This book has been produced to highlight the conservation importance of the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts that are found on cultivated land. These plants may be tiny and unobtrusive, but close examination reveals their true beauty. The stunning photographs will surely inspire an increased level of interest in this relatively little-known group and enable even the novice bryologist to gain a better insight into the rich diversity of our bryophyte flora. An introduction to the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts associated with cultivated land Information on the 86 bryophytes found in arable fields Illustrated profiles of the 47 bryophytes most closely associated with arable farming, highlighting those included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan Superb close-up photographs and illustrations showing the key features Distribution maps based on the latest available data An easy-to-use approach to the identification of this challenging group

Bryophytes were a pivotal step in land plant evolution, and their significance in the regulation of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity is becoming increasingly acknowledged. This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of bryophyte biology, making it ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as amateur botanists. The authors expertly summarise the diversity of bryophytes and outline recent advances in our understanding of their evolutionary history, their ecological roles and preferences, their distribution patterns and conservation needs. The text is highly illustrated throughout, with boxed summaries of topics of current relevance in bryophyte biology, and a glossary of technical terms.

This handbook provides a general introduction to the National Vegetation Classification (NVC). It details the methodology for sampling and describing vegetation in the field, explains how such information can be used to identify plant communities and outlines the character of the classification itself and the accounts of vegetation types it contains. It also discusses the important issues involved in carrying out an NVC survey of a site and gives a brief indication of other applications of the scheme. This is a reprint edition 186107574X published in 2006.

Advances in Ecological Research is one of the most successful series in the highly competitive field of ecology. This thematic volume focuses on large scale ecology, publishing important reviews that contribute to our understanding of the field. - Presents the most updated information on the field of large scale ecology, publishing topical and important reviews - Provides all information that relates to a thorough understanding of the field - Includes data on physiology, populations, and communities of plants and animals

This richly illustrated text/reference, originally printed in 1985, provides a comprehensive introduction to the structure, evolution and interrelationships of the bryophytes. Leading bryologist W. B. Schofield gives a broad, international view of bryology that goes beyond a basic understanding of structure to present the bryophytes as a vital group of living plants. After a solid foundation in the morphology of mosses, liverworts and hornworts separate chapters, organized to allow easy comparison of the evolutionary lines, offer definitive information on the biology of the organisms. Topics covered in detail include cytology, genetics, chemistry, ecology, physiology, geography and the history of the discipline. Emphasizing the biologic significance of the bryophytes, the author uses an abundance of elegant original illustrations to show the structure, diversity and the natural beauty of the bryophytes. There is also an extensive glossary of bryologic terminology. W. B. Schofield is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is a former president of the American Bryological and Lichenological Society.