Columnar Cacti and Their Mutualists. Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation. 2019. illus. 386 p. Paper bd.

This book focuses on the evolution, ecology (sensu lato), and conservation need of columnar cacti and their vertebrate mutualists. The goal is to summarize much of the current knowledge of the biology of these two groups of organisms - from their physicological ecology to their ecological intercations in different geographic areas. Also explored are the ways in which humans, through the process of domestication, have modified these plants for their economic benefit. Reviewed are phylogenetic relationships within cacti and nectar - feeding bats in an effort to understand how bats - plant interactions have influenced the evolution of diversity and ecological specialization within both groups of organisms. Finally given are conservation recommendations aimed at preserving fully functional ecosystems in arid portions of the New World tropics and subtropics. - This is a paper back edition of the 2002 hardcopy version.