The biology of alpine habitats /

This work is part of Oxford's "Biology of Habitats" series devoted to the biota of different global environments. It is aimed at a general audience, including students, resource managers, and recreational visitors to the high mountains, but it will also appeal to ecologists working in the mountains. Nagy and Grabherr (both, Univ. of Vienna, Austria) have a strong background of research in European mountains, but they offer a truly global coverage in this volume, thanks to their broad experience, their colleagues, and their use of an extensive literature. The book contains nine main chapters that treat the primary scientific concerns of high mountains: their natural variability, their biota and adaptation to the environment, and the impacts of recent environmental change and conservation efforts. The result is a very attractive work with few typographic errors and many clear line drawings, tables, and photographs. Its supporting materials are impressive: almost 45 pages of references to basic research contributions, a good table of contents, and a fine index. In all, a volume that this reviewer will consult and suggest to others. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; general readers. N. Caine University of Colorado at Boulder