Preface
It is generally realised that knowledge of the adaptations of Mediterranean arthropods is limited and almost entirely restricted to qualitative aspects of the subject. This probably stems from the fact that
Mediterranean arthropods were originally considered to be part of
an intermediate ecosystem situated between arid and temperate ecosystems. Within these confines, the comparison of qualitative adaptations with those exhibited by arid, temperate and arctic/antarctic
arthropods allowed for easy assignment of adaptive values to different characteristics. The focal point of this book, however, is quite
different. The extremity of the Mediterranean environment is the
result of neither cold nor drought but of a varied landscape, where
temporal fluctuations in climatic variables as well as the impacts of
human activities are nevertheless largely predictable. Accordingly,
Mediterranean arthropods exhibit specific adaptations in response to
spatial gradients as well as diurnal and interannual, but mainly seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
The adaptations of Mediterranean arthropods merit discussion
with respect to the physiological, behavioural and historical constraints driving habitat selection, compartmentalisation of activity,
switching activity, seasonal life cycles etc. In other words, the adaptations of Mediterranean arthropods are discussed within a specific
context. In this context, traditional comparisons appear less fruitful.
They may lead to misleading conclusions and have been limited in
this book unless they contribute significantly to my arguments.
The second cornerstone of the above argument is that, in order to
organise ideas within a strategic context, it is necessary to quantify
the data. Thus, the discussion of different topics begins with a presentation of the information available, which is mainly qualitative
followed by commendation of the quantitative aspects of the subject
matter.
My adventure with the study of Mediterranean-type ecosystems
started intensively in a temperate forest environment at Fontainebleau, France, almost 20 years ago. Dr. J.P. Cancela Da Fonseca introduced me to ecological thinking. This book is devoted to him. Many
It is generally realised that knowledge of the adaptations of Mediterranean arthropods is limited and almost entirely restricted to qualitative aspects of the subject. This probably stems from the fact that
Mediterranean arthropods were originally considered to be part of
an intermediate ecosystem situated between arid and temperate ecosystems. Within these confines, the comparison of qualitative adaptations with those exhibited by arid, temperate and arctic/antarctic
arthropods allowed for easy assignment of adaptive values to different characteristics. The focal point of this book, however, is quite
different. The extremity of the Mediterranean environment is the
result of neither cold nor drought but of a varied landscape, where
temporal fluctuations in climatic variables as well as the impacts of
human activities are nevertheless largely predictable. Accordingly,
Mediterranean arthropods exhibit specific adaptations in response to
spatial gradients as well as diurnal and interannual, but mainly seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
The adaptations of Mediterranean arthropods merit discussion
with respect to the physiological, behavioural and historical constraints driving habitat selection, compartmentalisation of activity,
switching activity, seasonal life cycles etc. In other words, the adaptations of Mediterranean arthropods are discussed within a specific
context. In this context, traditional comparisons appear less fruitful.
They may lead to misleading conclusions and have been limited in
this book unless they contribute significantly to my arguments.
The second cornerstone of the above argument is that, in order to
organise ideas within a strategic context, it is necessary to quantify
the data. Thus, the discussion of different topics begins with a presentation of the information available, which is mainly qualitative
followed by commendation of the quantitative aspects of the subject
matter.
My adventure with the study of Mediterranean-type ecosystems
started intensively in a temperate forest environment at Fontainebleau, France, almost 20 years ago. Dr. J.P. Cancela Da Fonseca introduced me to ecological thinking. This book is devoted to him. Many