Marine Macrophytes as Foundation Species

<p>Marine macrophytes (macroalgae seagrasses and mangroves) comprise thousands of species distributed in shallow water areas along the world's coastlines. They play a key role in marine ecosystems regarding biodiversity and energy flow. A large proportion of macrophyte species can be characterised as ecosystem engineers--organisms that directly or indirectly affect the availability of resources to other species by modifying maintaining and creating habitats. </p><p></p><p>This book is divided into three main themes: </p><p></p><p>- <i>Marine macroalgae and seagrasses as sources of biodiversity</i> gives an overview of the diversity of the main organisms associated with macrophytes and their functional role and interactions within their hosts.</p><p></p><p>- <i>Primary and secondary production of Macrophytes </i>synthesizes research on food web structures derived from/or associated with macrophytes and the transfer of macrophytic primary and secondary production from one ecosystem to another.</p><p></p><p>- <i>Threats to macrophytic ecosystem engineers</i> addresses human-induced effects including eutrophication physical destruction invasive species and global warming. </p><p></p><p>The book is among the first one to concentrate on the value of macrophytes for the well-being of marine habitats. The book is aimed at academics but may be useful for students policy makers and laymen alike.</p><p></p>