Costa Rican ecosystems /

Costa Rica is an important location for research on tropical ecosystems as well as a common travel destination for US university biology students. This book provides a comprehensive summary of the major regions of Costa Rica and will be extremely useful to scientists, educators, and students. Editor Kappelle (coordinator for the United Nations Environment Programme's global Chemicals and Waste Subprogramme) has worked extensively in Costa Rica and brings together contributions from experts for each ecosystem within the country. Introductory chapters describe the climate, geology, and soils. Several chapters cover Pacific and Caribbean coastal ecosystems and the Isla del Coco. The lowland forests are organized into chapters by region (Caribbean and the northern, central, and southern Pacific). The highlands are covered in several chapters, including one on the high-elevation grassland called páramo. Other chapters describe rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Each chapter summarizes the main research that has occurred in a specific ecosystem and provides references. Most chapters also contain an interesting description of the history of exploration and human effects on the ecosystem. The book is well illustrated with color photographs and maps. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through researchers and faculty; professionals. --Mark P. Gustafson, Texas Lutheran University