Tropical Rain Forest: A First Encounter (English and Dutch Edition)

This book deals with both the biological and the human aspects of the tropical rain forest. Starting with an account of the present situation and the reasons for the mounting public concern, it then tells how scientific research is conducted in these immensely high forests. Climate and soil, as basic factors in the ecology of the rain forest, are discussed, and the other characteristics of a rain forest are also carefully considered: their enormous variety of species, the woody character of those species and consequent difficulties of regeneration, and the intricate relationships which have evolved between plants and animals in the "closed circuit" rain forest existence. The focus of the book is on the tropical rain forest in optima forma, at its present peak of evolution, and is therefore general in concept. Special attention is paid to ecological problems. The approach of the subject is such that the book should appeal to biologists and laymen alike.