The Cerrados of Brazil : Ecology and Natural History of a Neotropical Savanna

The massive grasslands of Brazil -- known as the cerrados -- which cover roughly a quarter of its land surface and are among the most threatened regions in South America, have received little media attention. This book brings together leading researchers on the area to produce the first detailed account in English of the natural history and ecology of the cerrado/savanna ecosystem. Given their extent and threatened status, the richness of their flora and fauna, and the lack of familiarity with their unique ecology at the international level, the cerrados are badly in need of this important and timely work. Contents Preface 1. Introduction: Development of Research in the Cerrados Part I. Historical Framework and the Abiotic Environment 2. Relation of Soils and Geomorphic Surfaces in the Brazilian Cerrado 3. Late Quaternary History and Evolution of the Cerrados as Revealed by Palynological Records 4. The Fire Factor 5. Past and Current Human Occupation, and Land Use Part II. The Plant Community: Composition, Dynamics, and Life History 6. Vegetation Physiognomies and Woody Flora of the Cerrado Biome 7. Herbaceous Plant Communities 8. Patterns and Dynamics of Plant Populations 9. The Role of Fire in Population Dynamics of Woody Plants 10. Ecophysiology of Woody Plants Part III. The Animal Community: Diversity and Biogeography 11. Lepidoptera in the Cerrado Landscape and the Conservation of Vegetation, Soil, and Topographical Mosaics 12. The Character and Dynamics of the Cerrado Herpetofauna 13. The Avifauna: Ecology, Biogeography, and Behavior 14. The Cerrado Mammals: Diversity, Ecology, and Natural History Part IV. Insect-Plant Interactions 15. Ant Foraging on Plant Foliage: Contrasting Effects on the Behavioral Ecology of Insect Herbivores 16. Interactions Among Cerrado Plants and Their Herbivores: Unique or Typical? 17. Pollination and Reproductive Biology in Cerrado Plant Communities Part V. The Conservation of the Cerrados 18. Biodiversity and Conservation Priorities in the Cerrado Region Contributors Index While the imperiled Brazilian rainforest has been the focus of considerable international media attention and conservation efforts, the massive grasslands of Brazil{u2014}known as the cerrados{u2014}which cover roughly a quarter of its land surface and are among the most threatened regions in South America, have received little notice. This book brings together leading researchers on the area to produce the first detailed account in English of the natural history and ecology of the cerrado/savanna ecosystem. Given their extent and threatened status, the richness of their flora and fauna, and the lack of familiarity with their unique ecology at the international level, the cerrados are badly in need of this important and timely work