Unsolved Problems in Ecology
Leading ecologists discuss some of the most compelling open questions in the field todayUnsolved Problems in Ecology brings together many of the world's leading ecologists to discuss the most fundamental research questions confronting the field today. This diverse and thought-pr…
Shallow subterranean habitats (SSHs) are areas of habitable space that are less than 10 m in depth from the surface. These range from large areas such as shallow caves and lava tubes, to tiny areas such as cracks in ceilings, or spaces in soil. Whilst being very different in man…
Freshwater ecosystems have been degraded and lost over time due to a variety of anthropogenic stressors. Within the Great Plains of North America, the agriculturalization of the landscape has led to the widespread degradation and loss of aquatic habitat. Oxbows are naturally occ…
Field studies in ecology provide the basis for much of our insight into natural processes and the anthropogenic effects upon them. But the scale of inquiry, both spatial and temporal, and the speed with which questions can be posed and answered, is only partly driven by the proc…
This dissertation argues that history, values, and politics/institutions play roles in conjunction with science when there is conflict over the process of formulating and implementing environmental policy. It considers how power influences wildlife conservation, specifically bla…
Biological conservation will benefit from an increased focus on the prevalence and impact of polyploidy (whole genome duplication) in natural Angiosperm (flowering plants) systems. The role of polyploidy in flowering plants has largely been overlooked within the broader context …
Studying how island biotas evolve and are dynamically shaped by interactions between resident species, their immediate environments and neighboring continental communities have provided basic understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes operating in these ecosystems. H…
Monitoring of current and future conditions is critical for a conservation area to quantify results and remain competitive against alternative land uses. This study aims to monitor and evaluate the objectives of the Gullele Botanic Gardens (GBG) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The fol…
Nature reserves are increasing in number worldwide, but they are often fragmented, small, and poorly managed. Land uses contrasting strongly with reserves may reduce their effective size. Complex agroforests and mature plantations, however, may extend forest functions beyond par…
Vast areas of lowland tropical rainforest have been converted to anthropogenic grasslands by the synergistic effects of logging, agriculture, and recurring fire. These degraded areas are susceptible to colonization by invasive species. In Borneo, which has experienced the highes…
The Coptic textile discussed in this qualifying paper is owned by the textile dealer Craig Wallen. It was kept in storage due to its fragile and fragmented condition; the existing fibers run the gambit from extremely dry and disintegrating to extremely stiff and inflexible. The …
Rich in biodiversity, Tanzania's protected areas (PAs) are internationally recognized as of primary conservation value. Biodiversity loss continues, however, and limited understanding of ecological stocks and limited funding for management are making it harder to plan and carry …
This study investigated the livelihood strategies of mountain communities and their relationships with natural resources in northern Pakistan. Interventions by the State to conserve biodiversity have led to the “decommonisation” of the commons and with strict sanctions on the lo…