Explores the most amazing hotspots of biodiversity in terms of endemics and vulnerability Offers simple definitions, clear explanations of the current state of knowledge, new theories, and informed opinions on future research directions Provides readers with in-depth insights into general ecological processes

Zusammenfassung

Inhalt
Preamble.- Part I. Into Karst, Caves and Cave Habitats.- Physiography of the Caves.- Where Cave Animals Live.- Part II. There is Rich and Diverse Life in Cave.- The Ecological Classification of Cave Animals and their Adaptations.- The Microbial Diversity of Caves.- Phototrophs in Caves.- Diversity of Cave Terrestrial Inhabitants.- Short Overview on the Aquatic Cave Fauna.- Subterranean Biodiversity Patterns from Global to Regional Scales.- Historical and Ecological Factors Determining Cave Diversity.- Part III. About Communities, Populations and Food.- Cave Communities and Species Interactions.- Structure and Genetics of Cave Populations.- Caves as Oligotrophic Ecosystems.- Food Webs in Caves.- Part IV. Particular Cave Ecosystems.- Ice Caves.- Researches in Sulphide Based Ecosystems.- Researches in Lava Tubes.- Research in Anchialine Caves.- Volcanic Anchialine Habitats of Lanzarote.- Research in Calcretes and Other Deep Subterranean Habitats Outside Caves.-Subterranean Biodiversity in Ferruginous Landscapes.- Part V. Conservation and Protection of Cave Habitats and Cave Fauna.- Conservation of Cave Fauna, with an Emphasis on Europe and the Americas.- Conservation and Impact Assessment of Subterranean Fauna in Australia.- Part VI. Cave Ecology for the 21 ST Century.- Where Angels Fear to Tread: Developments in Cave Ecology.