Description
Book SynopsisAnimals as geomorphic agents have primarily been considered curiosities in the literature of geomorphology, whose spatial and quantitative influences have been seen as both limited and minor. Zoogeomorphology: Animals as Geomorphic Agents, which is wholly devoted to this topic, examines the distinct geomorphic influences of invertebrates, ectothermic vertebrates, birds and mammals, and demonstrates the importance of animals as landscape sculptors. Specific processes associated with the diversity of animal influences in geomorphology are examined, including burrowing and denning, nesting, lithophagy and geophagy, wallowing and trampling, food caching, excavating for food, and dam building by beavers. Particular emphasis is placed on terrestrial animals, although aquatic animals are also discussed where appropriate.
Trade Review"...Butler has written a book which... is a fine piece of workmanship and will be read by all even remotely interested in zoogeomorphology. It should be an informed stimulant for years to come." Stanley W, Trimble, Earth Surface Processes in Landforms
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as the author is not only knowledgable in geomorphology, but is also witty and delightfully humourous in his writing....At present, there is no other book on zoogeomorphology. This, coupled with its atractively low price and its undeniable charm, make it a first choice both for geomorphologists and for anyone interested in animals and their ecology." Francisco L. Perez, Geomorphology
"...an educating and entertaining treatise...Ecologists interested in ecosystem engineering by species will find Zoogeomorphology a very valuable source of information...." Clive G. Jones, Ecology
"...a handy reference for the general phenomena associated with zoogeomorphology....Perhaps its most valuable role will be to stimulate both biologists and geomorphologists to further investigate what are likely to be interesting and important influences of animals on the Earth's surface and near surface environment." O.J. Reichman, Quarterly Review of Biology
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. The geomorphic influences of invertebrates; 3. The geomorphic accomplishments of ectothermic vertebrates; 4. Birds as agents of erosion, transportation and deposition; 5. The geomorphic effects of digging for and caching food; 6. Trampling, wallowing and geophagy by mammals; 7. The geomorphic effects of mammalian burrowing; 8. The geomorphic influence of beavers; 9. Concluding remarks; References; Index.
