Marine Macrophytes as Foundation Species / Edition 1

by Emil Olafsson

Overview

Marine macrophytes (macroalgae, seagrasses, and mangroves) comprise thousands of species distributed in shallow water areas along the world’s coastlines. They play a key role in marine ecosystems regarding biodiversity and energy flow. A large proportion of macrophyte species can be characterised as ecosystem engineers—organisms that directly or indirectly affect the availability of resources to other species by modifying, maintaining, and creating habitats.

This book is divided into three main themes:

• Marine macroalgae and seagrasses as sources of biodiversity gives an overview of the diversity of the main organisms associated with macrophytes, and their functional role and interactions within their hosts.

• Primary and secondary production of Macrophytes synthesizes research on food web structures derived from/or associated with, macrophytes and the transfer of macrophytic primary and secondary production from one ecosystem to another.

• Threats to macrophytic ecosystem engineers addresses human-induced effects including eutrophication, physical destruction, invasive species, and global warming.

The book is among the first one to concentrate on the value of macrophytes for the well-being of marine habitats. The book is aimed at academics but may be useful for students, policy makers, and laymen alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498723244
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/07/2016
Pages:	285
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Section 1: Marine Macroalgae and Seagrasses as Sources of Biodiversity. Section 2: Production of Macrophytes. Section 3: Human Threats to Macrophytic Ecosystem Engineers.

Editorial Reviews

This excellent new volume is devoted to the ecology, biodiversity, and energy production and flow of macroalgae and seagrasses living along the coastlines of oceans and the most recent environmental threats to their communities. Chapters are written by experts in the field and packed with detailed information and primary sources, together forming a synopsis of the role of these critical producers…. The editor has nicely tied the chapters together, and the volume…is impressive in its coverage.

—C. W. Schneider, Trinity College (CT)

From the Publisher