Alpine Plant Life: Functional Plant Ecology of High Mountain Ecosystems

This book is a comprehensive revision of the physical and biological factors that drive life in high mountains, covering topics such as alpine plant life, climate, soils, snow, stress tolerance, treeline ecology, plant water, carbon, and nutrient relations, plant growth and productivity, developmental processes, and two novel chapters on alpine plant reproduction and global change biology. It explains why alpine biodiversity is particularly robust against climatic change due to the exposure of plants to dramatic micro-climatic gradients over short distances. Examples are drawn from all parts of the world, including the tropics, and the number of figures has nearly doubled, with many photographs providing a vivid impression of alpine plant life worldwide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate physical and biological aspects that shape life in high mountain environments. It offers a revised and extensively expanded treatment of the diverse factors that contribute to the unique characteristics of these alpine ecosystems. The book encompasses a wide range of topics, including the distinctive features of alpine plant life, the intricate climate and soils of high mountains, the challenges of life under snow, the remarkable stress tolerance of alpine organisms, the ecology of the treeline, the complex relationships between plant water, carbon, and nutrients, plant growth and productivity, developmental processes, and two groundbreaking chapters on alpine plant reproduction and global change biology.

By examining the topography-driven exposure of plants to dramatic micro-climatic gradients over short distances, the book sheds light on why alpine biodiversity exhibits remarkable resilience against climate change. Geographically, this book draws upon examples from diverse regions across the globe, including tropical environments. Furthermore, it is complemented with novel evidence and insights that have emerged over the past 17 years of alpine plant research. Notably, the number of figures, predominantly in color, has nearly doubled, with numerous photographs offering a captivating portrayal of alpine plant life worldwide.

The author of this book, Christian Körner, holds a remarkable academic background. Born in 1949 in Austria, he completed his academic education at the University of Innsbruck and later held the position of full professor of Botany at the University of Basel from 1989 to 2014. Currently, as an emeritus professor, he continues his alpine plant research in the Swiss Alps, demonstrating his enduring dedication to this field.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts interested in understanding the complex dynamics of life in high mountain environments. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the physical and biological factors that drive alpine ecosystems, offering insights into the remarkable adaptations and resilience of alpine organisms. Through its rich content, stunning visuals, and insightful analysis, this book contributes significantly to our understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving these unique and fragile ecosystems.

Weight: 1034g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030595401
Edition number: 3rd ed. 2021