Insect Biodiversity : Functional Dynamics and Ecological Perspectives

Insect Biodiversity : Functional Dynamics and Ecological Perspectives
Author: T.N. Ananthakrishnan
Publisher: Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2017-03-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9387869717

Rapid depletion and degradation of species in diverse ecosystems and the implications of this for human welfare have the cause for increasing concern. Biodiversity or variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are a part, is essential for ensuring the basic ecological services and resources necessary for sustaining human welfare. The loss of biodiversity is therefore, considered one of the most serious problem threatening the world today. An understanding of the ecological implications of the increasing loss of bodiversity, not to mention of the economic implications, has therefore, became vital. A biodiversity loss is irreversible. A calls for increased caution in our efforts to convert and exploit natural resources. Some minimal level of biodiversity is necessary to main ecological functioning, which in turn is necessary for generating the biological resources on which human welfare depends. Needless to emphasive that substantial biodiversity loss occurs due to forest clearing and degradation, leading to the need for assessing biodiversity in different ecosystems. Keeping these aspects in mind, the present volume highlights biodiversity in different cropping systems besides that the impact of cold and hot deserts. Selection of the topics in the various chapters is essentially because of the experience of the authors in the field of biodiversity.

Dynamics Of Insect Behavior

Dynamics Of Insect Behavior
Author: T.N. Ananthakrishnan
Publisher: Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2012-01-01
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9386347539

In this book, 'state of art' situation in patterns of behaviour is presented by the authors, each with expertise in respective fields on diverse aspects such as pollination, predation and parasitism, forest and agricultural pests, besides the dynamics of aquatic insects in general and dragonflies in particular, in addition to insect vectors of diseases. The need for an appreciation of the differentiation processes controlling growth and development of plant galls has been adequately emphasised, these galls representing highly regulated growth manifestations of plants, ensuring nutrition and shelter for the insects concerned. Behavioural shifts of insects due to current climatic changes and their implications in insect conservation and control are also highlighted. This book will be relevant to the undergraduate and particularly graduate students taking courses in insect ecology and evolution, conservation biology and environmental management as well as to committed researchers in these fields in addition to conservation practitioners eager to have a comprehensive background of the multifaceted aspects of insect behavioural dynamics.

Biology of Insect-induced Galls

Biology of Insect-induced Galls
Author: Joseph D. Shorthouse
Publisher:
Total Pages: 304
Release: 1992
Genre: Science
ISBN:

The formation of galls--abnormal growths or swelling in a plant--may be induced by infection of the plant by bacteria or fungi, or attack from certain mites, nematodes, or insects. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the biology of galls and their complex ecological etiology. The expert contributors address topics such as the effect of insect secretions on plant growth, the evolution and physiology of gall-inducing insects, patterns in gall development and induction, the role of nutritive cells, and many other key issues. This valuable work in cecidology will interest all biologists and botanists concerned with plant health, and entomologists working in the field of plant-insect relationships.

Ecodynamics of Insect Communities

Ecodynamics of Insect Communities
Author: T.N. Ananthakrishnan
Publisher: Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2009-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9387741567

This book aims at an understanding of diverse mutualistic interactions, with all individuals tending to display their own adaptational ranges. In view of different species using different kinds of microhabitats, the diversity of assemblages goes a long way towards a better appreciation of the adaptive trends of the species involved therein. Insect assemblages and communities are shaped by the compositional, structural and trophic interactions which hold together ecological communities.

Insect Phenotypic Plasticity

Insect Phenotypic Plasticity
Author: T N Ananthakrishnan
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2005-01-08
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1482294400

In Volume I of Insect Phenotypic Plasticity, the plasticity inherent in insects is documented. Phenotypically plastic traits include morphological, behavioral, and physiological characteristics. These environmentally induced differences can serve as the raw products upon which natural selection acts. Phenotypic plasticity in short deserves increase