Bücher der Reihe Geobotany

The conservation and wise utilisation of the humid tropical forests, a unique biome, are matters of great concern and importance to millions living within and around these forests and, perhaps, less directly, to the totality of mankind. These forests provide many essential products and services for mankind.

The Indian subconti At some stage during evolution, some plants devel nent is a well-recognised biogeographic region with oped appropriate morphological and physiological a distinct geological history, climate, soils and adaptations and reverted back to the aquatic and/ biota.

Old and New Fields of Old-Field Ecology In ecology, succession occupies a place similar to that of evolution in general biology. it is an eclectic reflection of recent developments in ecology and in old-field ecology in particular.

This volume is the result of a Symposium, held in October, 1985, to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the De partment of Plant Ecology of the University of Groningen.

We have edited this book in honour ofMakoto Numata, the nestor of Japanese plant ecology, who will celebrate his 65th birthday in November 1982 and will be retiring from office in March 1983.