This revised and extended second edition of "Identification of tropical woody plants" is a concise representation of vegetative characters of woody taxa. It presents a unique identification system, permitting recognition of plant families in all seasons by means of morphological and macroanatomical features which are easily observable, permanent, and which provide a great deal of taxonomic information. The identification system has been designed in the form of a dichotomous key, which is illustrated with figures of woody plants showing their architecture and the morphological characters of barks, branches and leaves. The book has been revised according to the latest molecular biological findings in taxonomy. Additional families are included, as well as representative examples on color plates. A new key for the main groups of euphorbiacean genera has been included. This field guide will be an essential companion to botanists and ecologists.

While studies of forest vegetation may differ in their underlying objective, be it physiology, ecology or biodiversity, common to all these is the fact that all require taxonomic knowledge. The process of taxon omy or of forest ecology begins in principle with an inventory of the flora, the evaluation of this inven tory still being based to a large extent of reproduction-related organs. In a tropical forest, the majority of flowers or fruits are most often found in the canopy. The canopy, however, is difficult to reach and to do so necessitates heavy, expensive or sophisticated equipment such as a tower, a crane, or a hanging platform suspended from a dirigible balloon. Thus, most of the time, botany is practised near the ground with the aid of light equipment such as ladders, branch loppers, and climbing irons. Furthermore, a large proportion of the trees and lianas of the understorey bear neither flowers nor fruits at certain times of the year. Despite this absence of seasonal characters it should at least be possible to recognize the families of plants by means of easily observable and permanent characters. To meet this need, an identification system has been designed in the form of a dichotomous key. In addition to permitting recognition ofplantfamities in the field in all seasons, this system can serve as a starting-point for a more detailed knowledge of the forest taxa.

Recent climatic shifts, based on mild winters and more hot summers have released vegetation shifts all over the world. The book presents numerous case studies from Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Caucasus, Italy, Ireland, China, Japan, United Staes, Brazil and Chile. The authors analyse the resulting changes in compositions and structures of the forest vegetations, especially the process of Laurophyllisation.

An important prerequisite for successful conservation is a good understanding of what we seek to conserve. Nowhere is this more the case than in the fight to protect plant biodiversity, which is threatened by human activity in many regions worldwide. This book is written in the belief that tools that enable more people to understand biodiversity can not only aid protection efforts but also contribute to rural livelihoods. Among the most important of those tools is the field guide. Plant Identification provides potential authors of field guides with practical advice about all aspects of producing user-friendly guides which help to identify plants for the purposes of conservation, sustainable use, participatory monitoring or greater appreciation of biodiversity. The book draws on both scientific and participatory processes, supported by the experience of contributors from across the tropics. It presents a core process for producing a field guide, setting out key steps, options and techniques available to the authors of a guide and, through illustration, helps authors choose methods and media appropriate to their context.

This fourth edition of Plant Systematics is completely revised and updated. It incorporates the updated International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants (Shenzhen Code, 2018), the new version of PhyloCode (Beta version of Phylocode 5, 2014), APweb version 14 (September, 2018), revised Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification (APG IV, 2016), new Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group Classification (PPG I, 2016), besides the updates since the publication of third edition. The book is a blend of classical fundamental aspects and recent developments, especially in the field of molecular systematics, cladistics and computer identification. Special attention has been given to information on botanical nomenclature, identification, molecular systematics and phylogeny of angiosperms. The complicated concepts of phylogeny, taxometrics and cladistics have been explained with a view to providing a comparison between these diverse but interactive fields of study. An attempt has been made to build upon a common example when exploring different methods, especially in procedures of identification, taxometrics and cladistics. The major systems of classification are evaluated critically. Discussion on major families of Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, especially those of major phylogenetic interest, form a major portion of this edition. The ebook includes nearly 500 color photographs set out in 36 pages covering plants from different parts of the world. In addition, 305 black & white illustrations have been included to provide a better understanding of the plants covered in the book.

Field and Laboratory Methods in Primatology is a manual for students and researchers studying wild primates. Technological advances allow fieldworkers to collect a wide range of data, store samples for later analysis, and collect information remotely. These methods open up opportunities to gain new insights on previously studied populations and are the means of collecting data on species that have, until now, been difficult to study. However, information on the practicalities of using such methodology in the field has largely been lacking. Here, in this indispensable reference, experienced fieldworkers provide the first comprehensive guide to the wide variety of techniques available for the study of wild primates. Covering everything from pre-trip planning to laboratory analysis of endocrine and genetic samples, packed full of tips and emphasising practicalities and ethics throughout, it is a must-have for all field primatologists and others studying free-ranging animals.