Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems: The Role of Nutrients.

Abstract

Section I. Evolution and Character of Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems.- 1. The Comparative Evolution of Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems: A Southern Perspective.- 2. Mediterranean-Type Heathlands and Sclerophyllous Shrublands of the World: An Overview.- 3. Ecological Control of the Vegetation of Southwestern Australia: Moisture versus Nutrients.- 4. Influence of Nutrients on the Composition and Distribution of Plant Communities in Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems of Israel.- 5. Approaches to the Definition of Mediterranean Growth Forms.- Section II. Plant Form and Function.- 6. Carbon-Gaining Capacity and Allocation Patterns of Mediterranean-Climate Plants.- 7. Moisture Regime and Nutrient Control of Seasonal Growth in Mediterranean Ecosystems.- 8. Canopy Structure of Mediterranean-Type Shrubs in Relation to Heat and Moisture.- 9. Carbon and Nitrogen Economy of Diplacus aurantiacus, a Californian Mediterranean-Climate Drought-Deciduous Shrub.- Section III. Nutrient Cycling.- 10. Nutrient Cycling in Australian Heath and South African Fynbos.- 11. Impact of Fire on Nutrient Cycles in Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems with Reference to Chaparral.- 12. Decomposition and Mineralization Processes in Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems and in Heathlands of Similar Structure.- 13. The Effects of Different Fire Regimes on Soil Nutrient Levels in Quercus coccifera Garrigue.- Section IV. Plant Nutrition.- 14. Strategies for Maximizing Nutrient Uptake in Two Mediterranean Ecosystems of Low Nutrient Status.- 15. The Effects of Fire on Photosynthesis in Chaparral Resprouts.- 16. Mineral Nutrient and Nonstructural Carbon Pools in Shrubs from Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems of California and Chile.- 17. Comparative Phenology of Mediterranean-Type Plant Communities.- Section V. Community Patterns and Diversity.- 18. Some Thoughts on Resource Competition and Diversity in Plant Communities.- 19. On Alpha Diversity and the Richness of the Cape Flora: A Study in Southern Cape Fynbos.- 20. Continental Diversity Patterns and Convergent Evolution in Bird Communities.- 21. Distribution and Species Diversity of Birds and Plants in Fynbos Vegetation of Mediterranean-Climate Zone, South Africa.- 22. Plant Community Structure - Spatial Partitioning of Resources.- 23. Plant Community Diversity and Dynamics in Relation to Fire.- 24. Mammal Species Diversity in Australian Heathlands: the Importance of Pyric Succession and Habitat Diversity.- 25. Animal Demography in Relation to Fire and Shortage of Food: Some Indicative Models.- Section VI. Plant-Animal Interactions.- 26. The Role of Sclerophyllous Leaves in Determining Insect Grazing Damage.- 27. Defoliation Patterns in Matorral Ecosystems.