Savannas are the most widespread ecosystem in the tropics and as such are subjected to great human pressure that may result in massive soil degradation.
The book addresses the role of species in the function of savanna ecosystems. It is shown that savannas are enormously diverse and that four factors determine the function of savanna ecosystems: Plant Available Moisture; Plant Available Nutrients; Fire; Herbivores.

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Biodiversity and Savanna Structure and Function.- 1 The Diversity of the Savanna Ecosystem.- 2 Determinants of Tropical Savannas.- 3 Biodiversity and Nutrient Relations in Savanna Ecosystems: Interactions Between Primary Producers, Soil Microorganisms, and Soils.- 4 Biodiversity and Water Relations in Tropical Savannas.- 5 Ecophysiological Aspects of the Invasion by African Grasses and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Function of Neotropical Savannas.- 6 Relationships Between Biotic Diversity and Primary Productivity in Savannas Grasslands.- 7 Biodiversity and Fire in the Savanna Landscape.- 8 Diversity of Herbivorous Insects and Ecosystem Processes.- 9 Biodiversity and Stability in Tropical Savannas.- Summary and Areas for Future Research.- 10 Biodiversity As Regulator of Energy Flow, Water Use, and Nutrient Cycling in Savannas.- 11 Biodiversity, Fire, and Herbivory in Tropical Savannas.- 12 Savanna Biodiversity and Ecosystem Properties.- 13 Summary and Conclusions.