Comparative Plant Succession Among Terrestrial Biomes of the World. 2020. (Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Series). 91 figs. XII, 399 p. Paper bd.

Despite a century of study by ecologists, recovery following disturbances (succession) is not fully understood. This book provides the first global synthesis that compares plant succession in all major terrestrial biomes and after all major terrestrial disturbances. It asks critical questions such as: Does succession follow general patterns across biomes and disturbance types? Do factors that control succession differ from biome to biome? If common drivers exist, what are they? Are they abiotic or biotic, or both? The authors provide insights on broad, generalizable patterns that go beyond site-specific studies, and present discussions on factors such as varying temporal dynamics, latitudinal differences, human-caused vs. natural disturbances, and the role of invasive alien species. This book is a must-read for researchers and students in ecology, plant ecology, restoration ecology and conservation biology. It also provides a valuable framework to aid land managers attempting to manipulate successional recovery following increasingly intense and widespread human-made disturbances.

Provides the first authoritative overview of successional dynamics following all disturbances in all terrestrial biomes
A comparative summary of key mechanisms driving succession encourages readers to decipher whether generalizations exist
Enables practitioners of restoration, especially from little-studied biomes, to better understand and address challenges from damaged environments and climate change