Plant physiological ecology

The growth, reproduction, and geographical distribution of plants are deeply influenced by their physiological ecology, which encompasses interactions with physical, chemical, and biological environments. This textbook emphasizes that the mechanisms of plant physiological ecology are rooted in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and whole-plant physiology. It effectively assesses the costs and benefits of modifying plants for human needs and evaluates their ecological roles. Beginning with carbon metabolism, plant-water relations, and energy balance, the text scales these processes from individual leaves to the canopy level. It then explores mineral nutrition and how plants adapt to nutrient-deficient or toxic soils. Subsequent chapters address growth patterns, life-history traits, and plant interactions with other organisms. Later sections focus on traits influencing decomposition and the role of physiological ecology in ecosystems and global environmental processes. The book includes boxed entries for in-depth discussions, a glossary, and extensive references to primary and review literature. This significant new text is ideal for plant ecology courses and relevant classes in plant physiology and molecular biology.