Tropical Nature: Life & Death in the Rain Forests of Central & South America

Customer Reviews:

Insightful overview of tropical ecology.......2007-03-09

I found Tropical Nature to be an interesting and easy read. Organized neatly into 17 chapters and an appendix, each covers a specific a specific species of ecological concept. I found chapter 6, "Listen to the flowers" the most interesting, detailing the different mechanisms plants employ in order to have evolutionary advantages as well as trick other species.

(I read this as a precursor to a may term course at my college where I shall be going to the rain forests of Ecuador)

great adventure!.......2007-01-18

I began reading this book for a class involving tropical studies and travel and I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a great book. Easy read. The book takes a broad yet, also in depth exploration of different *interesting* topics in tropical ecology. Although it is definitely not a scientific text, this book takes you for a wondrous adventure into the tropics.

Tropical Nature.......2006-11-13

This book was great. It is written a bit technically, so it would help to have a science backgroung to fully enjoy it. The literary style is easy to read and the book is difficult to put down. I'm sure that having read this book will enhance my trip to the rain forest. Thanks!!

Best Intro to the Natural History of Tropical Forests.......2006-10-15

Buy this Book! This book is a great read for anybody who is interested in life on our planet. It would make a dandy companion to E.O. Wilson's "The Diversity of Life."

ENCHANTING DEPICTION OF THE RAIN FOREST.......2006-04-10

Among books that aim to express to readers the wonders of the rain forest, this one stands out. In 17 chapters that touch upon different aspects of the rain forest, the authors transmit their own passion for the rain forest and the unique intricacies that make rain forests some of the most precious places on earth.

The book is not written as one coherent whole, but rather as 17 individual chapters or essays. Below is a brief sample of topics:

- the strategy of dung scarabs to capture important proteins
- the symbiotic relationship of sloths with the trees they prefer
- the mimicry some insects have developed to elude their main predators, birds
- the reason why some birds have developed migratory patterns to temperate climates
- the reason why some frogs developed a parental care strategy and even marsupial pouches
- the reason why some trees are hollow
- how parasited species can benefit even in the most unlikely scenarios
- why some plants developed hallucinogenic substances

These are just a few of the topics covered in the book. It is written in a pop science format, so that an interested reader will easily understand and appreciate these and many more concepts. The authors carefully explain the relationships, often comparing the rain forest experience with those of temperate forests. The authors also focus on the possible evolutionary principles involved in adaptations presented.

This is the very best introductory book on the subject. It is designed to excite the reader into learning more and even visiting the rain forest. In the mold of Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Dawkins, Miyata and Forsyth write a masterpiece that will make the reader feel smarter after reading it.

A Tropical Rainforest: The Nature of Biodiversity in Borneo at Belalong, Brunei

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A Tropical Rainforest: The Nature of Biodiversity in Borneo at Belalong, Brunei
David S. Edwards , and Earl of Cranbrook
Manufacturer: Sun Tree Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Forests | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Tropical | Ecosystems | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9810055315

Tropical Rain Forests (True Books: Ecosystems)

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Tropical Rain Forests (True Books: Ecosystems)
Darlene R. Stille
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0613375688

The High Frontier: Exploring the Tropical Rainforest Canopy

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solid science, unforgettable images

The High Frontier: Exploring the Tropical Rainforest Canopy
Mark Moffett , and Edward O. Wilson
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0674390393

Customer Reviews:

solid science, unforgettable images.......2001-04-19

This is a great popular science book, written by an adventurer/explorer who also has a Harvard PhD in biology. He travels all over the world for National Geographic, taking nature photos as well as reporting on cutting-edge discoveries in the rainforests. As such, he succeeds at mixing art and science in this book, which is somewhat technical, but explained in clear language that laymen can understand. THis book changed the way I saw rainforests: fully 9/10s of their biota are in the canopy, in the leaves high above, which you would never from the ground. And Moffet went up there with camera to photograph it with some of the world's best scientists. The result is masterful.

Book Description

An understanding of the characteristics and the ecology of soils, particularly those of forest ecosystems in the humid tropics, is central to the development of sustainable forest management systems. The present book examines the contribution that forest soil science and forest ecology can make to sustainable land use in the humid tropics. Four main issues are addressed: characteristics and classification of forest soils, chemical and hydrological changes after forest utilization, soil fertility management in forest plantations and agroforestry systems as well as ecosystem studies from the dipterocarp forest region of Southeast Asia. Additionally, case studies include work from Guyana, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia and Nigeria.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Processes in Tropical Forests (Ecological Studies)

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Biodiversity and Ecosystem Processes in Tropical Forests (Ecological Studies)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Genetics | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Tropical | Ecosystems | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 354059275X

Book Description

Although biologists have directed much attention to estimating the extent and causes of species losses, the consequences for ecosystem functioning have been little studied. This book examines the impact of biodiversity on ecosystem processes in tropical forests - one of the most species-rich and at the same time most endangered ecosystems on earth. It covers the relationships between biodiversity and primary production, secondary production, biogeochemical cycles, soil processes, plant life forms, responses to disturbance, and resistance to invasion. The analyses focus on the key ecological interfaces where the loss of keystone species is most likely to influence the rate and stability of ecosystem processes.

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Ecosystems (Pair-it books)
Claire Daniel
Manufacturer: Steck-Vaughn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0739861727

Product Description

Photographic illustrations through out,including binding. Discusses 6 aspects of the Ecosystem, briefly identifys each with photo illustrations, includes glossary and index, and a world map w/legend.

Mineral Nutrients in Tropical Forest and Savanna Ecosystems (Special Publication of the British Ecological Society, No 9)

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Mineral Nutrients in Tropical Forest and Savanna Ecosystems (Special Publication of the British Ecological Society, No 9)

Manufacturer: Blackwell Science Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Primitive Polluters: Semang Impact on the Malaysian Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem (Anthropological Papers, No 76)

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Primitive Polluters: Semang Impact on the Malaysian Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem (Anthropological Papers, No 76)
A. Terry Rambo
Manufacturer: Univ of Michigan Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0915703041

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Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystems
F.B. Golley
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

One of the most important of the world's ecosystems, the tropical rain forest is rapidly being converted to other uses, yet it is a poorly known and under-utilized natural resource. This volume is based on a modern ecological examination of tropical forests and treats both basic and applied aspects. Structural features are dealt with first, including the taxonomic and physical-chemical organisation of forests. Next is a section on the function of forests which considers production, nutrient cycling, decomposition processes, succession, trophic dynamics and reproductive biology. The behavioral and physiological phenomena underlying forest structure and function are then considered and, finally, some of the most important applied aspects are examined, including the production of timber, rates of exploitation and loss of forests, conservation, traditional human use of forests and disease in tropical forests.

Book Description

This is a hiking guide to the Paria River drainage of southern Utah. The upper part of the system begins near Bryce Canyon National Park, and flows south to the Colorado River and Lee's Ferry. Lee's Ferry is not far below the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. Many people have now heard of the hike down the Paria, but there are many less-known and less-visited parts of this drainage included in this book.

This guide covers the entire river system, including a couple of mountain climbs in the far north, plus the dozen or so slot canyons in the middle and lower end. The more famous slot canyons are Bull Valley Gorge, the scene of a pickup wreck (still lodged in the slot) which left 3 hunters dead. Also,Round Valley Draw, the Buckskin Gulch and of course the Paria itself. This 3rd Edition includes for the first time Coyote Buttes and its best know part, The Wave, an international destination for fotographers. For this edition, 16 pages and several new hiking areas have been added, plus the author re-hiked many canyons and updated all of them. This editon has 178 fotographs.

As in previous edtions, the history of early-day ranchers and cattlemen are included. The history of gold miners at Lee's Ferry and around the old ghost town of Pahreah is also discussed. And the best story of all is that of John D. Lee, and his involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre (about 120 people were killed), and his life on the run from Federal authorities. It was John D. Lee who was sent by the Mormon Church to the lower end of the Paria River to hide out and build & operate a ferry across the Colorado River. His entire life story is told.

Customer Reviews:

Hiking and Exploring the Paria River.......2007-01-29

Husband wanted book, I ordered it. He likes it.

The Metric distance ruined this book .......2006-05-12

As an American I lived my life of [...] years in feet and miles. I too heard my [...] teacher (nearly 45 years ago) say better get used to metric the US is the last country on the planet not using it and SOON you will have to use it. Never happened! (except for beverage providers who saw an oportunity to give us less product for the same price!) Wilderness hiking can be very dangerous, you need to know where you are, and I can't be pulling a calculator out every page to figure out how far 13.7 meters is!! Otherwise the book is filled with very good information. Pick up a detailed map at the trail head the maps in the book are too small to be of any help.

Comprehensive but dense.......2006-02-23

Got this book in preparation for a trip to the area. It's very comprehensive, but looks like it was laid out with an old fashioned typewrite. Still, if you plan to hike the Paria River, it's definately a good resource..

Worth It's Weight!.......2003-09-23

Found this guide book very helpful in a canyoneering trip down this nice canyon. I read the book before an April 2003 Paria Canyon trip starting at White House Trailhead and going all the way to Lee's Ferry. One thing was missing from my pack though....the book!

My trip I carried the BLM map/travel guide you can purchase at the Paria Ranger Station. It was $8.00 and I had a detailed map with camp sites and all known streams for water. The Kelsey Book has little dots or symbols for the sites which were pretty useless when the maps are so small in print. I was glad on the trip I had the BLM Guide for the trip.

Check the weather forecast before you leave and again at the ranger station. The summer of 2003 in September there were flash floods in the canyon from storms over 40 miles away!

The Paria Ranger Station reports temperatures to the weather service and rain/snow amounts. You will have to go to noaa.gov site for the info. Enter Kanab or Salt Lake City in the today's forecast box and then at the bottom of the forecast page will be additional forecast info - press the forecast discussion. On the new page enter state summary and look on the page for Paria Ranger Station!! There the high and low's will be listed with any precipitation amounts. The ranger station calls in the info every day.

Remember to pack the book for your trip to help you with your travels down this great canyon.

A rare guidebook.......2003-02-12

This book is outstanding. I'm an avid canyoneer and these books got me started. Many think they're too good. I follow the canyoneering boards and people consistently complain that Kelsey gives away too much information and allows, "just anyone who buys the book" to get in the deepest, darkets canyons. The land managers down right hate these books because people get into trouble. I think a good guidebook tells you about an area and it's up to the individual to be responsible and not exceed their abilities.

Aside from the extermely thorough and detailed area information, Kelsey takes pains to explain the history of the area and to prepare you for what you need to do spend time in these strange lands. I have hundreds of guidebooks from around the world and none of them comes close to Kelsey's in these areas. They are a treat to read.

There are a few quirky things about Kelsey's work. He lists everthing in metric. I agree this makes perfect sense from a technical (the rest of the world is metric and it makes much more sense) point of view but still have to do a poor job of converting everything back to miles in my head. It would be better to list miles in brackets after the kilometers. Kelsey is also (apparently) very fit because his hiking times are impressively rapid. I usually add 50% to his times to get a realistic estimate of how long it will take me.

All in all, I couldn't recommend Kelsey's books more. He is an extremely hard working, dedicated author. His works are jewels for this area and will long be recognized as not only the geographical authority but also the historical authority in this wonderful part of the world. Buy everything he writes.

Download Description

What makes New England preparatory schools so appealing? Why do thousands of people send their children to the northeast corner of the United States every fall to attend boarding school?

Perhaps parents send their children to prep school for the experience or for the education. But are parents introducing their children to a life of the elite? Or are they sending their children to a secret world of sin and debauchery?

Crystal Li begins her sophomore year at one of New England's finest preparatory schools. As she tries to climb the academic ladder, she unveils the clandestine life of prep schools students, and her discovery is astonishing.

Customer Reviews:

pretty cool i guess.......2005-10-03

tracy ma is pretty cool i guess. She sits at table 41 with some pretty cool kids. She always passes the water when asked, although her attendance record is far from perfect, in fact, she has violated the chivalry of the dining hall. blasphemy!! But its okay because she is a senior. Her book is really good.

I think this is a very informative and fun fiction.......2005-06-04

As a mother of a teenage girl, I'm in the process of making decison about sending her to a good public school or a private school. This book gave me a lot of useful information, from an insider's point of view, about the student lives in a good prep school.

This book eventually added another option for me to consider about the education plan of my child. Thank you Tracy, you did a fine job, and at last but not the least I'd like to mention that this is a book fun to read as well.

Average customer rating:

When the Moon Turns Away
Tracy S. Ma
Manufacturer: iUniverse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5ZQAQ

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