The World Atlas of Trees and Forests: Exploring Earth’s Forest Ecosystems

This beautiful introduction to the sister sciences of trees as individual plants (dendrology) and as forest ecosystems uses photos, diagrams, and maps extensively and to complementary effect. Not an atlas in the cartographic sense—most maps are global charts of the extent of different types of forests—it nonetheless guides the reader’s exploration. Initial chapters focus on the science of trees and forests: what makes a plant a tree, and what natural forces determine how they grow, spread, and change over time and space? Then each classification of forest, determined largely by water, wind, light and soil conditions, is considered in separate chapters, which juxtaposes forests across continents when evolution or climate create similar conditions around the world. The past and future of forests are also considered, including pressures brought by human civilization and development. Extensive cross-referencing makes it is an easy book to browse without a linear reading order. A short but useful glossary, lists of additional readings and websites, and an index conclude the volume.