Description
“Ecology and Biodiversity: Patterns of Life in a Changing World” presents a comprehensive exploration of ecological principles and biodiversity conservation through contemporary research and field-based studies. The book covers diverse topics, including biodiversity monitoring, invasive species, soil biodiversity, as well as the ecology of fishes, spiders, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, earthworms, and plants, as well as the impacts of microplastics on ecosystems. With a special focus on the unique ecosystems of Kerala and the Western Ghat Biodiversity Hotspot in India, the volume integrates regional case studies with broader ecological concepts, highlighting current environmental challenges and the need for sustainable conservation practices. Designed for students, researchers, educators, and conservation professionals, this book serves as a valuable resource for understanding biodiversity patterns, ecosystem functioning, and the importance of protecting Earth’s natural heritage for future generations.
About the Author
Dr. Maya George is an Assistant Professor and Research Guide in the Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology, Alphonsa College, Pala, Kerala, a research centre affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. She has over 20 years of research experience and 13 years of teaching experience in Zoology. Dr. Maya George has published several peer-reviewed research articles in international journals and contributed chapters to academic books. She has actively participated in national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives. As an educator, researcher, and academic mentor, she has made sustained efforts to integrate classroom teaching with field-based research. Her contributions through scientific publications, research guidance, and editorial activities reflect her commitment to academic excellence, scientific inquiry, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Dr. Sylas V. P. is an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, Kerala, and Director of the Advanced Centre of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (ACESSD), an inter-university centre at the MGU campus. He has more than 20 years of research experience and 15 years of teaching experience, along with extensive experience in academic administration. Dr. Sylas has published more than 60 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals and authored seven book chapters. He has presented more than 100 research papers at various national and international conferences. He has successfully supervised 8 Ph.D. and 20 M.Phil. scholars and several postgraduate student research projects. He is the member of several academic and research committees of various Universities and research centres. He has also served as Principal Investigator of externally funded research projects in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Contents
Foreword v
Preface vii
1. Biodiversity Monitoring: Evolution, Emerging Trends, and Prospects 1
Dr. Hareesh P.S.
2. Invasive Species: A Silent elimination of Native Biodiversity 19
Sylas V.P. and S. Prasanth Narayanan
3. Plant Diversity in India: Research Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions 33
Joby Paul
4. Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting Biodiversity of Soil Macro invertebrates 51
Shailja Kumari, S. Prasanth Narayanan, Divyam Negi, Subham Kapil
5. Microplastics in Agroecosystems: Impacts on Soil, Plants, and Microbial Biodiversity 65
Sravya K R, Kaladevi V
6. Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Vembanadu Lake, Kerala Relation to Thanneermukkom Barrage 85
Aleena Antony and Maya George
7. The Biology, Bionomics, and Parasitism of the Common Mormon Butterfly (Papilio Polytes) 99
K Rajasree Rathnakaran, and Poornima Baby
8. Monsoonal Assemblage of Copepods Along Chellanam Coast, Kerala 109
Chinchu Mathew, Jean Jose J.
9. Diversity, Seasonality and Abundance of Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of Kurumathur Gramapanchayath, Kannur, North Kerala 115
Vinayan Padmanabhan Nair and Maya George
10. A Field Checklist of the Birds of Meenachil Grama Panchayath 135
Jyothi Roy and Teena James
11. Tree Diversity and Distribution Across Low Disturbed, Medium Disturbed and High Disturbed Sites of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India 145
Jabir Athamanakath, Shijo Joy, Abin Varghese, Babu Padmakumar, Joby Paul, and Sylas V.P.
12. Assessment of Spider Faunal Diversity in the Ecosystem of Alphonsa College, Pala, Kottayam, Kerala 153
Athira Binu and Maya George
13. On the collection of Megascolex ratus Cognetti, 1911 (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, India 165
S. Prasanth Narayanan, R. Paliwal, J.M. Julka and A.P. Thomas
14. Butterflies in the Ruining World; the Case of Kerala 175
Gauri Lakshmi & Revathy V. S
15. Dragonfly and Damselfly (Insecta: Odonata) Diversity of Kurumathur Gramapanchayath, Kannur, South India. 185
Vinayan Padmanabhan Nair and Maya George
16. Comparative Study on Butterfly Diversity of Purayar and Kurumaseri, Ernakulam District 201
Teji K T, Jewel Rose George and Hasna Azeez
Colour Plates I-VIII
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