E. Pignatti – Plant Life of the Dolomites. Vegetation Structure and Ecology

Автор: E. Pignatti
Название книги: Plant Life of the Dolomites (2014)
Формат: PDF
Жанр: Биологические науки
Страницы: 790
Качество: Изначально компьютерное, E-book

Richly illustrated with over 300 color photographs.
Based on the authors numerous research surveys throughout the Dolomites
Includes comprehensive data of the Dolomite plant associations
The landscape and vegetation of the Dolomites have characteristics that are very particular. Some 2300 species live here, about a fifth of the
flora in Europe as a whole. This book depicts what the plant cover of the Dolomites is composed of, how it was formed, and what future evolution may bring. The data presented is based on the authors’ combined botanical research, which consists of thousands of surveys throughout the entire region of the Dolomites.
To explain the vegetation, 106 plant communities are described in detailed datasheets. Biological, geological, climatic and physical-chemical parameters are given for each plant community, including a description of the habitat, the indicator species, the floristic composition, distribution, conservation, and alteration risks, as well as a distribution map and a photo of the association. The associations are grouped into habitats, such as the human habitat, natural forests and meadows on the valley floor, the coniferous forest belt, screes, alpine vegetation on granite, porphyry, and volcanic rock, as well as on dolomite and limestones. In closing, the authors make a case for using the scientific information provided in the book for the conservation of the Dolomites, the heritage of all humanity.
The Environment of the Dolomites: A General Outline
The Human Habitat
Stable Meadows and Vegetation of Fields and Human Settlements
Natural Forests and Meadows on the Valley Floor and in the Montane Habitat
Forests of Broadleaved Trees and Shrubs at Low Elevations
Arid and Steppe Grasslands
The Subalpine Habitat: The Coniferous Forest Belt
The Alpine Taiga (Coniferous Forests and Heaths with Rhododendrons)
Subalpine Broadleaved Shrub Communities
Wet Habitats
Alpine Vegetation on Granite, Porphyry, and Volcanic Rock
Alpine Grasslands with Acidocline Species
The Ascent Toward the Cliffs: The Screes
Plant Life on Dolomitic and Calcareous Scree
Alpine Vegetation on Dolomite and Limestones
Alpine Grasslands on Limestones and Dolomites
Pioneer Patches and Discontinuous Vegetation of Ridges and Peak Habitats
Snowbeds
Rupestrian Habitats
Synthesis, Data Interpretation and Statistical Calculations
Energy Flow and Vegetation
Soil and Vegetation: Bioindicators
Biomass and Biodiversity: The Classical Approach
Vegetation in a Diachronic View
Phytogeographical and Ecological Indicators
The Landscape of the Dolomites
Conclusions
A New Paradigm: The Approach to Complexity
Conclusions
The Dolomites: The Heritage of All Humanity
Afterword
The Plant Associations of the Dolomites in the Traditional Phytosociological Classification
Glossary of Scientific Terms