What determines the number and size of the seeds produced by a plant? How often should it reproduce them? How often should a plant produce them? Why and how are seeds dispersed, and what are the implications for the diversity and composition of vegetation? These are just some of the questions tackled in this wide-ranging review of the role of seeds in the ecology of plants. The authors bring together information on the ecological aspects of seed biology, starting with a consideration of reproductive strategies in seed plants and progressing through the life cycle, covering seed maturation, dispersal, storage in the soil, dormancy, germination, seedling establishment, and regeneration in the field. The text encompasses a wide range of concepts of general relevance to plant ecology, reflecting the central role that the study of seed ecology has played in elucidating many fundamental aspects of plant community function.

Plant traits are fundamental components of the ecological strategies of plants, influencing how plants acquire and use resources. Selection pressures along environmental gradients often give rise to predictable variation leading to phenotypic variability. This variability can result from genetic differences or environmentally-induced phenotypic plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity is a key mechanism for rapid adjustment to environmental heterogeneity, potentially providing species with a greater capacity to respond to global change. This thesis explored variation in commonly measured functional traits in populations of congeneric species (Banksia baxteri, B. coccinea, B. media and B. quercifolia R.Br.: Proteaceae) along a rainfall gradient in the bio-diverse but highly threatened Mediterranean-climate ecosystem of South-Western Australia. In a series of empirical experiments I investigated the response of morphological, physiological and allocational plant traits to heat and/or drought stress. My hypothesis was that populations at the warm, dry end of the gradient would respond more favourably to heat and drought stress as demonstrated by greater homeostasis of growth and performance relative to populations from the cool, wet end of the gradient. Using a temperature gradient system species differed in their temperature dimensions for germination, optimal temperatures stimulating most rapid and complete germination and the slope of germination decline above optimal temperatures. Overall, a sharp reduction in final percentage germination occurred outside the optimal temperature range, which coincided with germination delays relative to the optimum. The temperatures causing these responses varied among species and populations. Banksia media was least vulnerable to temperature stress, B. coccinea most vulnerable. Variation in tolerance to drought in three populations of the four species was assessed using different osmotic solutions. Overall, the threshold water potential value for a significant decline, and delay, in germination was -0.25 MPa. Banksia media appeared less vulnerable to germination failure under predicted changes in rainfall patterns, whilst B. coccinea seemed most vulnerable. In a common garden, warmer soils generally resulted in significant delays and reductions in seedling emergence and reduced leaf-stem biomass allocation. Banksia quercifolia showed the greatest reproductive decline under warmed conditions, but also the smallest vegetative shift; B. coccinea exhibited the smallest reproductive decline but showed a relatively large vegetative shift. Exposing B. baxteri and B. coccinea to warm/dry conditions in a glasshouse resulted in significant declines in seedling growth and fitness-related traits relative to phenotypes grown under cool/wet conditions. The data revealed the presence of divergent ecological strategies that may lead to current co-existence in these sympatric species, however, warm/dry conditions may lead to a shift in their interactions. These investigations demonstrate the species- and population-specific nature of plant responses to gradients of environmental change. Some common responses occurred across experiments: cross-species patterns generally upheld along the gradient, but decoupling of patterns occurred at the local level. Against expectations, population variation was not reliably associated with geographical location on the rainfall gradient, suggesting that selection for local adaptation in response to water availability or other climate factors has been minimal. Nonetheless, species expressing phenotypic variation along environmental gradients may have greater capacity to respond to global change.

The first book entirely devoted to this topic, Ecosystem Engineers begins with the history of the concept, presenting opposing definitions of ecosystem engineeing. These varied definitions advance the debate and move past trivial difficulties to crystallize key issues such as the value of process-based vs. outcome-based. Authors include case studies spanning a wide spectrum of species and habitats, including above and below-ground, aquatic and terrestrial, and extant and paleontological examples. These studies enable readers to understand how the categorization of species as ecosystem engineers allows scientists to forge new explanatory generalizations. Key for all ecologists and environmentalists, this book ultimately illustrates how to inform and manage natural resources. The only consolidated treatment available Provides definitions, case studies, and examples of ecological models Discusses how ecosystem engineering can inform and improve the management of natural resources Includes contributions from Clive Jones, the leading figure in the development of the ecosystem engineer concept, and many other eminent ecologists, such as Alan Hastings

Trait-based ecology is rapidly expanding. This comprehensive and accessible guide covers the main concepts and tools in functional ecology.

Now that so many ecosystems face rapid and major environmental change, the ability of species to respond to these changes by dispersing or moving between different patches of habitat can be crucial to ensuring their survival. Understanding dispersal has become key to understanding how populations may persist. Dispersal Ecology and Evolution provides a timely and wide-ranging overview of the fast expanding field of dispersal ecology, incorporating the very latest research. The causes, mechanisms, and consequences of dispersal at the individual, population, species, and community levels are considered. Perspectives and insights are offered from the fields of evolution, behavioural ecology, conservation biology, and genetics. Throughout the book theoretical approaches are combined with empirical data, and care has been taken to include examples from as wide a range of species as possible - both plant and animal.

Faced with widespread and devastating loss of biodiversity in wild habitats, scientists have developed innovative strategies for studying and protecting targeted plant and animal species in "off-site" facilities such as botanic gardens and zoos. Such ex situ work is an increasingly important component of conservation and restoration efforts. Ex Situ Plant Conservation, edited by Edward O. Guerrant Jr., Kayri Havens, and Mike Maunder, is the first book to address integrated plant conservation strategies and to examine the scientific, technical, and strategic bases of the ex situ approach. The book examines where and how ex situ investment can best support in situ conservation. Ex Situ Plant Conservation outlines the role, value, and limits of ex situ conservation as well as updating best management practices for the field, and is an invaluable resource for plant conservation practitioners at botanic gardens, zoos, and other conservation organizations; students and faculty in conservation biology and related fields; managers of protected areas and other public and private lands; and policymakers and members of the international community concerned with species conservation.

Loss of plant diversity: a call for action; List of acronyms and abbrediations; Before setting out; In the field; Back at base; Case-studies.