The Natural History of Texas (Integrative Natural History Series, sponsored by Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, Sam Houston State University)

From two veteran ecologists comes a new and sweeping exploration of the natural history of Texas in all its biological diversity and geological variation. Few states, if any, can match Texas for its myriad species, past and present, and its many distinctive landscapes, from prairie grasslands and hardwood forests to coastal lagoons and desert mountains. Beginning with the stories of how biologists and naturalists have over time defined the ecological areas of this very big state, the authors visit each of the eleven regions, including the Texas coast. They describe the dominant flora and fauna of each, explain the defining geologic features, and highlight each region’s unique characteristics, such as carnivorous plants in the Piney Woods and returning black bears in the Trans-Pecos. Throughout, the authors remain especially conscious of the conservation and management issues affecting the natural resources of each region, revealing their deep affection for and knowledge about the state. Bolstered by a glossary, further reading suggestions, a description of state symbols, and an appendix of scientific names, this is an educational and essential volume for all Texans. ECOREGIONS Piney Woods Post Oak Savanna Blackland Prairies Cross Timbers and Prairies Rolling Plains Edwards Plateau High Plains Trans-Pecos South Texas Brushland Coastal Prairies Texas Gulf Coast From Two Veteran Ecologists Comes A New And Sweeping Exploration Of The Natural History Of Texas In All Its Biological Diversity And Geological Variation. Few States, If Any, Can Match Texas For Its Myriad Species, Past And Present, And Its Many Distinctive Landscapes, From Prairie Grasslands And Hardwood Forests To Coastal Lagoons And Desert Mountains. Natural History In Texas: Establishing Ecological Boundaries -- Piney Woods: Steeple-high Trees And Bottomland Swamps -- Post Oak Savanna: Land Between Pines And Grasslands -- Blackland Prairies: Grasslands At The Edge -- Cross Timbers And Prairies: A Cast-iron Forest In A Land Of Grass -- Rolling Plains: Rangelands And Red-hued Canyons -- Edwards Plateau: The Texas Hill Country -- High Plains: Playas, Shortgrass, And Shin Oak -- Trans-pecos: Desert Legends And Rugged Grandeur -- South Texas Brushland: The Last Great Habitat -- Coastal Prairies: Tall Grasses And Sea Breezes -- Texas Gulf Coast: Marshes, Bays, And Barrier Islands -- Appendix A. State Symbols: Natural History Of The Iconic Native Species -- Appendix B. Scientific Names. Brian R. Chapman And Eric G. Bolen ; Foreword By Andrew Sansom. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 311-354) And Index.