Origin and Evolution of Tropical Rain Forests

FAUNA & FLORA (GENERAL)

“This book provides the first comprehensive review of the history of tropical rain forests on a long term geological timescale, commencing with the origin of the angiosperms over 100 million years ago, which today overwhelmingly dominate these forests. Tropical rain forest evolution is discussed in a global context within an up to date plate tectonic, palaeogeographical and palaeoclimatic framework, primarily by reference to the record of fossil pollen and spores.” “The main text of the book reviews the evolution of tropical rain forests on a continent by continent basis, culminating with a global synthesis of their history in relation to the changing positions of the world’s tectonic plates and changing climates. This section also establishes the age of the great tropical rain forest blocks and identifies the world’s oldest tropical rain forests. The final chapter compares 20th Century tropical rain forest destruction with prehistoric forest clearance in temperate regions, and looks for analogues of the present phase of destruction within the geological record before considering long term implications of total rain forest destruction.” “The book will be of interest to all concerned with tropical rain forests, especially biologists, botanists, ecologists, and students of evolution. It will be valuable for postgraduates and advanced undergraduates, as well as stratigraphers, palaeobotanists, palynologists, and petroleum geologists.”

Geological Time Framework, Palaeoecological and Palaeoclimate Definitions.
Geological Evidence for Rain Forests.
Early Angiosperm History and the First Megathermal Rain Forests.
South and Middle America.
Africa.
India.
Southeast Asia and the Eastern Pacific.
Australasia.
Northern Hemisphere Megathermal Rain Forests.
Interplate Dispersal Paths and Land Bridges.
Synthesis.
The Future of Rain Forests?
Appendix.
Glossary.
References.
Indexes.

xv, 362 p. : ill., maps ; 26 cm. First Edition. #260123
(Name on prelims.)
Rain forests — History. | Forests and forestry — Tropics — History.