UID:
almahu_9948234302802882
Format:
1 online resource (viii, 231 pages) :
,
digital, PDF file(s).
ISBN:
9780511529900 (ebook)
Content:
Animals as geomorphic agents have primarily been considered curiosities in the literature of geomorphology, whose spatial and quantitative influences have been seen as both limited and minor. Zoogeomorphology: Animals as Geomorphic Agents, which is wholly devoted to this topic, examines the distinct geomorphic influences of invertebrates, ectothermic vertebrates, birds and mammals, and demonstrates the importance of animals as landscape sculptors. Specific processes associated with the diversity of animal influences in geomorphology are examined, including burrowing and denning, nesting, lithophagy and geophagy, wallowing and trampling, food caching, excavating for food, and dam building by beavers. Particular emphasis is placed on terrestrial animals, although aquatic animals are also discussed where appropriate.
Note:
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).
,
Introduction : Definitions, scope, and limitations. Geomorphic influences of invertebrates : Geomorphic effects of terrestrial invertebrates -- Aquatic invertebrates -- Conclusions. Geomorphic accomplishments of ectothermic vertebrates : Geomorphic role of fish -- Geomorphic role of amphibians -- Geomorphic role of reptiles --Conclusions. Birds as agents of erosion, transportation, and deposition : Introduction -- Internal clast transport as gastroliths -- Geophagy -- Clast transport for use as tools -- Transport of materials for use in nest building -- Mound building -- Vegetation removal and its geomorphic effects -- Burrowing and nest-cavity excavations -- Conclusions. Geomorphic effects of digging for and caching food : Digging for food -- Caching for food. Trampling, wallowing, and geophagy by mammals : Trampling -- Wallowing -- Geophagy -- Trampling erosion associated with a natural salt lick -- Conclusions. Geomorphic effects of mammalian burrowing : Introduction -- Burrowing and denning -- Question of Mima mounds -- Conclusions. Geomorphic influence of beavers : Beaver species and morphology -- Historical and modern distribution of the beaver -- Dam building and its geomorphic effects -- Beaver pond environment and associated geomorphic influences -- Sedimentation and sedimentation rates in beaver ponds -- Catastrophic dam failure and its effects -- Conclusion.
Additional Edition:
Print version: ISBN 9780521433433
Language:
English
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511529900
