Second Growth

The Promise of Tropical Forest Regeneration in an Age of Deforestation

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Botany, Ecology
Cover of the book Second Growth by Robin L. Chazdon, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robin L. Chazdon ISBN: 9780226118109
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: May 23, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Robin L. Chazdon
ISBN: 9780226118109
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: May 23, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

For decades, conservation and research initiatives in tropical forests have focused almost exclusively on old-growth forests because scientists believed that these “pristine” ecosystems housed superior levels of biodiversity. With Second Growth, Robin L. Chazdon reveals those assumptions to be largely false, bringing to the fore the previously overlooked counterpart to old-growth forest: second growth.

Even as human activities result in extensive fragmentation and deforestation, tropical forests demonstrate a great capacity for natural and human-aided regeneration. Although these damaged landscapes can take centuries to regain the characteristics of old growth, Chazdon shows here that regenerating—or second-growth—forests are vital, dynamic reservoirs of biodiversity and environmental services. What is more, they always have been.

With chapters on the roles these forests play in carbon and nutrient cycling, sustaining biodiversity, providing timber and non-timber products, and integrated agriculture, Second Growth not only offers a thorough and wide-ranging overview of successional and restoration pathways, but also underscores the need to conserve, and further study, regenerating tropical forests in an attempt to inspire a new age of local and global stewardship.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For decades, conservation and research initiatives in tropical forests have focused almost exclusively on old-growth forests because scientists believed that these “pristine” ecosystems housed superior levels of biodiversity. With Second Growth, Robin L. Chazdon reveals those assumptions to be largely false, bringing to the fore the previously overlooked counterpart to old-growth forest: second growth.

Even as human activities result in extensive fragmentation and deforestation, tropical forests demonstrate a great capacity for natural and human-aided regeneration. Although these damaged landscapes can take centuries to regain the characteristics of old growth, Chazdon shows here that regenerating—or second-growth—forests are vital, dynamic reservoirs of biodiversity and environmental services. What is more, they always have been.

With chapters on the roles these forests play in carbon and nutrient cycling, sustaining biodiversity, providing timber and non-timber products, and integrated agriculture, Second Growth not only offers a thorough and wide-ranging overview of successional and restoration pathways, but also underscores the need to conserve, and further study, regenerating tropical forests in an attempt to inspire a new age of local and global stewardship.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Temporary Kings by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book Nixon at the Movies by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book The Shock of the Ancient by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book The Aims of Higher Education by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book What Do You Think, Mr. Ramirez? by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book The Beast and the Sovereign, Volume I by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book Stories of Capitalism by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book Robert Schumann's Advice to Young Musicians by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book America, Compromised by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book A Feast for the Eyes by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book Gravity's Ghost by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book The Mana of Mass Society by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book Principles of Intensive Psychotherapy by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book Music, the Arts, and Ideas by Robin L. Chazdon
Cover of the book The Cultural Turn in U. S. History by Robin L. Chazdon
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy