This textbook provides summaries of the form and function of each major biome throughout the world. Contents: Preface; Vegetation and environment: introductory concepts; The tropical forests; Tropical savannas; The arid regions; Mediterranean ecosystems; Temperate forest ecosystems; Temperate grasslands; The coniferous forests; The polar and high mountain tundras; Terrestrial wetlands; Freshwater ecosystems; Coastal and marine ecosystems; The prospect of change.
Vegetation and environment: introductory concepts. The tropical forests. Tropical savannas. The arid regions. Mediterranean ecosystems. Temperate forest ecosystems. Temperate grasslands. The coniferous forests. The polar and high mountain tundras. Terrestrial wetlands. Freshwater ecosystems. Coastal and marine ecosystems. The prospect of change.
...compendious and well-illustrated... - New Scientist; ...a very readable book...a valuable introduction to the subject for undergraduates, teachers and lay persons. - Journal of Arid Environments