Algae

Book Description

Current, comprehensive, and readily accessible to all readers regardless of their knowledge on the subject, this information-packed resource on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial algae forms focuses on what people really want to know about algae—why they are so diverse; how they are related; how to distinguish the major types; their roles in food webs, global biogeochemical cycling; the formation of harmful algae bloom; and how we utilize them. Provides a stimulating overview of the importance of algae. Covers biotic associations involving algae, with discussions on herbivory interactions, algal food quality, symbioses, pathogeneic interactions, and more. Considers the economic, ecological, and biotechnological applications of algae, and provides complete coverage on algal biodiversity, classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, and application of molecular information to ecological problems. Offers a detailed study on endosymbiosis. and includes intensive, stand-alone chapters on cryptomonads, dinoflagellates, ochrophytes, red algae, green algae, and phytoplankton ecology. Covers new analytical techniques (i.e. molecular phylogenetics, DNA-based approaches to the study of life cycles, and fluorescence methods for the study for photosynthesis); integrates many interesting boxed essays; and enhances material with numerous photos and illustrations. For researchers and professionals in the fields of aquatic ecology and technological application of algae.

Customer Reviews:

A terrific reference ofor learning more about phytoplankton and seaweeds.......2006-12-29

This outstanding textbook on "algae" provides a solid reference for learning more about the diverse photosynthetic forms that occur in aquatic habitats. Graham and Wilcox summarize a diverse range of topics for the major Divisions, including taxonomy, cell structure, biology, reproduction, life history, and ecology. It has an excellent section on coccolithophorids, including the steps in coccolith formation. It also includes practical uses of algae and chapters devoted to phytoplankton and seaweed ecology. The lack of color photographs may be attributed to the inclusion of numerous images taken with electron microscopes (the only way to "see" most microalgae) and probably to the fact that this book is not intended to be a field guide. However, it makes a perfect complement for learning more about and understanding phytoplankton and seaweeds that you may identify under a microscope or in the field using any of the widely available field guides.

Good reference book and learning tool.......2000-09-27

I haven't found many good books on algae that have come out in the past few years. This book is a great one with lots of information and pictures. It would be better if some of the pictures were in color, instead of all of them being in black and white. Some algae are indentified by color so color pictures would be helpful. It has really good information on diatoms also which is nice.

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Biology of the Red Algae

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521343011

Book Description

In the past fifteen years, research on the red algae has greatly advanced and diversified; new technologies have extended the range of questions being studied and have yielded findings that would have been previously unobtainable. The first comprehensive monograph concerning the rhodophyta in over fifteen years, this volume presents an authoritative review on the current state of knowledge on the biology of the red algae. The eighteen chapters range from molecular and cellular to biochemical, physiological, organismal and ecological aspects of this important group of algae. This is a much needed reference text for students, researchers and teachers concerned with aquatic biology, phycology, limnology, oceanography and plant evolution.

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Identifying Marine Phytoplankton

Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 012693018X

Book Description

Identifying Marine Phytoplankton is an accurate and authoritative guide to the identification of marine diatoms and dinoflagellates, meant to be used with tools as simple as a light microscope. The book compiles the latest taxonomic names, an extensive bibliography (referencing historical as well as up-to-date literature), synthesis and criteria in one indispensable source. Techniques for preparing samples and containing are included as well as hundreds of detailed, helpful information. Identifying Marine Phytoplankton is a combined paperback edition made available by popular demand of two influential books published earlier-- Marine Phytoplankton and Identifying Marine Diatoms and Dinoflagellates.

Key Features
* Contains hundreds of illustrations showing critical characteristics necessary for proper identification, plus keys and other guides
* Provides up-to-date taxonomic revisions
* Includes species from around the world
* Updates synthesis of modern and historical literature presented by active researchers in the field
* Compiles literature from around the world into one handy source

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Best, most complete keys to west coast marine algae

Marine Algae of California
Isabella Abbott , and George Hollenberg
Manufacturer: Stanford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0804721521

Customer Reviews:

Best, most complete keys to west coast marine algae.......2000-05-04

This is the algae bible for the west coast of North America. Abbott and Hollenberg's "Marine Algae of California" is without question the best taxonomic guide to algae of the region available anywhere.

This book contains taxonomic keys, summaries of the geographic ranges, biology, and ecology of algae. It also has excellent line drawings that show details of the thalli of algae, as well as details of the characteristics that distinguish one alga from another.

This book is a "must have" for anyone who is interested in learning the algae of the west coast of North America.

Book Description

Freshwater algae are among the most diverse and ubiquitous organisms on earth. They occupy an enormous range of ecological conditions from lakes and rivers to acidic peat swamps, inland saline lakes, snow and ice, damp soils, wetlands, desert soils, wastewater treatment plants, and are symbionts in and on many plants, fungi, and animals. In North America, the variety of freshwater habitats colonized by algae is very rich, and offers an enormous and fascinating range of environments for their study. They form the base of most aquatic food webs and are critical to studies of ecosystem health. Algal ecologists and taxonomists play an important role in the understanding of aquatic ecosystems: their biodiversity, productivity, interactions with other organisms, and water quality. This book provides in one volume a practical and comprehensive guide to the genera of freshwater algae known from North America. The format combines the necessary ecological, taxonomic and methodological information for all scientists working in aquatic environments, whether their specialty is in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment, biological composition, ecology, evolution, or molecular biology.

Key Features
* The first complete accounting of North America's freshwater algal genera in more than 50 years
* Includes a guide to the current literature on species identification in each group of algae
* High-quality photographs and drawings of more than 770 genera
* A clear, easy-to-use introductory key to the diagnostic chapters
* Synthetic chapters on freshwater habitats, use of algae in environmental assessment, and control of nuisance algae
* Contributions from 27 experts in all areas of freshwater algae
* Extensive literature citations
* Companion volume of Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates 2nd edition, edited by Throp and Covich

Customer Reviews:

algae reference.......2007-01-12

This book is a must for the reference library or for the laboratory of pesons who study algae or microscopic aquatic organisms. While it does not substitute for the collective contributions of other scientists over time, it is a great first stop for those who are interested in these organisms. For many there will be no need to search further.
The book is organized in a conventional manner with major groups treated in separate chapters. It is easy to use and well-illustrated. It will find a home with scientists, students, and interested lay persons alike.

A Much Needed Updating of Smith.......2004-01-22

It has been over 50 years since the last edition (1950) of Smith's "Freshwater Algae of the United States" and much has changed in our knowledge of the classification of the "Algae". These are now known to contain several quite different organisms from Euglena to Chara and from diatoms to desmids and Spirogyra. The flora is huge and often poorly known. Thus it was with some enthusiasm that I welcomed the publication of this massive tome. A much-needed updating of Smith's classic book and more, it contains numerous black and white photos and drawings, plus extensive bibliographies for each chapter. I also much appreciate the keys, having been involved in writing several for spider genera. The only down side is the rather high price, which is quite a bit more than its companion volume on freshwater invertebrates.

I don't fault this book for lack of color because that might have easily made it even more expensive. If you want to see color photos of algae, and indeed very good ones, try "Freshwater Algae: Their Microscopic World Explored" by Hilda Canter-Lund and her husband J. W. Lund.

Despite the cost, I recommend this book as essential for anyone trying to understand the North American freshwater algal flora.

Review.......2003-01-05

One thing I look for in a book are color photos from "the wild". I didn't see any of that, but there's plenty of information to go through and lots of references for further study.

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Phycology
Robert E. Lee , and Robert Edward Lee
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521638836

Book Description

Phycology is the study of algae, a ubiquitous and extremely important range of species ecologically because of the dependence of other species on their primary production. This third edition of Phycology is designed to serve both as a textbook for a one-semester course and also as a reference on modern concepts in the study of algae. Algae are divided into four natural groups and chapters on each group cover the cytology, morphology, physiology, life cycles, ecology, and systematics, all presented in a manner that can be understood by readers with a basic knowledge of biology. The use of clear, concise drawings, as well as the special emphasis placed on those algae that are commonly covered in phycology courses, and encountered by students in marine and freshwater habitats, has led to the establishment of this book as a classic introductory text suitable for courses throughout the world. This new edition offers a larger, more student-friendly format, along with fully updated reference sections and coverage of hot topics such as toxic algae, ozone depletion, and gene sequencing.

The Ecology of Phytoplankton (Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation)

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The Ecology of Phytoplankton (Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation)
C. S. Reynolds
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521844134

Book Description

Communities of microscopic plant life, or phytoplankton, dominate the Earthâ€™s aquatic ecosystems. This important new book by Colin Reynolds covers the adaptations, physiology and population dynamics of phytoplankton communities in lakes and rivers and oceans. It provides basic information on composition, morphology and physiology of the main phyletic groups represented in marine and freshwater systems and in addition reviews recent advances in community ecology, developing an appreciation of assembly processes, co-existence and competition, disturbance and diversity. Although focussed on one group of organisms, the book develops many concepts relevant to ecology in the broadest sense, and as such will appeal to graduate students and researchers in ecology, limnology and oceanography.

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Lichen Biology
Excellent introduction for serious students of botany
Very Technical--Not a book for the amateur!

Lichen Biology
Thomas H. III, Ed. Nash
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521459745

Book Description

Lichens are prominent examples of symbiotic organisms, combining fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria in an intimate biological union. This volume provides an up-to-date account of these fascinating organisms, beginning with anatomical, morphological, and physiological aspects. It emphasizes the ecophysiology of lichens and their role in carbon and nitrogen fixation, as well as in mineral cycling in general. It then provides an overview of lichen biogeography and systematics in the light of modern perspectives in evolution, and summarizes the chemistry of the unique secondary metabolites produced by lichens.

Customer Reviews:

Lichen Biology.......2000-12-13

I agree with the other two reviewers: if you have no experience with the life sciences it would be best to begin with a book like W. Pervis's Lichens. However, Nash's Lichen Biology is an outstanding text for more detailed and advanced questions on the interworkings of these unique organisms/ecosystems. Each chapter is authored by experts in smaller aspects of lichenology (chemistry, anatomy, taxonomy, ecology etc.), making the complete work very well-rounded.

Excellent introduction for serious students of botany.......1999-10-28

This book is not light reading. It is, however, the best book currently available for a complete introduction to the biology of lichens. Topics range from morphology and physiology to ecology. It would benefit from diagrams to accompany the many photographs.

Very Technical--Not a book for the amateur!.......1998-07-13

Good B&W photos, more info on lichens than you'll find anywhere but nearly impossible to read and understand if you are not a bontanist.

The Triumph of the Fungi: A Rotten History

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Manifesto against monocultures
An alright book
Fantastic book!

The Triumph of the Fungi: A Rotten History
Nicholas P. Money
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 019518971X

Book Description

This book is concerned with the most devastating fungal diseases in history. These are the plagues of trees and crop plants, caused by invisible spores that have reshaped entire landscapes and decimated human populations. The Triumph of the Fungi focuses on the fascinating biology of the well- and lesser-known diseases, and also tells the stories of the scientists involved in their study, and of the people directly impacted by the loss of forest trees like the chestnut, and cash crops such as coffee and cacao. In a surprisingly brief time, human knowledge of the fungi that infect plants has evolved from Biblical superstition, to the recognition of the true nature of plant disease, and, more recently, to a sense of awe for the sophistication of these microbes. The crucial issue of human culpability in these fungal epidemics is addressed in the books closing chapter.

Customer Reviews:

Manifesto against monocultures.......2007-03-04

Apart from some strained attempts at humour, starting with the subtitle, Nicholas Money has produced an excellent book. The book is a well-organised and expressively written presentation of how various fungi [and their relations] have and are assaulting valuable trees and crops around the planet. With excellent graphics to support the text, the author describes how fungal infections have attacked decorative or lumber tree species, such as the chestnut and jarrah, crop plants like coffee, potatoes and rubber. He explains how the infections were detected and investigated by various researchers and what steps have been taken to curb or eliminate the infestation. The latter point is the one that should prompt the reader's close attention.

Although to many people, the blight causing the Irish Potato Famine may be the best known of fungal infections, Money opens with a story of the extermination of the American Chestnut. The account shows how little was known of fungi life cycles at the turn of the last century. Coping with the spreading infection was sporadic and ineffective. The spores, Money calculates, spread at the rate of over 100 metres per day. Small wonder governments failed to address the epidemic successfully. Control, in any case, would have meant an interdict on seed and seedling importation and transport, a multi-million dollar business. Such a draconian imposition would have raised the ire of business and governments alike. So we lost the chestnut. And the elm. The oaks and redwoods in California are presently under threat from a similar infestation. How can microbes be so destructive and apparently so immune to counter-measures?

Fungi are insidious in their invasive tactics and are talented breeders. Not only may a species have multiple mechanisms for breeding, many actually breed across species to create hybrids. These cross-bred organisms are highly adaptable to changing conditions. In fact, variations in environment may prompt species' mix to address the change. The breeding of multiple species may have immense impact, since some fungi may infect more than a hundred different types of plants. Money demonstrates mixed feelings as he describes some fungi as "the most exuberant swingers of the microbial world". It's an amazing capacity in such a simple organism. The genome of some species is nearly the size of a human's - but, far more importantly, the large genome imparts the ability to change rapidly as needed. This is one reason why so many fungi aren't "species-specific" in their infections.

In his descriptions of the historical efforts to identify the various rusts, blights, blasts and bunts attacking plants, Money recounts the efforts of investigators. There are the losers who went along almost fantastic idea tracks, attributing infections to malodorous mists and even moonlight. More rational researchers found ways of tracking infectors and how they operated. His first hero is Henry Murrill, who struggled to cope with the American chestnut epidemic that originated in the Bronx Zoo grounds in 1904. Rev. Miles Berkeley, working in limited circumstances, produced a landmark essay on the cause and effect of fungal infection of the "Irish" potato. Money's chapter heading, "Potato Soup" is telling as a descriptor.

Farther afield, Money admires the work achieved by a group of women in the Netherlands. Johanna Westerdijk, Christine Buisman and Marie Schwarz all made key contributions in revealing the mechanics of what is known as Dutch elm disease. Some of this work provided pointers to the evolutionary path of these fungi, information being applied elsewhere. Money's real praise, however, reaches further back in time in lauding two French scientific pioneers. Mathieu Tillet and Benedict Prevost proved to be the first to apply sound research methods in determining how plant disease operates. He would have this pair granted Nobel Prizes if the rules allowed posthumous awards. He notes that in France experimental research was held in low regard in their day. It was a serious uphill climb for them to gain recognition for their work.

It's not an uphill struggle to read this book, however. Money, who has published other works on mycology - the study of fungus - has an admirable way of making his point. The point here is that with fungi so adaptive, so easily disseminated over vast distances and so difficult to eradicate, the human species stands in some peril of indirectly succumbing to its effects. Wheat, maize, cocoa, coffee and rubber may join chestnuts in disappearing from our ken. These products are fundamental to our society, and more research must be undertaken to reveal how to address the problem. With so many of these crops being clones of earlier strains, their vulnerability is high, as is ours as a result. Read this and find out what you may be confronting. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

An alright book.......2007-01-03

As I had read the author's other books on fungi I thought this one would be great. I was wrong. It fine for folks who know little about fungi and their influences in the world but not of much value otherwise. Mr Money can do better.

Fantastic book!.......2006-12-13

It is often said that the cockroaches will outlast us--but Nicholas Money's new book convinces me it will be the fungi who triumph in the end. This wonderful, terrifying book details the devastation wrought by the fungi and our feeble efforts to keep them at bay. How is it possible that a book with such a grim message is a page-turner that makes you laugh out-loud on nearly every page? Because this guy can WRITE. Money is the Steven Jay Gould of mycology, the Richard Dawkins of the fungi, and this book is fantastic.

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Handbook of Microalgal Culture
Amos, Ed. Richmond , and Amos Richmond
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0632059532

Book Description

Handbook of Microalgal Culture is truly a landmark publication, drawing on some 50 years of worldwide experience in microalgal mass culture. This important book comprises comprehensive reviews of the current available information on microalgal culture, written by 40 contributing authors from around the globe.The book is divided into four parts, with Part I detailing biological and environmental aspects of microalgae with reference to microalgal biotechnology and Part II looking in depth at major theories and techniques of mass cultivation. Part III comprises chapters on the economic applications of microalgae, including coverage of industrial production, the use of microalgae in human and animal nutrition and in aquaculture, in nitrogen fixation, hydrogen and methane production, and in bioremediation of polluted water. Finally, Part IV looks at new frontiers and includes chapters on genetic engineering, microalgae as platforms for recombinant proteins, bioactive chemicals, heterotrophic production, microalgae as gene-delivery systems for expressing mosquitocidal toxins and the enhancement of marine productivity for climate stabilization and food security.Handbook of Microalgal Culture is an essential purchase for all phycologists and also those researching aquatic systems, aquaculture and plant sciences. There is also much of great use to researchers and those involved in product formulation within pharmaceutical, nutrition and food companies. Libraries in all universities and research establishments teaching and researching in chemistry, biological and pharmaceutical sciences, food sciences and nutrition, and aquaculture will need copies of this book on their shelves.Amos Richmond is at the Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.

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