California is globally renowned for its biological diversity, including its wealth of unique, or
endemic, species. Many reasons have been cited to explain this abundance: the complex geology and topography of its landscape, the special powers of its Mediterranean-type climate, and the historic and modern barriers to the wider dispersal of its flora and fauna.
Plant and Animal Endemism in California compiles and synthesizes a wealth of data on this singular subject, providing new and updated lists of native species, comparing patterns and causes of both plant and animal endemism, and interrogating the classic explanations proposed for the state’s special significance in light of new molecular evidence. Susan Harrison also offers a summary of the innovative tools that have been developed and used in California to conserve and protect this stunning and imperiled diversity.
Innehållsförteckning
Preface and Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Biotic Uniqueness: An Overview
Problems in Defining Endemism
Large-Scale Patterns in Species Richness and Endemism
Origins of Endemic Species
Traits of Endemic Species
2. A Brief History of California
Geologic History
Climatic History
Floristic History
3. Plant Endemism in California: Patterns and Causes
Estimating Plant Endemism
Geography of Diversity and Endemism
Edaphic Endemism
New Evidence on the Evolution of Neoendemics
New Evidence on Paleoendemism
Californian Plant Endemism in a World Context
4. Animal Endemism in California
Cross-Taxonomic Comparisons
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Fish
Amphibians
Invertebrates
5. Conservation Challenges in California’s Endemic-Rich Landscape
Endangered Species Laws
Natural Community Conservation Planning
Conservation Easements
Conservation Banking
Advance Mitigation
Biodiversity Information
Systematic Conservation Planning
Marine and Aquatic Conservation
Climate Change Science and Policy
6. Synthesis and Conclusions
Appendix: Preliminary List of Plant Species Endemic to the California Floristic Province
Literature Cited
Index
Om författaren
Susan Harrison is Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at University of California, Davis.
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