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About this book
Documents and analyses the evolutionary development of the unique biological characteristics and innovations of coral reefs, using evidence from existing reefs and from the fossil record. This timely book will make a major contribution to our understanding of the biology of coral reefs, particularly at a time when this important and fascinating resource is declining in many parts of the world.
Contents
1. An introduction to reefs; 2. The recognition of ancient reefs; 3. The record: ancient reef ecologies; PART I. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS; 4. The role of physicochemical change; 5. Mass extinctions: collapse and recovery; PART II. EVOLUTIONARY INNOVATION; 6. Life on a substrate: trends in growth fomr and function; 7. The rise of biological disturbance; 8. Photosymbiosis: access to a new metabolic capability; Appendix: Geological Time Scale; References; Glossary; Index
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