demand is for people who can make as well as interpret models - it’s a harder educational task but one that should result in a more careful use and analysis of these basic tools. The Odums have produced a good text to help in this process.
Martin Phillips and Tim Mighall. Society and
exploitation through nature. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0 582 27725 6
Over the years, I have often argued for readers to look outside the usual realm of books to find gems "hidden" in less likely places. In essence, this is a call for diversity in searching; to go away from just one or two texts in preparing exciting teaching materials. This text is one such find! On the surface it is an examination of the philosophical positions we adopt when we consider "nature" as an entity. As such it owes its roots (explicitly acknowledged) to O’Riordan’s classic text Environmentalism (Pion Press 1976). Here, the book starts with an examination of the terms "society" and "nature", attempting to show how our perception alters how we deal with both. As such, this is no bad thing because it forces us to think far more clearly about our reaction to nature. After all conservation, in one sense, is all about our saving of "preferred" species! The remainder of the text is given over to an exploration of this theme in a wide range of settings.
However, it is possible to take this book another way. The authors do not focus exclusively on the philosophical side after the first chapter but explore a range of case studies. It is these case studies which make the book so good the nearest parallel being Don Arthur’s Survival (Unibooks 1969). In the second chapter the authors examine the growth of key aspects of our development: agriculture, industry and imperialism. A wealth of data from agricultural origins to its spread in Europe bring together information not easily accessible. Likewise, chapter three examines food and energy requirements and the environmental costs of meeting these demands. Chapter four concentrates on the theory and practice of management - everything from oil spills and nuclear waste to biodiversity and bycatch. Chapter five examines the social side of such management but in the context of social relations - capitalism, sustainability and global concern. The final chapters return to the original theme and look at new ways of perceiving the social/environmental dichotomy.
The text is aimed at first-year undergraduates but the writing is, for the most part, easily accessible to senior school students. Staff will find a wealth of detail not usually found elsewhere. Numerous "boxes" contain summaries of information from the Three gorges project to classifications of industrial pollution. The volume of data and the careful selection of chapter overviews and summaries make the whole argument very well conceived. The whole tenor of the book is crisp and well-executed. This book deserves a wide readership. It is a "must-buy" for the school library.
Vernon Pratt with Jane Howarth and Emily Brady. Environment and Philosophy. Routledge. ISBN: 0 415 14511 2
Despite its importance as one of the cornerstones of constructive thought, philosophical training is woefully lacking in most (ecology) courses. Those who have undertaken such study know its value: those who haven’t need a basic guide to start them off. This text is one attempt to show how our thinking affects our perception. Pratt starts with the basic notion that science is positivist and that such a perspective carries with it a series of worldviews. He develops this idea further with some attempt to outline pre-Cartesian, Cartesian and Romanticist thought. Since his basic thesis is that our way of thinking is exploitative of nature he continues with an exploration of this idea and links it to exploitation of other matters, especially women (as science is seen as a male occupation). Having set the scene, he argues for a phenomenological philosophy as a way of understanding science. This is developed towards the end of the text where all authors explore the way in which this new worldview would shape our relationship with nature.
This is a most unusual book. Its intentions are to allow the reader to begin to question the conceptual foundations of science and to develop new ways of thinking. Whilst the text does question some ideas it lacks a rigorous framework for discussion. The beginner might value a clear explanation of the tenets of positivism and phenomenology but these are missing. Neither is there clear discussion of epistemology, ontology and methodology: the three foundations for any discussion of theoretical philosophy. One is led to expect a clear road through the discussion but one is left with more of a ramble through a range of ideas.
PK Rao. Sustainable Development: Economics and Policy.
Blackwell Publishers. ISBN: 0 631 20994 8
The early 1990s saw the introduction of the concept of sustainability reach mainstream texts. To some extent it was an over-used term: something of a buzzword to generate interest. We needed something substantial but more often than not it was mere gloss - a new-agey look to a real and growing problem. To be fair the whole idea, like biodiversity, is fine in theory but notoriously difficult to translate into practice. Now that we have had some time to examine our notions of sustainability certain themes recur. Principal amongst these is the central part played by economics. There is understanding that for any movement to take place there must be some financial leverage. This is not just a question of capitalistic profit but of the real need to produce capital flow at the disadvantaged end of the economic spectrum where questions of sustainability most often impinge. However, this is not the only aspect and it’s here that most economically-oriented texts fall down. Resources must be accounted for (especially the so-called "free goods" of atmosphere and ocean etc) and politics and policy have their part to play.
Into this increasingly sophisticated analysis we have this text by Rao. The opening chapter examines the chronology of the debate largely by looking at key international conferences and their outcomes. Next, we are introduced to the notions of sinks and sources. Sources of raw materials are well appreciated but to bring in the idea of sinks (i.e. aspects that could tackle, for example, pollution) in the same context is less usual. It implies a unity in Earth processes which is vital if we are to progress further. Chapter three discusses interpretations of sustainability. From there we are taken through a series of ideas describing common areas of concern (valuation, accounting, trade, poverty etc.) and more novel aspects such as global commons, gender, governance and policy. The overall effect is to produce a text of considerable diversity and depth. For the student (or even interested beginner) there are review question for each chapter, ‘boxes’ describing elements in greater detail and a wealth of references. Of these additions it is the review question that adds the most. These are not just the usual end-of-chapter ideas to check progress (although they are there). Many of the questions are fundamental to the current debate and are not meant to have simple, easy answers.
It’s easy to become blasé about a subject that has had so much written about it.. Rao has risien above this and produced something of real substance. The more one reads this text the more impressed one becomes. Not only do we find the major issues but a raft of minor but crucial ones. The integration of vital questions into the review sections make this not only a great source of information but a challenging text - and excellent for work with students. Anyone wanting to take this topic seriously must get a copy.
Jennifer Rietbergen-McCracken and Hussein Abaza (eds). Environmental Valuation; Economic Instruments for Environmental Management. Earthscan. ISBN: (1) 1 85383 695 8; (2) 1 85383 690 7
These books, reviewed together because they form companion volumes, tackle the key notion of the use of economic means for environmental management. Studies were gathered under the aegis of the UNEP and were focussed on countries in transition such as Thailand, Chile, Malaysia and Botswana. As such the studies cover most of the world concentrating on regions with specific environmental issues. The main difference between the two volumes lies in the focus of the economic studies. "Valuation" examines the price that can reasonably be put on environmental services. As such the book acts as a critique of methods like contingent valuation, opportunity cost and hedonic property pricing. It is the more mathematical of the two and demands certain prior knowledge of the reader for a full appreciation of the methodologies. However, within each chapter there are numerous references to more basic questions such as the validity of the approach, problems faced etc. which would provide the non-specialist with a grasp of the mechanics involved. "Instruments", looking at the ways in which economics can be used to foster specific environmental behaviours, is far more amenable to the lay reader. Here, 19 different case studies cover a comprehensive range of instruments and areas making this a fascinating read.
Both books add information to our work at a level understandable by the senior school student (especially given the rise of applied economic and geography syllabuses that focus on such topics). They provide an antidote to the simplistic picture that little is being done outside the G7/G11 set to address seriously environmental issues. There is more than enough data to set up a variety of studies for students to carry out on their own areas.
There is a sense in which these are books-in-waiting. Whereas the information is excellent and the insight useful there is much more that could be said. It must be hoped that other volumes are added to this series. For example, it would be informative to see a comparable critique carried out for developed nations. Likewise, the constraints of space limit a really detailed discussion of methodology and case critiques. There is so much more that can be said; it is to be hoped that the editors continue this work.
Elizabeth Reitz and Elizabeth Wing. Zooarchaeology.
Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 48529 0
It is often instructive to look at those texts more on the margins of ecological study because of the insights they have into areas that should properly interest us and for the perspective they have on our own studies. There is much we can learn from this text on both counts. The opening chapters outline the development of the subject in terms of ideas and personnel. As such this is a useful guide to the subject and one which is only slowly being copied elsewhere. The next 2 chapters focus on biology and ecology. Both would appear partial to ecologists because the treatment given to the subject is bounded by the needs of zooarchaeology. This is to be regretted because it means that information given receives a higher profile than would otherwise be the case in a more complete overview. Having said that it is also instructive to see which elements are crucial and provides a call for us to better integrate our work with those in other disciplines. The following chapters on primary and secondary data are useful in any discipline for the lessons they teach us translate to all research areas. The next three chapters examine the human use of animals. A study of humans as predators is an unusual stance but justified in terms of archaeological remains. Domestication is part of animal adaptation to human use and the information we are presented here usefully extends the standard ecological treatment. Likewise, the use of animals for palaeoenvironmental evidence is useful because it is less well treated in ecological texts. For those involved in human development and zooarchaeology there is a massive list of references to follow.
Overall, an interesting book providing a fair overview of this vital but less well understood area of archaeology. Designed as a specialist text it is useful for general ecologists to read because of the insights it shows into our subject area. It might well appeal best to colleges and field centres near major historical sites.
Robert E. Ricklefs and Gary L. Miller. Ecology 4e. Freeman. ISBN: 0 7167 2829 X
Given the profusion of ecology texts at the introductory level one is forced to consider the value of another entrant even from so distinguished a writer as Ricklefs. Basically, what’s in it for the reader? The search for the answer takes the reader through some excellent novel features. Three of these start at the beginning where brief overviews of formulae, models and human interfaces are presented along with their page references. This provides an excellent feel for the text and help define the basic scope (something most texts for beginners seem to ignore). This focus on the student as much as the text continues into the chapters with opening paragraphs to link ideas and other chapters, an initial set of questions (to guide thinking), a well-organised structure, and closing summary and exercises. Part 1 provides an good discussion of the roles of science and ecology in our study of the planet. Part 2 examines the role of the organism in the physical environment. As you would expect from a text this size the coverage is comprehensive but also focussed strongly on the chemical and biological to the extent that the beginner would need some prior knowledge of these areas to get the most from the text. Alternatively, the geographical concepts are less well covered in terms of both modern concepts and depth of study. Energy is the key focus of part 3 starting with a good chapter on work by Elton, Tansley etc. It continues with discussions on flow, pathways and some unusual work on regeneration and regulation. Parts 4 and 5 cover basic ideas on population ecology and interactions. Again, the reader is faced with a logical (often historical) look through the work although there are areas where one might consider treatment to be less mainstream e.g. extinction theory and conservation. The two final parts cover the increasingly popular elements of community ecology and evolutionary biology. The former includes biodiversity which appears to be less contemporary the latter includes aspects of behaviour - the latest addition to basic ecology. Overall, a mixed text with excellent areas next to less well constructed arguments. A heavy North American bias shows which might not help European readers but the content is comprehensive if conservative.
JS Rodwell (ed). British Plant Communities Volume 5 - Maritime communities and vegetation of open habitats. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 64476 3
This is the final volume of the National Vegetation Classification. As you would expect it follows the others in the series in every respect to provide us with one of the outstanding modern projects. The authors have attempted to classify the maritime and open habitat communities using the standard systems seen in the other volumes (not always the easiest task given the habitats). Typically, each section opens with an overview of the sampling methods and data analysis followed by a brief overview of the main habitats. Finally, a key is used to direct to reader to the precise habitat type. The remainder of the work is given over to a detailed description of each habitat in terms of phsiognomy, habitat, zonation and succession. Distribution maps are also a key feature.
This is the last of a highly specialised, academic series. Although it is a research model to follow this is a text for those with considerable knowledge of the subject. It will obviously be found in every university library but should also be of value in field centres (for both schools and colleges) and for those schools with frequent access to quality habitats.
John Seidensticker, Sarah Christie and Peter Jackson
(eds). Riding the tiger. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 64835
1
The tiger must rate as one of the world’s great conservation icons. Even people who have limited knowledge of the theory and practice of conservation ecology support charities that help tigers. I recall, some years ago, an article which suggested that size and furriness were key components for being conserved. Thus large and/or furry animals had a better chance of being conserved than small, scaly or multi-legged ones! Given the interest in tigers and bears and the lack of interest in snakes and spiders there is much to be said for this proposition. Unfortunately today, being furry isn’t enough for ensure survival: you need strategies from science to politics to stop losses. Riding the Tiger aims to provide at least part of the solution through the gathering of an impressive array of material borne, at least in part, from the tigers 2000 symposium convened by the Zoological Society of London. The text is divided into three main parts. The first provides us with an overview of the tiger’s ecology and phenotypic variation. Interestingly, the part concludes with a chapter outlining the role of the tiger in societies. This notion, of species/human cultural interaction, is both welcome as a realistic approach to conservation and also, sadly, rare. One of the more poignant parts of the introduction highlights this:
"We believe that live tigers are worth more than dead tigers and landscapes with tigers are worth more than landscapes without them. But we also realistically wonder how widely this vision is shared".
Part two examines in far more detail the ecology of the tiger in terms of population dynamics of the various sub-species and predator-prey interactions. Having examined tiger ecology part three takes the next step of applying this to conservation. The three sections here relate to conservation methodologies, trade and possible futures in the wild. It is clear that the survival of tigers is more than just a matter of viable population size for it demands habitat, politics and societal approval to happen. This book is an excellent start for those interested in this most elusive creature.
Joe Smith (ed). The Daily Globe: Environmental
change, the public and the media. Earthscan. ISBN: 1 85383 664 8
Although there is a reasonable assumption that ecologists get most of their scientific material from the relevant literature this is not the same for the vast majority of people including our students. Indeed, in many countries (Australia is an obvious example here) a great deal of teaching material is taken straight from the newspapers. Thus what they report and how is of interest not just in terms of teaching material but also in terms of our students’ perspectives. Smith has gathered an impressive range of authors to illustrate these points. The scene is set from the opening part which provides an overview of the actors involved. Contributions by Sir Robert Mays, John Gummer MP and Robert Worcester (of MORI fame) put their own cases - the need to communicate better, the ideas of politicians and the views of the pollster. Part two focusses more on the reporters view and provides a salutary reminder that importance is a relative word. It’s not good enough that the news is important it needs to be "newsworthy". Thus something providing a photo opportunity like a volcano is going to get more coverage than global warming. Also, the need for scientific doubt does not go well with the need for soundbites. Part three offers detailed research into select aspect of "environmental news": the ways in which we perceive global ideas, reporting cycles (much like biogeochemical cycles but with stories!), cultural variations and news construction (with a study of the Brent Spar). The final section puts forward some ideas on the resolution of science and reporting.
Overall a fascinating book with a wide range of key players contributing. The mix of ideas calling upon all contributors to reflect on their personal perspectives is outstanding. The case study material could provide numerous ideas for classroom study. For anyone seriously looking at media/science relations this is a ‘must-read’.
TRE Southwood and PA Henderson. Ecological
Methods 3e. Blackwell Science. ISBN: 0 632 05477 8
The trouble with too many texts and virtually all papers is that they do not give the reader a chance to understand the basic techniques used in data gathering. Sometimes it’s almost a paperchase to find all the references used to describe a field method. This leaves the beginner with little option but to struggle through (or give up and do less rigorous testing). It is essential that ecologists learn suitable field techniques and the lack of instruction coupled with the reduction in syllabus time to this component means that we run the risk of reducing the capacity of our students to plan and research. There is a great need for a techniques guide that doesn’t require hours of extra research finding all parts of the method.
It wasn’t until I opened this text that the realisation dawned of an earlier, much-used text on animal (mainly insect) sampling that had been the mainstay of much early ecological teaching! That version (actually the 2nd edition) gradually became worn out through repeated use in classroom and field. It was used because it contained so much useful information not only on the techniques available (many of which used equipment suitable for school students) but because it also gave a good range of methodological and philosophical parameters as well. Of course, the key question would be to see how well the latest edition measured up.
There is little doubt that Southwood (now with Henderson) has continued to produce a text of the highest quality and utility. Most of the field techniques of the second edition (along with their rationale) are still there with updates where this is necessary. Some explanations have been improved and now can be used more closely in an understanding of theory. Techniques are based on standard field equipment although the more specialised pieces might be restricted to university and field centres (even here, some approximation could be found to cope with the teaching situation). Overall, a ‘must-have’ text where field ecology is being taught seriously.
Tim Sparks (ed). Statistics in Ecotoxicology. Wiley. ISBN: 0 471 97299 11
Changes in the nature and application of statistics on the one hand and of a lessening of statistics education on the other have led to a demand for topic-specific statistical texts. Given that this has the chance to both improve the quality of testing and a critical understanding of procedure this is to be welcomed. Sparks has followed this trend by examining statistics in a key area of concern - ecotoxicology. Current lack of awareness in applied statistics is mentioned explicitly by the editor in his introduction who starts to redress the balance in his first three contributions. These form the backbone of the text and cover basic statistical terms and tests, ways in which data can be treated and field experiments. The next four chapters focus on the use of various techniques in field and laboratory settings. The remaining four chapters concentrate on tests in specific settings or with specific information: monitoring trends, pollution, risk assessment and marine habitats.
There is much to recommend in this book. The opening three chapters cover vital ground and could usefully be expanded to book length. The chapters on techniques seemed to through the reader straight into more complex work whereas a small overview chapter on tests and their application might have been more beneficial. The final chapters regain the momentum of the first three by taking a specific situation and demonstrating the range of possibilities for its data. Overall, a useful addition to the literature which should reduce the mis-application of statistical and experimental testing.
Ray Specht and Alison Specht. Australian Plant
Communities. Oxford University Press. ISBN:0 19 553705 X
Community physiology is a key element in the understanding of ecosystems and as such can be applied to a range of ecosystems although the examples we have here are adapted to the Australia/Mediterranean types. Given increased interest in Australia and increased concern about global warming and its impact on arid areas this book is a timely guide. The book, sub-titled ‘dynamics of structure, growth and function’ can be divided into two parts. Chapters 1-8 provide a description of communities with the remainder focussing on community physiology.
Chapters 1 to 4 cover an analytical description of vegetation at breakneck speed. There is a wealth of data and description types catalogued and briefly outlined here giving the reader both a crash course and a wonderful set of ideas to try out. The final chapters of this part examine the changing nature of communities through geological time with a final chapter studying aboriginal impact. Study of communities through geological time is important because the aridity coupled with poor soils has had a 50 million year development time! This helps explain the unique vegetation seen today. Finally, in this section there is a large and detailed chapter about Aboriginal impact on the continent. Few deny the length of time aboriginal groups have settled in Australia but there is far more controversy as to their impact with arguments ranging from limited to enormous! Part two tackles the issues of physiology from energetics to management. Again, the reader is taken through a vast range of techniques and results providing an excellent range of analytical tools.
Overall, this might seem as a highly restricted textbook but the points it does make - about community description and subsequent alteration is as relevant to the UK as it is Australia. There is a wealth of detail here to help both understand Australia’s vegetation and provide ideas for studying elsewhere.
Peter Thomas. Trees: their natural history. Cambridge
University Press. ISBN: 0 521 45963 X
Trees make excellent fieldwork studies and yet there are few simple explanations as to how they grow, develop etc. Morey’s 1973 text "How Trees Grow" (Studies in Biology 39. Arnold) had something but is now out of date. In this larger and updated version Thomas produces answers to most of the key questions. Starting with leaves and moving down to roots we are given an overview of how tress function. The next journey is from seed to mature tree when we gain insight into how it develops through time. The final part deals with tree reaction to herbivory etc.
This is an excellent introduction to the subject. Each chapter contains copious sub-headings often in the form of a question or statement so the reader can see what the key questions are going to be. There are numerous drawings and photos which help illustrate the points being made. The use of language is effective: it explains a complex subject in a simple manner making it useful for many of the more senior students (GCSE plus). It could well serve as an example of how to write simple but effective work. The range of topics covered is comprehensive so its unlikely that any question could be put that wouldn’t have an answer somewhere. Overall, an extremely useful text that deserves a wide readership.
Colin Townsend, John Harper and Michael Begon.
Essentials of Ecology. Blackwell Science. ISBN: 0 632 04348 2
The initial reaction is to see this at a (mere?) 552 pages as son of Ecology 3E. However this is to completely misunderstand the nature of the text. What the authors have done is more than reduce the amount of words, they have re-cast it into a new format introductory text aimed at the first year university students and, by implication, at higher senior school students and their teachers.
The first impression is of the Ecology text (copious use of sidebars, summaries and questions) but with a far better use of colour. There is nothing wrong with this - the Ecology text still stands out for its comprehensiveness and clarity. In this shortened edition much more use has been made of several common textbook devices e.g. boxes ("history", "quantitative" and "eco-concerns) and introductory text with the inclusion of the "unanswered question" sidebar - a novel feature to highlight areas of ignorance. At the end of chapters there is a series of "web questions" to enable students to explore ideas in more detail. The Ecology perspective of organism, community, ecosystem has been replaced in this text by a four-fold division. The first part takes a historical view of ecology, ecological theory and evolution. As such it continues the practice of similar introductory texts in putting faces to names and ideas but the focus on evolution as the over-arching feature of change is both novel and welcome. Part two looks at the abiotic environment but from the view of "conditions and resources" again putting a new spin on familiar territory. Part three, subtitled "individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems" is the closest the book comes to a more traditional ecological text. In this part, the chapters on organisms as habitats (i.e. parasites and mutualists) and the flux of energy and matter (biogeochemical cycles) are welcome foci on areas usually subsumed in other topics. The final part, applied ecology, covers more standard areas in sustainability, pollution and conservation.
Overall, this is a very pleasing initial text. It continues with the notion of academic rigour favoured by Ecology 3E but puts a far more user-friendly approach to it. The focus of the use (as against acquisition) of ecological knowledge makes this text far more relevant to the tyro whilst the vastly improved layout and use of colour grabs the attention. This is one text that should be in every school and college library. Given the range of items these authors are producing (texts, CD Roms and websites) one wonders what area of basic ecology is left for them to write about!
United Nations Environment Programme. Global
Environment Outlook. Earthscan. ISBN: 1 85383 588 9
In the past, when environmental data were hard to find a few yearbooks such as the World Bank Development Report was all that there was. Today, ironically, the amount of data is so large that it is getting increasingly difficult to find what you want. For teaching and general overviews, yearbooks are the way to go and there are several excellent ones on the market. However, there are still large gaps to be filled. One of these is the technical overview of the major players i.e. the United Nations Environment Programme. In this book we are presented with an overview of the environment both as it sees it and, more importantly, as it records it. Leaving aside the benchmark UNEP World Environment Report 1972-1992 and GEO-1 (1997) this is the latest global offering. It differs from the competition in many ways: it is produced by collating reports from a global team of 850; it is the major vehicle for the UNEPs Global Environment Outlook Project and it concentrates on regions rather than issues - all of which gives it an authoritative edge. The report opens by discussing the project, the problems of data gathering (an excellent synthesis) and providing the reader with a synthesis of the book. The opening chapter examines the main constraints on environmental action from social and political to transport. A huge second chapter looks at global issues starting with an overview of the main world problems (both natural and human-induced) and continuing with a standardised examination of each of GEO 2000s 7 regions. This is mirrored in chapter 3 with a detailed study of policy responses - again starting with a global overview and then working systematically through the regions. The final two brief chapters consider the likely future perspectives and the UNEPs recommendations.
Copious data tables and graphs provide as much data as anyone is likely to need at a global overview level. Diagrams in muted colours can be hard to see but, coupled with a clear, well-written text the reader is provided with an outstanding review. A definite for the library shelves.
Milton Weller. Wetland birds: habitat resources and conservation implications. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 521 63362 1
The continued strength of the RSPB and similar groups around the world attests to the interest in birds. They have made good subjects for wildlife studies since the time of Gilbert White. Any text on birds, therefore, is likely to be well received. Where this good wins over many is that it focusses on a specific set of habitats and a general set of birds. Wetlands are, of course, one of the most threatened ecosystems due to the general increase in human pressure. By using birds as a form of indicator species, Weller has been able to examine both wetlands and bird zoogeography to the advance of both. He starts with an overview of wetlands (which is taken here to include marine as well as freshwater). Next, there is an opportunity to look at major groups of birds using wetlands. This aggregation of species is a useful idea for the beginner because it allows basic behavious and ecologies to be studied without the need for a detailed taxonomic approach. That he has chosen examples from around the world makes this idea all the more interesting with the opportunity to compare and contrast local wetlands. Having set the scene, Weller describes the major wetland factors and bird behaviours (feeding and mobility). This enables the discussion to turn to the patterns created by the interactions of these forces and the way in which they are shaped by habitat changes through time. The final 6 chapters form a loose collection around the theme of applied ecology and conservation. It is obvious that wetland birds should be protected but this comes at a price (and at an advantage) which Weller explores in detail.
Throughout the text the author argues for more study of wetland birds. The richness of the food supply and the diversity of habitat makes habitat partitioning and its study particularly attractive. There are plenty of research ideas here that would appeal to school fieldwork and the text is accessible enough to make it a useful study guide for students. This books would make a useful addition to libraries in fieldwork centres and schools with access to wetlands.
Steven Whisenant. Repairing Damaged Wildlands.
Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0 512 66540 X
Subtitled ‘ a process-oriented, landscape-scale approach’ and the first in a new series from CUP called ‘biological conservation, restoration and sustainability’ there is much to consider from this text. The background to practical conservation work is still very patchy. It is entirely possible to carry out work where the science used is either at the cutting edge or still making the groundrules as you go along! This situation is fast improving thanks to the greater dissemination of work in conservation biology but there is still a huge way to go before we can conserve organisms and biomes with anything like certainty.
Basically, the reader is faced here with a new angle to work with in conservation. If the aim is to restore a degraded area then how should one go about it? Whisenant replies that it is best to focus not on organism or habitat but on primary process. If the ecosystem is functioning well then it should have the organisms it needs. We are introduced to the key tenet of the text early on with a model of ‘stepwise degradation’ for an ecosystem. In the early stages all it needs is some vegetation management to restore the area. Below this, one moves across a threshold of biotic responses such that ecosystems functioning below this require far more significant biological management. Further degradation affects the primary physical cycles such as water and nutrient cycling. Another threshold is passed taking the area into severe decline. The crucial aspect, argues the author, is to get the basic abiotic systems back and the system will self-repair (this is the idea of sustainability mentioned in the series title). Although anyone who has actually tried this knows that it is far easier to write about than do, there is a systematic logic applied here which deserves further study.
The text is focussed on rangelands (the author’s specialist area) and is therefore not directly applicable to UK and European situations. However, the processes described are and the way Whisenant suggests has great merit. Whether this will provide us with a new direction for conservation work is open to debate but anyone serious about landscape decline needs to read this text. Teachers in particular will find the diagrams and processes easy to use in discussion even if the text is really aimed at undergraduate level.
Alexander Wood, Pamela Stedman-Edwards and Johanna
Mang (eds). The Root Causes of Biodiversity Loss. Earthscan. ISBN: 1 85383
699 0
Now that the initial hype has died down we are looking towards a far more sophisticated analysis of biodiversity. As with any new branch of study there have been tremendous advances but also a large number of issues ‘by-passed’ in the move to develop thetpic. There has been much written about the loss of biodiversity (in fact this was one of the first major ideas given to the general public) but there has been less in the way of systematic assessment. This book reviews the work carried out as a collaborative effort between the Worldwide Fund for Nature and the Global Environment Facility in an attempt to analyse in detail the causes of loss.
The project that came out of this collaboration, the ‘Root Causes Project’, was designed not only to analyse loss in a series of geographically and biologically diverse environments but also to help build local understanding of how and why an area was being degraded. In terms of research, analysis was carried out through the refinement of an ‘analytical approach’. The team identified, rightly, that to best understand biodiversity losses on a global scale a standard test was needed. Furthermore, the usual litany of loss - climate change, pollution, land use etc. - is not appropriate because it fails to investigate the driving forces behind these factors. Thus we are given an initial model which has at its heart the notion of biodiversity loss. This is caused by a series of ‘proximate causes’ i.e. pollution etc. which are in turn driven by the socio-economic root causes providing a very Straussian model of analysis. The argument continues that once this model is applied it can be further refined to fit the case under investigation. Then work allows the real (i.e. socio-economic) forces to become identified which can be addressed (and ideally rectified) by the various local, national and international agencies involved.
The editors have brought together both the analytical framework and 10 case studies which illustrate this approach. Inb addition we are provided with executive summaries of the cases and a series of recommendations. Overall, this is an excellent book on many levels. As a global standardised approach it has much to recommend it, not least in that as a semi-quantitative model it is powerful enough to produce meaningful results but still be easy enough for school students to appreciate. As an example of biodiversity loss the case studies balance the right depth and breadth to make them useful for both lay and professional audiences. Given the usual coverage of this topic, this text is a marvellous antidote that deserves the widest readership.