Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs - 9781486300099

Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs presents the current state of knowledge of the ecology of important elements of southern Australian sub-tidal reef flora and fauna, and the underlying ecological principles.

Preliminary chapters describe the geological origin, oceanography and biogeography of southern Australia, including the transitional temperate regions toward the Abrolhos Islands in the west and to Sydney in the east. The book then explains the origin and evolution of the flora and fauna at geological time scales as Australia separated from Antarctica; the oceanography of the region, including principal currents, and interactions with on-shelf waters; and the ecology of particular species or species groups at different trophic levels, starting with algae, then the ecological principles on which communities are organized.

Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs is well illustrated with line drawings, figures and color plates showing the many species covered, and will be a much valued reference for biologists, undergraduates, and those interested and concerned with reef life and its natural history.

Key Features:
* Well illustrated with line drawings, figures and color plates to illustrate the many species discussed
* Includes accounts of geological origin, biogeography and the oceanography of the region, including principal currents, and interactions with on-shelf waters