Marine Macrophytes as Foundation Species

Marine macrophytes are essential for marine ecosystems, providing biodiversity and energy flow. This book explores their diversity, primary and secondary production, and threats, making it valuable for academics, students, policy makers, and laymen alike.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 285 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Marine macrophytes, including macroalgae, seagrasses, and mangroves, are essential components of shallow water areas along the world's coastlines, contributing significantly to marine biodiversity and energy flow. These diverse species play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers, directly or indirectly influencing the availability of resources to other organisms by modifying, maintaining, and creating habitats. This comprehensive book delves into three main themes: Marine Macroalgae and Seagrasses as Sources of Biodiversity, Primary and Secondary Production of Macrophytes, and Threats to Macrophytic Ecosystem Engineers. It provides an overview of the diversity of macrophytes and their functional roles, as well as interactions within their hosts. Additionally, it synthesizes research on food web structures derived from or associated with macrophytes, and the transfer of macrophytic primary and secondary production from one ecosystem to another. The book also highlights the human-induced effects on macrophytic ecosystems, including eutrophication, physical destruction, invasive species, and global warming. It is among the first to focus on the value of macrophytes for the well-being of marine habitats and is intended for academics, students, policy makers, and laymen alike.

Weight: 531g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367782801