Botany and plant sciences Books
Springer Patterns of Life Biogeography of a changing world
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£112.50
Springer Light and Plant Growth 1 Topics in Plant Physiology 1
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£85.49
Springer An Introduction to Vegetation Analysis Principles practice and interpretation
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£92.72
Oxford University Press Modern Middle East A History Very Short Introductions
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£51.99
Oxford University Press, USA Tropical Forest Ecology A View from Barro Colorado Island
Book SynopsisSynoptic comparison of tropical forests, based on a detailed understanding of one particular tropical forest, Barro Colorado Island. Covers various aspects of tropical forest biology including natural history, tree architecture and forest physiognomy, ecosystem dynamics, community ecology, niche differentiation and species diversity.Trade Review"Throughout this book the imprint of Egbert Leigh's keen intellect is apparent. He has pulled together an incredible mass of information both from his own observations from forests throughout the world but also from a summary of the works of others. Each chapter has very extensive list of references. When needed, Leigh summarizes natural law in the form of mathematical equations and while these may be beyond the comprehension of some readers, the book also is written in a style that is fun to read. Subjects are treated thoroughly and in an interesting manner; despite the wealth of information in each chapter the progression of subjects makes sense and is easy to follow. While the book uses Barro Colorado Island as a sounding board the information in this book is pertinent to tropical forests everywhere. The book should be mandatory reading for any student of ecology or biology."--Plant Systematics and Evolution "This book introduces rain forests and their ecological organization, using the tropical rain forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama as a representative. Three essential questions addressed in the book are: How do tropical forests stay green with so many herbivores? Why do tropic forests have such diverse flora and fauna? And what role does mutualism play in rain forest ecology? . . . The text is illustrated with figures and tables. This book should be of interest to scientists in the fields of tropical biology, ecology, botany, zoology, evolution, and natural history."--Biological Abstracts/RRM® "Leigh has produced a wonderful synthesis of our understanding of tropical forests, one that should attract a wide audience. . .I greatly appreciated that much of the mathematical details were left for appendicies after each chapter. I look forward to further editions of thisbook as our knowledge of the tropical forests of the world continues to grow--at least as long as there are any tropical forests left to study."--Ecology "Focusing on the climate, structure, and productivity of this well-studied Panamanian rainforest, Leigh discusses three critical issues: why tropical forests are green despite their abundant herbivores, why forests are so diverse, and the importance of mutualistic interactions in the forsts' ecology/"--Science "Throughout this book the imprint of Egbert Leigh's keen intellect is apparent. He has pulled together an incredible mass of information both from his own observations from forests throughout the world but also from a summary of the works of others. Each chapter has very extensive list of references. When needed, Leigh summarizes natural law in the form of mathematical equations and while these may be beyond the comprehension of some readers, the book also is written in a style that is fun to read. Subjects are treated thoroughly and in an interesting manner; despite the wealth of information in each chapter the progression of subjects makes sense and is easy to follow. While the book uses Barro Colorado Island as a sounding board the information in this book is pertinent to tropical forests everywhere. The book should be mandatory reading for any student of ecology or biology."--Plant Systematics and Evolution "This book introduces rain forests and their ecological organization, using the tropical rain forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama as a representative. Three essential questions addressed in the book are: How do tropical forests stay green with so many herbivores? Why do tropic forests have such diverse flora and fauna? And what role does mutualism play in rain forest ecology? . . . The text is illustrated with figures and tables. This book should be of interest to scientists in the fields of tropical biology, ecology, botany, zoology, evolution, and natural history."--Biological Abstracts/RRM® "Leigh has produced a wonderful synthesis of our understanding of tropical forests, one that should attract a wide audience. . .I greatly appreciated that much of the mathematical details were left for appendicies after each chapter. I look forward to further editions of thisbook as our knowledge of the tropical forests of the world continues to grow--at least as long as there are any tropical forests left to study."--Ecology "Focusing on the climate, structure, and productivity of this well-studied Panamanian rainforest, Leigh discusses three critical issues: why tropical forests are green despite their abundant herbivores, why forests are so diverse, and the importance of mutualistic interactions in the forsts' ecology/"--ScienceTable of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Barro Colorado Island: The Background ; 2. Dramatis Personae ; 3. Tropical Climates ; 4. Runoff, Erosion, and Soil ; 5. Telling the Trees from the Forest: Tree Shape and Leaf Arrangement ; 6. Biomass and Productivity of Tropical Forest ; 7. The Seasonal Rhythms of Fruiting and Leaf Flush, and the Regulation of Animal Populations ; 8. Tropical Diversity ; 9. The Role of Mutualism in Tropical Forest ; 10. The Rainforest Endangered
£128.25
Oxford University Press Ecology of the Shortgrass Steppe
Book SynopsisEcology of the Shortgrass Steppe: A Long-Term Perspective summarizes and synthesizes more than 60 years of research that has been conducted throughout the shortgrass region. The shortgrass steppe was an important focus of the International Biological Programme''s Grassland Biome project that ran from the late 1960s until the mid 1970s. The work conducted by the Grassland Biome project was preceded by almost 40 years of research by U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers - primarily from the Agricultural Research Service - and followed to the present by the Shortgrass Steppe Long Term Ecological Research project. Ecology of the Shortgrass Steppe is an enormously rich source of data and insight into the structure and function of a semiarid grassland.Trade ReviewMuch of what we know about grasslands stems from over 40 years of research at the Shortgrass Steppe Long-Term Ecological Research station, which is complied in this volume by 34 authors. Moving beyond important early chapters that provide descriptive context for the shortgrass steppe, several contributions provide a deep population-level understanding of how the dominant grass, Bouteloua gracilis responds to disturbance and environmental drivers. * The Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of Contents1. The Shortgrass Steppe: The Region and Research Sites ; 2. Climate of the Shortgrass Steppe ; 3. Soil Development and Distribution in the Shortgrass Steppe Ecosystem ; 4. Land Use History on the Shortgrass Steppe ; 5. Vegetation of the Shortgrass Steppe ; 6. The role of disturbances in shortgrass steppe community and ecosystem dynamics ; 7. Simulation of Disturbances and Recovery in Shortgrass Steppe Plant Communities ; 8. Ecology of mammals of shortgrass steppe ; 9. Birds of the Shortgrass Steppe ; 10. Insect Populations, Community Interactions, and Ecosystem Processes in Shortgrass Steppe ; 11. Trophic Structure and Nutrient Dynamics of the Belowground Food Web within the Rhizosphere of the Shortgrass Steppe ; 12. Net Primary Production in the Shortgrass Steppe ; 13. Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Dynamics of Shortgrass Steppe Ecosystems ; 14. Soil-Atmosphere Exchange of Trace Gases in the Colorado Shortgrass Steppe ; 15. The Shortgrass Steppe and Ecosystem Modeling ; 16. Effects of Grazing on Vegetation ; 17. Cattle Grazing on the Shortgrass Steppe ; 18. Effects of Grazing on Abundance and Distribution of Shortgrass Steppe Consumers ; 19. The Future of the Shortgrass Steppe
£89.30
Oxford University Press A Field Guide to Plants of Costa Rica
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Palms and palm-like plants ; 2. Tall Trees: Woody plants growing to 10 m tall or more ; 3. Shrubs and small trees: Plants with woody stems less than 10 m tall ; 4. Woody Vines (Lianas): high-climbing plants with woody stems ; 5. Herbaceous vines: climbing or twining herbs ; 6. Herbs: Plants with non-woody stems ; 7. Grasses and grass-like plants: by family, genus, species, Alphabetically ; 8. Ferns and other flowerless plants: plants reproducing by spores ; Illustrated Glossary ; References ; Index
£999.99
Oxford University Press The New Foundations of Evolution
Book SynopsisThis is the story of a profound revolution in the way biologists explore life''s history, understand its evolutionary processes, and reveal its diversity. It is about life''s smallest entities, deepest diversity, and greatest cellular biomass: the microbiosphere. Jan Sapp introduces us to a new field of evolutionary biology and a new brand of molecular evolutionists who descend to the foundations of evolution on Earth to explore the origins of the genetic system and the primary life forms from which all others have emerged. In so doing, he examines-from Lamarck to the present-the means of pursuing the evolution of complexity, and of depicting the greatest differences among organisms. The New Foundations of Evolution takes us into a world that classical evolutionists could never have imagined: a deep phylogeny based on three domains of life and multiple kingdoms, and created by mechanisms very unlike those considered by Darwin and his followers. Evolution by leaps seems to occur regulTrade ReviewIt is a must-read for anyone with the slightest interest in the historical background to the current controversies regarding the role of horizontal gene transfer and how this affects the notion of a tree of life for prokaryotes. * Systematic Biology *Table of ContentsFOREWORD; PREFACE; CONCLUDING REMARKS
£53.20
Oxford University Press The Biology of Alpine Habitats
Book SynopsisThis book is unique in providing a global overview of alpine (high mountain) habitats that occur above the natural (cold-limited) tree line, describing the factors that have shaped them over both ecological and evolutionary timescales. The broad geographic coverage helps synthesise common features whilst revealing differences in the world''s major alpine systems from the Arctic to the Tropics. The words barren and wasteland have often been applied to describe landscapes beyond the treeline. However, a closer look reveals a large diversity of habitats, assemblages and individual taxa, largely connected to topographic diversity within individual alpine regions. The book considers habitat-forming factors (landforms, energy and climate, hydrology, soils, and vegetation) individually, as well as their composite impacts on habitat characteristics. Evolution and population processes are examined in the context of the responsiveness / resilience of alpine habitats to global change. Finally, a Trade Review[A] Unique global overview of alpine habitats. * Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research *[A] comprehensive introduction into the biology of alpine habitats. * Basic and Applied Ecology2009 *Table of Contents1. Introduction: what is alpine? ; 2. High mountains in latitude life zones - a worldwide perspective ; 3. Elevation gradients ; 4. The alpine environment - energy and climate ; 5. Habitat creating factors: landforms, hydrology, and soils ; 6. Alpine terrestrial habitats and community types / assemblages ; 7. Biogeography, adaptation and evolution of alpine organisms ; 8. Temporal and spatial dynamics ; 9. Global change impacts on alpine habitats: climate and nitrogen deposition ; 10. Land use and conservation of alpine landscapes, ecosystems, and species ; 11. Concluding remarks ; References ; Index
£64.60
Oxford University Press The Biology of Mangroves and Seagrasses
Book SynopsisMangroves and seagrasses form extensive and highly productive ecosystems that are both biologically diverse and economically valuable. This book, now in its third edition and fully updated throughout, continues to provide a current and comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the biology and ecology of mangroves and seagrasses. Using a global range of examples and case studies, it describes the unique adaptations of these plants to their exacting environments; the rich and diverse communities of organisms that depend on mangrove forests and seagrass meadows (including tree-climbing shrimps, synchronously flashing fireflies, and ''gardening'' seacows); the links between mangrove, seagrass, and other habitats; and the evolution, biodiversity, and biogeography of mangroves and seagrasses. The economic value of mangroves and seagrasses is also discussed, including approaches to rational management of these vital resources and techniques for the restoration of degraded habitats. A finalTrade ReviewThis book would seem most appropriate for upper-level undergraduate orgraduate courses. For graduate students or faculty working with mangrove or seagrasses, this is a perfect one-stop source on the "big picture" regarding these systems. * Craig Layman, Quarterly Review of Biology *Review from previous edition The book is a well-written, introductory text covering a wide range of topics ... and is the first book that can be realistically used as an undergraduate textbook on the subject. * Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology *Hogarth has produced an impressive book on the mangrove ecosystem...I strongly recommend it as an introductory text for naturalists, students, and professional biologists embarking on studies in mangrove environments. * Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin *Table of Contents1. Mangroves and seagrasses ; 2. Mangroves and their environment ; 3. Seagrasses and their environment ; 4. Community structure and dynamics ; 5. The mangrove community: terrestrial components ; 6. The mangrove community: marine components ; 7. Seagrass communities ; 8. Measuring and modelling ; 9. Comparisons and connections ; 10. Biodiversity and biogeography ; 11. Impacts ; 12. Global climate change
£60.80
Oxford University Press Plant Behaviour and Intelligence
Book SynopsisThis book provides a convincing argument for the view that whole cells and whole plants growing in competitive wild conditions show aspects of plant behaviour that can be accurately described as 'intelligent'.Trade ReviewThe fact that the ideas presented in this book will probably not always be easy to accept gives it a unique value. There are oceans of data papers and books, but many fewer intriguing and inspiring ones. Given the, in general, historically wrong view about plants as almost inanimate creatures, they have not been studied as deeply as have animals. Therefore, there are many aspects of plant biology, especially those that can illuminate their behavior and intelligence, that have been left almost untouched. If this book stimulates researchers to address descriptively, theoretically, and experimentally these many overlooked or neglected aspects of plant biology, the book will be a great success, because it is certainly not a typical scientific book, but rather a manifesto. * Simcha Lev-Yadun, Trends in Ecology & Evolution *Trewavas ... moves effortlessly from mechanistic research to invigorating insights into real-world plant behaviour. * Ian T. Baldwin, Nature *[E]ngaging, interesting, and thought provoking, with a deep commitment and introspection into the world of plant behavior and intelligence from a multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional perspective and is, most possibly, the first volume of its kind. ... The volume will be useful for both undergraduate and graduate students of botany, plant science, forestry, plant ecology, and evolution. This could also be helpful for introductory courses in biology, biological sciences, life sciences, and environmental sciences and as an introductory resource for agriculture courses. Enthusiastic readers outside academia interested in plant life, ecology, and evolution will also find this volume engaging. * Plant Science Bulletin *Biologists everywhere (but especially zoologists or zoo-minded botanists) should read and heed this book. * Nigel Chaffey, Annals of Botony *Table of Contents1. A feeling for the organism ; 2. Plant behaviour foundations ; 3. The origins of photosynthesis. 1.What are the salient characteristics of living systems? ; 4. The origins of photosynthesis. 2. The evolution of life and photosynthesis ; 5. Why did plants become multicellular? ; 6. Convergent evolution is common in plant systems ; 7. Are angiosperms more complex than mammals? ; 8. Plant behaviour: first intimations of self organisation ; 9. The varieties of plant behaviour ; 10. The self organising plant: lessons from swarm intelligence ; 11. Self-organisation: Cambium as the integration assessor ; 12. Self-organising capacity in leaf behaviour ; 13. Self-organisation and behaviour in root systems ; 14. Self-organisation in response to gravity ; 15. Signals other than gravity ; 16. Behavioural characteristics of seeds: elements of dormancy ; 17. Games plants play ; 18. Competition and cooperation between individual plants for mates and territory: the recognition of self ; 19. The nature of intelligent behaviour: cognition or adaptation? ; 20. Brains and nerve cells are not necessary for intelligent behaviour ; 21. Intelligent genomes ; 22. Cellular basis of intelligent behaviour ; 23. Cell organisation and protein networks ; 24. Instinct, reflex and conditioned behaviours: characteristics of plant behaviour? ; 25. Intelligence and consciousness ; 26. Intelligent foraging?
£53.20
Oxford University Press Carnivorous Plants
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£59.40
Oxford University Press The Antipodes of the Mind
Book SynopsisThis is a pioneering cognitive psychological study of Ayahuasca, a plant-based Amazonian psychotropic brew. Benny Shanon presents a comprehensive charting of the various facets of the special state of mind induced by Ayahuasca, and analyzes them from a cognitive psychological perspective. He also presents some philosophical reflections. Empirically, the research presented in this book is based on the systematic recording of the author''s extensive experiences with the brew and on the interviewing of a large number of informants: indigenous people, shamans, members of different religious sects using Ayahuasca, and travellers. In addition to its being the most thorough study of the Ayahuasca experience to date, the book lays the theoretical foundations for the psychological study of non-ordinary states of consciousness in general.Trade Review... a great book ... it makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of consciousness ... The strength of the book lies in the rich descriptions and analyses of the ayahuasca experience ... deserves to be widely read by those who are seriously interested in understanding the nature of consciousness and reality. * Journal of Scientific Exploration *The experiences described in this book are quite literally mind-blowing and the cosmic vision it describes will be of great interest to TC readers. Highly recommended. * The Cauldron *It deserves to be read by anyone interested in religion, mysticism, and conciousness - and who is not? it should be required reading for psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuroscientists, because it shows how absurdly simplistic are the biochemical, darwinianm and genetic models now dominating mind-science. * John Horgan, Maps Vol XIII 2003 *Shanon's authorial persona is earnest, serious, straightforward, absolutely trustworthy. Antipodes is suffused with a sense of genuine adventure. * John Horgan, author of Rational Mysticism *Shanon's pioneering work * Thomas B Roberts, Northern Illinois University *Table of ContentsPROLOGUE ; GENERAL BACKGROUND; THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS; METHODOLOGY AND GENERAL STRUCTURE ; ATMOSPHERE AND GENERAL EFFECTS; OPEN EYE VISUALIZATIONS; A STRUCTURAL TYPOLOGY OF AYAHUASCA VISUALIZATIONS; INTERACTION AND NARRATION; THE CONTENTS OF VISIONS; THE THEMES OF VISIONS; IDEAS, INSIGHTS, AND REFLECTIONS; NON-VISUAL PERCEPTIONS; CONSCIOUSNESS I; TRANSFORMATIONS; TIME; MEANING AND SEMANTICS; CONSCIOUSNESS II; LIGHT ; STAGES AND ORDER; CONTEXTUAL CONSIDERATIONS; COGNITIVE PARAMETERS; DYNAMICS; A GENERAL THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE; CONCLUDING PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS ; EPILOGUE ; APPENDIX (QUANTITATIVE DATA) ; BIBLIOGRAPHY
£62.70
Oxford University Press Mushroom
Book SynopsisThe overnight appearance of mushrooms in a meadow or on a suburban lawn is a marvelous sight. It is one of many awe-inspiring, magical processes that have evolved among the fungi, yet this group remains the least studied and most poorly understood kingdom of organisms. In Mushroom, Nicholas Money offers a vibrant introduction to the world of mushrooms, investigating the science behind these organisms as well as their enduring cultural and imaginative appeal. Beginning with the basics of mushroom biology, Money leads us through a history of mushroom research, painting portraits of the colorful characters involved in their study--among them, Beatrix Potter, the celebrated author and creator of Peter Rabbit, and Captain Charles McIlvaine, a Civil War veteran who engaged in a dangerous quest to determine the edibility of every mushroom in North America. Money also discusses the uses of mushrooms today, exploring their importance as food and medicine, their use as recreational drugs, and asTrade ReviewBotanist Nicholas Money is unashamedly in thrall to the 'fungal sex organ'. In this brilliant scientific and cultural exploration, these organisms of rot and soil positively sparkle. * Nature *Table of ContentsPreface ; Chapter 1: Angels on the Lawn: How Mushrooms Develop ; Chapter 2: Gill Gymnastics: The Beautiful Mechanism of Mushroom Spore Release ; Chapter 3: Triumph of the Fungi: Diversity and Functions of Mushroom ; Chapter 4: Satan's Gourmand: Harvesting Wild Mushrooms ; Chapter 5: Snow White and Baby Bella: Global Industry of Mushroom Cultivation ; Chapter 6: Death Caps: Poisonous Mushrooms and Mushroom Poisoning ; Chapter 7: Magic Mushrooms: The Culture and Science of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms ; Chapter 8: Cures for Mortality?: The Medicinal Mushroom Fraud ; Notes ; Index
£28.47
Oxford University Press, USA Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America
Book SynopsisOver the last decade, the field of plant ecology has significantly developed and expanded, especially in research concerning the herb layer and ground vegetation of forests. This revised second edition of The Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America accounts for that growth, presenting research that approaches the ecology of the herb layer of forests from a variety of disciplines and perspectives. The book synthesizes the research of top ecologists and biologists on herbaceous layer structure, composition, and dynamics of a variety of forest ecosystem types in eastern North America. The 2003 first edition of The Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America was praised for containing the most extensive listing of herb-layer literature in existence. This second edition brings this material up to date, revised to include current research and data. The book incorporates quantitative data to support analyses that was previously unavailable during the publication of the fTrade Review"Overall, the second edition of The Herbaceous Layer is much more than a corrected and lightly updated version of the first edition. The new chapters bring into sharp focus the importance of disturbance, conservation, and protection of forests and forest understories in states ranging from recovering clear-cuts to old-growth stands. The literature reviews and integrated bibliography are incredibly thorough and provide a one-stop shop for students beginning studies of the forest understory, for experienced researchers in need of a refresher, and for all, a reminder of the importance, the value, and the aesthetic beauty of the herbaceous layer." --RHODORATable of ContentsTable of Contents ; Chapter 1: The Herbaceous Layer-The Forest Between the Trees ; Frank S. Gilliam ; Chapter 2: Nutrient Relations of the Herbaceous Layer in Deciduous Forest Ecosystems ; Robert N. Muller ; Chapter 3: Ecophysiology of the Herbaceous Layer in Temperate Deciduous Forests ; Howard S. Neufield ; Donald R. Young ; Chapter 3 Appendix ; Chapter 4: Interactions of nutrient effects with other biotic factors in the herbaceous layer ; Wendy B. Anderson ; Chapter 5: Mating Systems and Floral Biology of the Herb Layer: A Survey of Two Communities and the State of our Knowledge ; Carol Goodwillie ; Claudia L. Jolls ; Chapter 6: Populations and Threats to Rare Plants of the Herb Layer ; Claudia L. Jolls ; Dennis Whigham ; Chapter 6 Appendix 1 ; Chapter 6 Appendix 2 ; Chapter 7: The Herbaceous Layer of Eastern Old-Growth Deciduous Forests ; Brian C. McCarthy ; Chapter 8: Habitat Heterogeneity and Maintenance of Species in Understory Communities ; Susan W. Beatty ; Chapter 9: Interactions Between the Herbaceous Layer and Overstory Canopy of Eastern Forests ; Frank S. Gilliam ; Mark R. Roberts ; Chapter 10: Herbaceous layer species richness of southeastern forests and woodlands ; Robert K. Peet ; Kyle A. Palmquist ; Samantha M. Tessel ; Chapter 11: Temporal Patterns in Herbaceous Layer Communities of the North Carolina Piedmont ; Robert K. Peet ; Norman L. Christensen ; Frank S. Gilliam ; Chapter 12: Composition and Dynamics of the Understory Vegetation in the Boreal Forests of Quebec ; Louis De Grandpre' Yves Bergeron ; Nicole J. Fenton ; Thuy Nguyen ; Catherine Boudreault ; Pierre Grondin ; Chapter 12 Appendix ; Chapter 13: Response of the Herbaceous Layer to Disturbance in Eastern Forests ; Mark R. Roberts ; Frank S. Gilliam ; Chapter 14: The Herbaceous Layer as a Filtering Determining Spatial Pattern in Forest Tree Regeneration ; Lisa O. George ; Fahhri A. Bazzaz ; Chapter 15: Forest Invasions: Perceptions, Impacts and Management Questions ; James O. Luken ; Chapter 16: Effects of Deer on Forest Herb Layers ; Donald M. Waller ; Chapter 17: A Case Study of Chronic Deer Overbrowsing Throughout the Allegheny National Forest Region of Pennsylvania ; Walter P. Carson ; Alejandro A. Royo ; Chris J. Peterson ; Chapter 18: Long-Term Effects on Clearcutting in the Southern Appalachians ; Julie L. Wyatt ; Miles R. Silman ; Chapter 19: Agricultural Legacies in Forest Herb Communities ; Kathryn M. Flinn ; Chapter 20: Effects of Excess Nitrogen Deposition on the Herbaceous Layer of Eastern North American Forests ; Frank S. Gilliam ; Chapter 21: Climate Change and Forest Herbs of Temperate Deciduous Forests ; Jesse Bellamare ; David A. Moeller ; Chapter 21 Appendix ; Chapter 22: The Dynamic Nature of the Herbaceous Layer ; Frank S. Gilliam ; References ; First Edition References
£125.88
Oxford University Press, USA Plants and the Human Brain
Book SynopsisWe''re all familiar with the idea that plant-derived chemicals can have an impact on the functioning of the human brain. Most of us reach for a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, many of us occasionally eat some chocolate, some smoke a cigarette or take an herbal supplement, and some people use illicit drugs. We know a great deal about the mechanisms by which the psychoactive components of these various products have their effects on human brain function, but the question of why they have these effects has been almost totally ignored. This book sets out to describe not only how, in terms of pharmacology or psychopharmacology, but more importantly why plant- and fungus-derived chemicals have their effects on the human brain. The answer to this last question resides, in part, with the terrestrial world''s two dominant life forms, the plants and the insects, and the many ecological roles the ''secondary metabolite'' plant chemicals are trying to play; for instance, defending the plant against insect herbivores whilst attracting insect pollinators. The answer also resides in the intersecting genetic heritage of mammals, plants, and insects and the surprising biological similarities between the three taxa. In particular it revolves around the close correspondence between the brains of insects and humans, and the intercellular signaling pathways shared by plants and humans. Plants and the Human Brain describes and discusses both how and why phytochemicals affect brain function with respect to the three main groups of secondary metabolites: the alkaloids, which provide us with caffeine, a host of poisons, a handful of hallucinogens, and most drugs of abuse (e.g. morphine, cocaine, DMT, LSD, and nicotine); the phenolics, including polyphenols, which constitute a significant and beneficial part of our natural diet; and the terpenes, a group of multifunctional compounds which provide us with the active components of cannabis and a multitude of herbal extracts such as ginseng, ginkgo and valerian.Trade ReviewThis is an impressive book. ... I recommend reading it -- the writing is clear, lucid, and engaging. If you don't believe me, just read the first two paragraphs -- you will be hooked! * Dale Walters, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh *This book is a scholarly masterpiece of David O. Kennedy. If you want to understand the pharmacological mode of action of the psychoactive natural products and their role in human history, Plants and the Human Brain, is fascinating read. * Michael Wink, Heidelberg University, Germany *For plant biology collections, this book is a jewel. Highly recommended. * Sam Blu, Choice *I enjoyed reading this book and learnt much from it. It deserves to be read widely as there must be few people who have the breadth of knowledge themselves which is found in it and for such it will enhance their application of this fascinating topic. * Peter Houghton, Journal of Ethnopharmacology *The book is extremely well referenced; therefore, not only is the text a treasure of amazing scientific discourses, but it is also an excellent factual resource that enables the reader to go beyond the book's scope. The exciting debate about the link between plants and humans continutes, and Kennedy has provided a fascinating new synthesis and exciting new insights based on a critical assesment of biochemical, pharmacological, and phytochemical evidence. * BioScience *[A] landmark contribution to psychopharmacology and human health ... Students, teachers, and researchers of herbal medicine, biochemistry and phytochemistry, nutrition, psychopharmacology, ecology, and entomology should all avail themselves of the opportunity and pleasure to read this beautifully written book. * HerbalGram: The Journal of the American Botanical Council *Table of ContentsChapter 1: From shamans to starbucks ; Chapter 2: Secondary metabolites and the life of plants ; Chapter 3: More alike than we are unalike - Why do plant chemicals affect the human brain? ; Chapter 4: Alkaloids and the lives of plants and humans ; Chapter 5: The Rewarding Or Addictive Drugs ; Chapter 6: The Hallucinogens ; Chapter 7: The Deliriants - The nightshade (Solanaceae) family ; Chapter 8: Phenolics and the Lives of Plants and Animals ; Chapter 9: Phenolics and the human brain ; Chapter 10: Terpenes and the Lives of Plants and Animals ; Chapter 11: The Lamiaceae sub-tribe Salviinae - the Salvia, Rosmarinus and Melissa genera ; Chapter 12: Cannabis and the cannabinoids ; Chapter 13: Some Miscellaneous Terpenes ; Chapter 14: In conclusion, comparing and contrasting the alkaloids, phenolics and terpenes
£95.00
Springer Mammal Ecology Tertiary Level Biology
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£44.99
Yale University Press The Ecology and Biogeography of Nothofagus Forests
Book SynopsisNothofagus - southern beeches - is a genus which grows in southern temperate zone regions separated by large oceans. This work focuses on the distribution, history and ecology of Nothofagus, seeking thereby to provide a clearer understanding of modern vegetation patterns in the southern hemisphere.
£78.28
Yale University Press Science and Colonial Expansion
Book SynopsisAn analysis of the political effects of scientific research as exemplified by economic botany during the 19th century. It examines how the British botanic garden network developed and transferred economically important plants to different parts of the world to promote the Empire's prosperity.
£29.33
Springer Atlas and Manual of Plant Pathology
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£85.49
Springer An Introduction to Biological Control
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£85.49
Springer Seeds
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£84.40
Springer Immunological Aspects
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£170.99
Springer Ubiquitin
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Springer The Science of Photobiology
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Springer The Science of Photobiology
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Springer Virally Infected Cells
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Springer Biotechnology for Livestock Production Proceedings
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Springer Cellular and Molecular Biology of Intermediate Filaments
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Springer Subcellular Biochemistry
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Springer Biophysical and Biochemical Aspects of Fluorescence Spectroscopy
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Springer Molecular Insect Science
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Springer Endothelial Cell Dysfunctions
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Springer Cell Biology of Extracellular Matrix
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Springer Intracellular Parasites
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Springer Phytochemical Resources for Medicine and Agriculture
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Springer Plant Polyphenols Synthesis Properties Significance 59 Basic Life Sciences 59
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Springer Mammalian Amino Acid Transport
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Springer Cellular Communication in Plants Proceedings of the 21st Steenbock Symposium Held in Madison Wisconsin May 31June 2 1992
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Springer Molecular Biology of Membranes
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Springer A Manual of Applied Techniques for Biological Electron Microscopy
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Springer Membrane Biogenesis
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Springer Advances in Microbial Ecology v. 13
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Springer Seeds Physiology Of Development And Germination Language Of Science
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Springer Genetic Engineering of Plant Secondary Metabolism Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Phytochemical Society of North America Held in ... v. 28 Recent Advances in Phytochemistry
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Springer Proteins Structure Function and Engineering
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Springer Mechanisms of Lymphocyte Activation and Immune Regulation V
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Springer Biology of the Sialic Acids
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