The Philippines : a Natural History

The Philippines: A Natural History by Colin Rees "celebrates the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the Philippines' over 7,000 islands. Richly descriptive of the archipelago's topography, climate, and oceanography, along with its tectonic and geological history, chapters explore prehistory and the early years of indigenous life before moving on to Spanish times. Profiled are many of its protected areas--landscapes and seascapes designed to staunch the profound imprint of human activity that threatens the country's biodiversity." Contents List of Figures List of Tables Weights and Measures Dedication Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1- Pearl of the Orient Seas Chapter 2- Topography Luzon Mindoro Visayas Mindanao Palawan Sulu Archipelago Chapter 3- Climate Chapter 4- Oceanography, Tides, and Currents Chapter 5- Tectonic and Geological History and Soils Tectonics Surface Geology Physiography Soil Cover Minerals Chapter 6- Water Resources Chapter 7- Biogeography Terrestrial Biogeographic Regions Marine Biogeographic Regions Chapter 8- Biodiversity: Overview,Flora, and Ecosystems Diversity of Flora Overview of the Diversity of the Major Ecosystems Philippine Vegetation Types Chapter 9- Biodiversity: Fauna Endemism Threatened Fauna Diversity of Fauna Chapter 10- Protected Areas Chapter 11- Preshistory andEarly Years Chapter 12- Indigenous Cultural Groups Chapter 13- Conserving theNatural Environment The Challenge The Response Drivers of Environmental Degradation and the Solution Appendix 1- Summary of Geological Timescale andEvents Relevant to the PhilippinesOver the Last 350 Million Years Appendix 2- Conservation Priority Areas for Plants (Important Plant Areas or Important Plant Sites) Appendix 3- Examination of Environmental Issues, Causes, Legal Instruments, Opportunities, Needed Responses, and Institutional Capacity Appendix 4- Tagalog, English, and Scientific NamesCited in the Text Bibliography General Climate, Geology, Water Resources Biogeography Flora Mammals Amphibians and Reptiles Birds Fishes Invertebrates Biodiversity Anthropology Environmental and Natural Resources Issues Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Celebrates the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the Philippines' over 7,000 islands. Richly descriptive of the archipelago's topography, climate, and oceanography, along with its tectonic and geological history, this book also profiles many of Philippines' protected areas - landscapes and seascapes designed to staunch the imprint of human activity that threatens the country's biodiversity.