Serpentine - by Susan Harrison & Nishanta Rajakaruna (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This outstanding volume brings together leading experts across a broad range of disciplines to bring serpentine into focus, as never before, as a window to understanding major natural processes and patterns in nature. By doing so, the authors illuminate exciting questions and challenges that will serve to inspire and direct much future study of these fascinating systems."--Bruce G. Baldwin, University of California, Berkeley

Book Synopsis

Serpentine soils have long fascinated biologists for the specialized floras they support and the challenges they pose to plant survival and growth. This volume focuses on what scientists have learned about major questions in earth history, evolution, ecology, conservation, and restoration from the study of serpentine areas, especially in California. Results from molecular studies offer insight into evolutionary patterns, while new ecological research examines both species and communities. Serpentine highlights research whose breadth provides context and fresh insights into the evolution and ecology of stressful environments.

From the Back Cover

This outstanding volume brings together leading experts across a broad range of disciplines to bring serpentine into focus, as never before, as a window to understanding major natural processes and patterns in nature. By doing so, the authors illuminate exciting questions and challenges that will serve to inspire and direct much future study of these fascinating systems.--Bruce G. Baldwin, University of California, Berkeley

Review Quotes

"A very compelling case for why the study of serpentine is important for ecologists and evolutionary biologists."-- "New England Botanical Club" (2/25/2012 12:00:00 AM)

"A must have for ecologists and conservation biologists. . . . Highly recommended."--R. B. Pratt "Choice" (6/29/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"The volume is well organized and well written."--Alessandro Chiarucci "The Quarterly Review Of Bio" (6/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Susan Harrison is Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of California, Davis. Nishanta Rajakaruna is Professor of Botany at the College of the Atlantic.