Plant ecology is the scientific study of the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of plants. This benchmark text, extremely well received in its first edition, shows how pattern and structure at different levels of plant organization--from ecophysiology through population dynamics to community structure and ecosystem function--are influenced by abiotic factors (eg, climate and soils) and by biotic factors (eg, competition and herbivory). Adopting a dynamic approach, this book combines descriptive text with theoretical models and experimental data. It will be invaluable reading for both student and practising ecologist alike. In this second edition, the structure of the book has been completely revised, moving from the small scale to the large scale, in keeping with contemporary teaching methods. This fresh approach allows consideration of several new and important topics such as plant secondary chemistry, herbivory, sex, and breeding systems. Additional chapters address topical applied issues in plant ecology including global warming, pollution and biodiversity. The latest edition of a very widely adopted textbook Written by a team of leading experts and edited by an international authority in the field

Plant ecology is the scientific study of the factors influencingthe distribution and abundance of plants. This benchmark textextremely well received in its first edition, shows how pattern andstructure at different levels of plant organization--fromecophysiology through population dynamics to community structureand ecosystem function--are influenced by abiotic factors (egclimate and soils) and by biotic factors (eg, competition andherbivory). Adopting a dynamic approach, this book combinesdescriptive text with theoretical models and experimental data. Itwill be invaluable reading for both student and practisingecologist alike.In this second edition, the structure of the book has beencompletely revised, moving from the small scale to the large scalein keeping with contemporary teaching methods. This fresh approachallows consideration of several new and important topics such asplant secondary chemistry, herbivory, sex, and breeding systems.Additional chapters address topical applied issues in plant ecologyincluding global warming, pollution and biodiversity.* The latest edition of a very widely adopted textbook* Written by a team of leading experts and edited by aninternational authority in the field

List of Contributors.Preface to the Second Edition.Preface to the First Edition.Photosynthesis (Harold A Mooney and James R Ehleringer).Plant Water Relations (John Grace).Nutrient acquisition (Alastair Fitter).Life History and Environment (Michael J Crawley).Plant Secondary Metabolism (Jeffrey B Harborne).Sex (Michael J Crawley).Seed Dormancy (Mark Rees).Mechanisms of Plant Competition (David Tilman).Ecology of Pollination and Seed Dispersal (Henry F Howe and Lynn C Westley).Plant Chemistry and Herbivory, or Why the World is Green (Susan E Hartley and Clive G Jones).The Structure of Plant Populations (Michael J Hutchings).Plant Population Dynamics (Andrew R Watkinson).Plant-Herbivore Dynamics (Michael J Crawley).The Structure of Plant Communities (Michael J Crawley).Dynamics of Plant Communities (Stephen W Pacala).Plants in Trophic Webs (James P Grover and Robert D Holt).Plants and Pollution (Mike Ashmore).Climate Change and Vegetation (J Philip Grime).Biodiversity (Michael J Crawley).References.Index.