Contents
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgments
1. The Landscape
Geologic History
Changing Landscapes Since Glaciation
The Present Landscape
2. Climate and Weather
Solar Radiation
Temperature
Precipitation
Clouds
Wind
Observed Climate Change
3. Principles of Ecology
Environment
Ecosystem Structure and Function
Populations and Communities
4. Deciduous Forest
Deciduous Forest Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Forest Management and Conservation in Minnesota
5. Northern Coniferous Forest
Northern Coniferous Forest Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Present Status of the Northern Coniferous Forest
6. Tallgrass Prairie
Prairie Forest Border
Tallgrass Prairie Ecology
Animals and Community Interactions
Present Status of the Tallgrass Prairie
7. Wetlands
Prairie Wetlands
Animals and Community Interactions in Prairie Wetlands
Peatlands
Animals and Community Interactions in Peatlands
Other Wetlands Occurring in Minnesota
Present Status of Wetlands
8. Lakes
Formation and Distribution
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Lake Communities
Ecosystem Function
Animals and Community Interactions
Minnesota’s Lakes
Present Status of Minnesota’s Lakes
9. Streams and Rivers
Origins of Streams and Rivers
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Stream Communities
Ecosystem Function
River Continuum Concept
Animals and Community Interactions
Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers
Present Status of Minnesota’s Streams and Rivers
10. The Future
Stemming Habitat Loss
Feeding a Growing Human Population Sustainably
Adapting to a Changing Climate
Reversing the Spread of Invasive Species
Reducing Damaging Chemicals in the Environment
Recovering Threatened Species Populations
Planning Statewide Conservation Action
Restoring Ecosystems
A Perspective to Live With
Appendixes
A. Counties and Major Rivers in Minnesota
B. Trees and Shrubs Found in Minnesota
C. Common Herbs Found in Minnesota
D. Mammals Found in Minnesota
E. Birds Breeding in Minnesota
F. Amphibians and Reptiles Found in Minnesota
G. Fishes Found in Minnesota
H. Metric Equivalents of English Weights and Measures
Literature Cited
Permissions
Index