House & Garden


Book Description







Cactus and Succulent Plants


Book Description

Found in a variety of forms, cacti and other succulents have elicited widespread interest and tremendous popularity worldwide. Although the subject of a certain amount of debate, about 10,000 species are recognized as belonging to the succulent group. Of these, an estimated 2,000 are threatened with global extinction in the wild and many more are regionally or nationally threatened mainly due to habitat destruction and collection for international trade.This Action Plan brings together from around the world current information on population status, threats and conservation of this particularly important group of plants. Prepared with conservationists, scientists, governments, protected area managers and grant-awarding bodies in mind, it suggests priorities for action and encourages collaboration among interested parties at all levels.




Comparative Ecology of Microorganisms and Macroorganisms


Book Description

This second edition textbook offers an expanded conceptual synthesis of microbial ecology with plant and animal ecology. Drawing on examples from the biology of microorganisms and macroorganisms, this textbook provides a much-needed interdisciplinary approach to ecology. The focus is the individual organism and comparisons are made along six axes: genetic variation, nutritional mode, size, growth, life cycle, and influence of the environment. When it was published in 1991, the first edition of Comparative Ecology of Microorganisms and Macroorganisms was unique in its attempt to clearly compare fundamental ecology across the gamut of size. The explosion of molecular biology and the application of its techniques to microbiology and organismal biology have particularly demonstrated the need for interdisciplinary understanding. This updated and expanded edition remains unique. It treats the same topics at greater depth and includes an exhaustive compilation of both the most recent relevant literature in microbial ecology and plant/animal ecology, as well as the early research papers that shaped the concepts and theories discussed. Among the completely updated topics in the book are phylogenetic systematics, search algorithms and optimal foraging theory, comparative metabolism, the origins of life and evolution of multicellularity, and the evolution of life cycles. From Reviews of the First Edition: "John Andrews has succeeded admirably in building a bridge that is accessible to all ecologists." -Ecology "I recommend this book to all ecologists. It is a thoughtful attempt to integrate ideas from, and develop common themes for, two fields of ecology that should not have become fragmented." -American Scientist "Such a synthesis is long past due, and it is shameful that ecologists (both big and little) have been so parochial." -The Quarterly Review of Biology







Etymological Dictionary of Succulent Plant Names


Book Description

Names are important elements to handle the diversity of items in daily life - persons, objects, animals, plants, etc. Without such names, it would be difficult to attach information to such items and to communicate information about them, and names are usually used without giving them much thought. This is not different for plants. When dealing with plants, however, it soon becomes apparent that the situation is somewhat more complex. Botanists use Latin names to bring order into the vast diversity, while everyday usage resorts to vemacular or "popular" names. As practical as these vernacular names are (it is not suggested that you should ask your greengrocer for a kilo gram of Solanum tuberosum or Musa paradisiaca subsp. sapientum), their most important draw back is the fact that they vary widely, not only from one language to another but also from coun try to country, even from region to region within a large country. More importantly, vemacular names in any given language are usually only available for the plants growing locally, or for plants of some special importance, such as crops and vegetables, medicinal plants, or important garden plants. For all other plants, the Latin names used by botanists and other scientists have to be employed. Such names often appear complicated or even awkward to the ears of those not accustomed to them.




Old and New Plant Lore; a Symposium


Book Description

A collection of essays and research on the folklore and traditional uses of plants, as well as recent scientific discoveries and findings. Topics range from medicinal properties to cultural significance, making this a comprehensive resource for botanists and enthusiasts alike. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.




Miniature Daffodils


Book Description




Handbook of Biology


Book Description

Biology of higher level has too many concept and remembering all them on tips all the time is not an easy task. Handbook of Biology is an important, useful and compact reference book suitable for everyday study, problem solving or exam revision for class XI – XII, Medical entrances and other medical Competitive. This book is a multi-purpose quick revision resource that contains almost all key notes, Diagrams, Flow Charts, Terms and Definitions that all students & professionals in biology will want to have this essential reference book within easy reach. Its unique format displays flow charts & diagrams clearly and places them in the context and crisply identifies describes all the variables involved, summary about every equation and formula that one might want while learning biology. A stimulating and crisp extract of fundamental biology is to be enjoyed by the beginners and experts equally. The book is best- selling from its first edition and one of the most useful books of its type. Table of contents The Living World, Biology Classification, Plant Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Morphology of Flowering Plants, Anatomy of Flowering Plants, Structural Organisation in Animals, Cell: The Unit of Life, Biomolecules, Cell Cycle and Cell Division, Transport in Plants, Photosynthesis in Higher Plants, Respiration in Plants, Plant Growth and Development, Digestion and Absorption, Breathing and Exchange of Gases, Excretory Products and Their Elimination, Locomotion and Movement, Neural Control and Coordination, Chemical Coordination and Integration, Reproduction in Organisms, Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, Human Reproduction, Reproductive Health, Principles of Inheritance and Variation, Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Evolution, Human Health and Diseases, Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production, Microbes in Human Welfare, Biotechnology: Principles and Processes, Biotechnology and Its Applications, Organisms and Population, Ecosystem, Biodiversity and Conversation, Environmental Issues, Appendix.




Climate Change


Book Description

Human-induced climate change is a serious concern, drawing increasing attention from the media, policy makers and citizens around the world. This comprehensive and thought-provoking volume explains in easily understandable language the potential effects of climate change on our planet and our lives. Climate Change: Causes, Effects and Solutions examines the latest scientific findings without any advanced technical knowledge. It goes beyond a description of changes in the physical environment to consider the broader issues of ecological, economic and human effects of climate change. The book explains: the causes and effects of climate change from a natural and human environment perspective. mitigation options and policies that could reduce the impacts of climate change. global impacts - with case studies are taken from North America, Europe, Australasia and elsewhere. Essential reading for undergraduates and general readers who want to heighten their knowledge and understanding of this important problem.