http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
Plant Responses to Hyperarid Desert Environments
XV, 598 p. 227 illus., 148 illus. in color. online resource.
This book provides a comprehensive discussion on plant responses in hyperarid regions of Egypt, China, Mexico, and Pakistan. It describes their location, physiographic features, accidental vegetation along two transects, endangered vegetation species, and human impact, variety of plant types (e.g. climbing, succulent, and parasitic). Studies on biotic and abiotic interactions, plant biodiversity, and soil-plant relationships are also covered. Covering a wide range of plant conditions and adaptations, this book analyzes what happens when plants must endure very high temperatures and aridity. Plants have adapted by evolving their physical structure to store and conserve water. Examples are the absence of leaves which reduces transpiration and the growth of extremely long roots, allowing them to acquire moisture at, or near the water table. Plants in hyperarid habitats have also made behavioral adaptations in order to survive by synchronizing with the seasons of greatest moisture and/or coolest temperatures. For example, desert perennials remain dormant during dry periods of the year, then spring to life when water becomes available. The book includes many color illustrations, and has extensive and up-to-date references for further reading.
Arid Desert of the World: Origin, Distribution and Features -- Part I: Egypt: The Land of Three Deserts -- The Desert of Egypt -- The Coastal Desert -- The Inland Eastern Desert -- The Inland Western Desert -- The Sinai Desert -- Human Impacts -- Plant Responses To Desert Environment -- Part II: The Desert and Semi Desert of Mexico -- The Deserts of Mexico -- Plant-Environment Relationships in Mexican Arid and Semiarid Regions -- Part III: The Desert OF China -- The Deserts of China -- Vegetation and Environment -- Part IV: The Desert of Pakistan -- The Deserts of Pakistan.
by Monier M. Abd El-Ghani, Francisco Martín Huerta-Martínez, Liu Hongyan, Rahmatullah Qureshi.