Synopses & Reviews
This volume is a synthesis of existing knowledge about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. The major portion of the book consists of detailed accounts of agricultural species, vegetation, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects.
"This is an extraordinary, virtually unique work. . . . The tremendous amount of original, previously unpublished, firsthand information is remarkable."and#8212;Peter H. Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden
"An essential resource for anyone interested in tropical biology. . . . It can be used both as an encyclopediaand#8212;a source of facts on specific organismsand#8212;and as a source of ideas and generalizations about tropical ecology."and#8212;Alan P. Smith, Ecology
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Searchers on That Rich Coast: Costa Rican Field Biology, 1400-1980
2. The Central American Dispersal Route: Biotic History and Palaeogeography
3. Climate
4. Geology
5. Soils
6. Agriculture
Introduction
Species Accounts
7. Plants
Introduction
Checklist of Trees
Species Accounts
8. Reptiles and Amphibians
Introduction
Checklist of Reptiles and Amphibians
Species Accounts
9. Mammals
Introduction
Checklist of Mammals
Species Accounts
10. Birds
Introduction
Checklist of Birds
Species Accounts
11. Insects
Introduction
Checklist of Insects
Species Accounts
Addresses of Contributors
Index