Biology of Caves and Other Subterranean Habitats

A concise but comprehensive introduction to cave and subterranean biology, covering ecosystem function, evolution, adaptation, community ecology, biogeography, and conservation, with a global range of examples and case studies.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 02 April 2019
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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The second edition of this highly influential textbook remains a concise yet comprehensive introduction to cave and subterranean biology, delving into the captivating world of this unique habitat and its diverse array of life forms. Spanning a wide range of biological processes, including ecosystem function, evolution, adaptation, community ecology, biogeography, and conservation, the authors offer insightful perspectives on this fascinating realm. Drawing from a diverse array of examples and case studies from both caves and non-cave subterranean environments, the authors elucidate complex concepts with clarity and minimize the use of specialized terminology, thereby enhancing accessibility for readers. This revised edition maintains the same 10-chapter structure as the original, but the content has undergone a thorough revision and update to reflect the significant advancements in subterranean biology research over the past decade.

Caves and subterranean environments represent some of the most enigmatic and fascinating habitats on our planet, harboring a vast array of unique organisms and ecosystems. The study of subterranean biology has gained increasing importance in recent years, driven by the discovery of new species and the understanding of the critical roles that these environments play in shaping global biodiversity.

In this textbook, the authors provide a comprehensive introduction to cave and subterranean biology, covering a range of topics from the physical characteristics of these habitats to the biological processes that occur within them. They begin by discussing the geological formation of caves and the factors that influence their development, including water flow, temperature, and pressure. The authors then explore the diverse range of organisms that inhabit these environments, including bacteria, fungi, insects, mammals, and reptiles. They discuss the unique adaptations that these organisms have developed to survive in these challenging conditions, such as the ability to tolerate extreme temperatures, lack of sunlight, and high levels of carbon dioxide.

One of the key challenges in studying subterranean biology is the use of specialized terminology. The authors recognize this barrier and take steps to explain these terms clearly and concisely, minimizing the use of jargon that may be unfamiliar to readers. They provide examples and case studies from both caves and non-cave subterranean habitats to illustrate the concepts and applications of these terms.

The textbook also delves into the ecological and evolutionary processes that occur in these environments. The authors discuss the role of caves and subterranean environments in shaping ecosystem function, including their contribution to nutrient cycling, water purification, and carbon sequestration. They explore the mechanisms of speciation and adaptation that occur in these habitats, including genetic drift, natural selection, and genetic mutation. The authors also discuss the conservation challenges faced by subterranean ecosystems, including habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species.

In addition to its scientific content, the textbook also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in subterranean biology research. The authors discuss the ethical challenges that arise from studying these environments, including the potential impact on the native organisms and ecosystems. They provide guidelines and recommendations for conducting ethical research in these habitats, including minimizing disturbance, respecting the privacy of individuals, and communicating the findings to the broader public.

Overall, this textbook is an essential resource for students, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in cave and subterranean biology. It provides a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the field, covering a wide range of topics and highlighting the latest research and discoveries. The authors' clear and concise writing style, coupled with the use of examples and case studies, makes the content accessible to a broad audience, including those with limited scientific background.

In conclusion, the second edition of this widely cited textbook continues to provide a concise but comprehensive introduction to cave and subterranean biology, describing this fascinating habitat and its biodiversity. It covers a range of biological processes including ecosystem function,evolution and adaptation,community ecology,biogeography,and conservation. The authors draw on a global range of examples and case studies from both caves and non-cave subterranean habitats. One of the barriers to the study of subterranean biology has been the extraordinarily large number of specialized terms used by researchers; the authors explain these terms clearly and minimize the number that they use. This new edition retains the same 10 chapter structure of the original,but the content has been thoroughly revised and updated throughout to reflect the huge increase in publications concerning subterranean biology over the last decade.

\n Weight: 590g\n
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198820772\n
Edition number: 2 Revised edition\n