Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystems: Structure and Function : Ecosystems of the World

One of the most important of the world's ecosystems, the tropical rain forest is rapidly being converted to other uses, yet it is a poorly known and under-utilized natural resource. This volume is based on a modern ecological examination of tropical forests and treats both basic and applied aspects. Structural features are dealt with first, including the taxonomic and physical-chemical organisation of forests. Next is a section on the function of forests which considers production, nutrient cycling, decomposition processes, succession, trophic dynamics and reproductive biology. The behavioral and physiological phenomena underlying forest structure and function are then considered and, finally, some of the most important applied aspects are examined, including the production of timber, rates of exploitation and loss of forests, conservation, traditional human use of forests and disease in tropical forests.