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The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate, contracting on behalfof the University of Colorado at Boulder for the benefit of INSTAAR
Lichens of the Alaskan Arctic Slope by John W. ThomsonReview by: Sam ShushanArctic and Alpine Research, Vol. 13, No. 1 (Feb., 1981), pp. 115-116Published by: INSTAAR, University of ColoradoStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1550634 .
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nomic and ecological aspects, while Dane Wimbush was responsible for the color vegeta- tion maps.
The introductory chapter describes the gen- eral features of the area, occupying about 100 km2, the main alpine section of the Snowy Mountains of southeastern Australia. It pro- vides an overview of the area's geologic and climatic history with special reference to the flora. This is followed by sections on human history and use and a broad description of the alpine flora, its probable origin, and its rela- tion to other alpine floras. Next there follows a substantial description of the main vegetation communities, each provided with outstanding photographs, to which the individual species are later referred.
A special feature of the introduction is a pair of multicolored vegetation maps, scale 1:50,000. These show the vegetation and asso- ciated features divided into thirteen forma- tions: feldmark, feldmark with bare areas due to late-lying snow, short alpine herbfield, tall alpine herbfield including sod tussock grass- land, heath (short), heath (tall), subalpine woodland, fern and bog, lakes, rock screes, rock outcrops, and eroded areas. The maps were compiled from vertical black-and-white air photographs supplemented by specially flown, oblique, color air photographs.
The flora is confined to the strictly alpine species of vascular plants, which has led to an arbitrarily delimited area with a boundary at 1830 m, or treeline, whichever is the higher. Thus the book embraces some 200 species and well-defined subspecies and varieties. Some 27 alien or introduced plants have become naturalized in the flora, compared with only 6 recorded in 1951. There are 21 endemics to the Kosciusko area; 61 plants are the only rep- resentatives of their genus and 20 the only representatives of their family to be found above treeline. The keys have been much ab- breviated, mainly because they have been de- signed for use in the field, but also because many of the larger groups of plants are only represented by one or a few species. The main aim here has been to lead the user rapidly to the species rather than progress logically through the hierarchy of taxa in an orthodox fashion.
The authors must be congratulated on their success. They have certainly achieved their aim to combine scientific merit and popular
nomic and ecological aspects, while Dane Wimbush was responsible for the color vegeta- tion maps.
The introductory chapter describes the gen- eral features of the area, occupying about 100 km2, the main alpine section of the Snowy Mountains of southeastern Australia. It pro- vides an overview of the area's geologic and climatic history with special reference to the flora. This is followed by sections on human history and use and a broad description of the alpine flora, its probable origin, and its rela- tion to other alpine floras. Next there follows a substantial description of the main vegetation communities, each provided with outstanding photographs, to which the individual species are later referred.
A special feature of the introduction is a pair of multicolored vegetation maps, scale 1:50,000. These show the vegetation and asso- ciated features divided into thirteen forma- tions: feldmark, feldmark with bare areas due to late-lying snow, short alpine herbfield, tall alpine herbfield including sod tussock grass- land, heath (short), heath (tall), subalpine woodland, fern and bog, lakes, rock screes, rock outcrops, and eroded areas. The maps were compiled from vertical black-and-white air photographs supplemented by specially flown, oblique, color air photographs.
The flora is confined to the strictly alpine species of vascular plants, which has led to an arbitrarily delimited area with a boundary at 1830 m, or treeline, whichever is the higher. Thus the book embraces some 200 species and well-defined subspecies and varieties. Some 27 alien or introduced plants have become naturalized in the flora, compared with only 6 recorded in 1951. There are 21 endemics to the Kosciusko area; 61 plants are the only rep- resentatives of their genus and 20 the only representatives of their family to be found above treeline. The keys have been much ab- breviated, mainly because they have been de- signed for use in the field, but also because many of the larger groups of plants are only represented by one or a few species. The main aim here has been to lead the user rapidly to the species rather than progress logically through the hierarchy of taxa in an orthodox fashion.
The authors must be congratulated on their success. They have certainly achieved their aim to combine scientific merit and popular
appeal. The very large number of photo- graphs (well over 350), principally in color, are not only instructive, but represent a breathtakingly beautiful contribution, whether they be of individual species, plant communities, or landscapes. The quality of photographic composition as well as reproduc- tion is outstanding and Colin Totterdell de- serves our admiration and not a little envy. The spectacular photograph of Ranunculus anemoneus (p. 34) and the late autumn snowfall landscape on page 360, to name only two, should be reproduced separately in large format.
This is not only a highly informative book, it is a delightful one. For this reviewer, re- stricted in field experience largely to the Northern Hemisphere, Kosciusko Alpine Flora makes a strong case for the unity of the alpine areas of the world. A good measure of the book's success is surely that, after handling it, one feels familiar with the Kosciusko alpine. An extensive bibliography, glossary, and index add significantly to the book's value.
JACK D. IVES Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research and Department of Geography University of Colorado, Boulder
LICHENS OF THE ALASKAN ARCTIC SLOPE. By John W. Thomson. Toronto, Buffalo, and London: University of Toronto Press, 1979. ix + 314pp. Price $35.
Dr. Thomson, one of the world's foremost lichenologists, who has devoted over two decades to the study of arctic lichenology, has written a scholarly treatise which will be widely used by lichenologists and arctic ecolo- gists. Based on data obtained from fourteen collection sites in northern Alaska, this is the most comprehensive book available on the arctic lichens of North America.
Although the North Slope of Alaska is only a fraction of the Arctic Zone, many of the lichen species present here also occur through- out the zone and extend deep into the North Temperate Zone. For example, of the 507 species discussed in this book, about half are known to occur in the Southern Rocky Moun- tains of Colorado, U.S.A. The genus with the largest number of species is Lecanora with 61,
appeal. The very large number of photo- graphs (well over 350), principally in color, are not only instructive, but represent a breathtakingly beautiful contribution, whether they be of individual species, plant communities, or landscapes. The quality of photographic composition as well as reproduc- tion is outstanding and Colin Totterdell de- serves our admiration and not a little envy. The spectacular photograph of Ranunculus anemoneus (p. 34) and the late autumn snowfall landscape on page 360, to name only two, should be reproduced separately in large format.
This is not only a highly informative book, it is a delightful one. For this reviewer, re- stricted in field experience largely to the Northern Hemisphere, Kosciusko Alpine Flora makes a strong case for the unity of the alpine areas of the world. A good measure of the book's success is surely that, after handling it, one feels familiar with the Kosciusko alpine. An extensive bibliography, glossary, and index add significantly to the book's value.
JACK D. IVES Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research and Department of Geography University of Colorado, Boulder
LICHENS OF THE ALASKAN ARCTIC SLOPE. By John W. Thomson. Toronto, Buffalo, and London: University of Toronto Press, 1979. ix + 314pp. Price $35.
Dr. Thomson, one of the world's foremost lichenologists, who has devoted over two decades to the study of arctic lichenology, has written a scholarly treatise which will be widely used by lichenologists and arctic ecolo- gists. Based on data obtained from fourteen collection sites in northern Alaska, this is the most comprehensive book available on the arctic lichens of North America.
Although the North Slope of Alaska is only a fraction of the Arctic Zone, many of the lichen species present here also occur through- out the zone and extend deep into the North Temperate Zone. For example, of the 507 species discussed in this book, about half are known to occur in the Southern Rocky Moun- tains of Colorado, U.S.A. The genus with the largest number of species is Lecanora with 61,
BOOK REVIEWS / 115 BOOK REVIEWS / 115
This content downloaded from 188.72.96.190 on Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:37:54 AMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
followed by Lecidea with 53, Cladonia with 42, Rhizocarpon with 20, Parmelia with 19, and Cetraria with 18.
Keys to genera within a family and keys to species within a genus greatly facilitate iden- tification of specimens. Macroscopic and microscopic diagnostic features are presented for all families, genera, and species. In addi- tion, distributional notes, ecologic data, and site data are given for all species. Reference to common lichens occurring in specific ecologi- cal niches is included in the text and is a very desirable item in a work of this nature. A glos- sary is appended and major references to North Slope lichenology are listed. A taxo- nomic index is included. There is also a map and photographs of North Slope habitats.
The book has some shortcomings. An occa- sional typographic error occurs. Only Tham- nolia subuliformis is illustrated; there are no drawings. Few synonyms are given. The non- alphabetical arrangement of taxa does not lend itself to rapid information retrieval. The book, however, remains an extremely valu- able presentation of arctic lichens and is en- thusiastically recommended to all students of arctic and alpine regions.
SAM SHUSHAN
Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology University of Colorado, Boulder
followed by Lecidea with 53, Cladonia with 42, Rhizocarpon with 20, Parmelia with 19, and Cetraria with 18.
Keys to genera within a family and keys to species within a genus greatly facilitate iden- tification of specimens. Macroscopic and microscopic diagnostic features are presented for all families, genera, and species. In addi- tion, distributional notes, ecologic data, and site data are given for all species. Reference to common lichens occurring in specific ecologi- cal niches is included in the text and is a very desirable item in a work of this nature. A glos- sary is appended and major references to North Slope lichenology are listed. A taxo- nomic index is included. There is also a map and photographs of North Slope habitats.
The book has some shortcomings. An occa- sional typographic error occurs. Only Tham- nolia subuliformis is illustrated; there are no drawings. Few synonyms are given. The non- alphabetical arrangement of taxa does not lend itself to rapid information retrieval. The book, however, remains an extremely valu- able presentation of arctic lichens and is en- thusiastically recommended to all students of arctic and alpine regions.
SAM SHUSHAN
Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology University of Colorado, Boulder
followed by Lecidea with 53, Cladonia with 42, Rhizocarpon with 20, Parmelia with 19, and Cetraria with 18.
Keys to genera within a family and keys to species within a genus greatly facilitate iden- tification of specimens. Macroscopic and microscopic diagnostic features are presented for all families, genera, and species. In addi- tion, distributional notes, ecologic data, and site data are given for all species. Reference to common lichens occurring in specific ecologi- cal niches is included in the text and is a very desirable item in a work of this nature. A glos- sary is appended and major references to North Slope lichenology are listed. A taxo- nomic index is included. There is also a map and photographs of North Slope habitats.
The book has some shortcomings. An occa- sional typographic error occurs. Only Tham- nolia subuliformis is illustrated; there are no drawings. Few synonyms are given. The non- alphabetical arrangement of taxa does not lend itself to rapid information retrieval. The book, however, remains an extremely valu- able presentation of arctic lichens and is en- thusiastically recommended to all students of arctic and alpine regions.
SAM SHUSHAN
Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology University of Colorado, Boulder
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF CAPE NOME, ALASKA.
By John Bockstoce. 1979. (University of Pennsylvania, University Museum Mono-
graph 38.) xiv + 133 pp. Available from Pub- lications Services Division, The University Museum, University of Pennsylvania, 33rd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania 19104. $14.00.
This monograph on the archaeology of Cape Nome, Alaska, is primarily a report of
archaeological investigations in the Cape Nome region carried out by the author over eight years (1969 through 1976). The report is supported by a general literature review of
previous work in the area and by a short re- view of the local geology, flora, and fauna, with an emphasis on possible food sources. The author's goals involve more than descrip- tive archaeology, i.e., what caused the changes observed in the archaeological record of the Bering Strait, and what were the effects of change in the different periods? Through an assessment of faunal availability and an analysis of the technological potentials of dif- ferent cultural groups, Bockstoce attempts to explain the observed cultural record based on biological and climatological factors, techno-
logical innovations, and changes in hunting strategy and organization.
SUSAN K. SHORT Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research University of Colorado, Boulder
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF CAPE NOME, ALASKA.
By John Bockstoce. 1979. (University of Pennsylvania, University Museum Mono-
graph 38.) xiv + 133 pp. Available from Pub- lications Services Division, The University Museum, University of Pennsylvania, 33rd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania 19104. $14.00.
This monograph on the archaeology of Cape Nome, Alaska, is primarily a report of
archaeological investigations in the Cape Nome region carried out by the author over eight years (1969 through 1976). The report is supported by a general literature review of
previous work in the area and by a short re- view of the local geology, flora, and fauna, with an emphasis on possible food sources. The author's goals involve more than descrip- tive archaeology, i.e., what caused the changes observed in the archaeological record of the Bering Strait, and what were the effects of change in the different periods? Through an assessment of faunal availability and an analysis of the technological potentials of dif- ferent cultural groups, Bockstoce attempts to explain the observed cultural record based on biological and climatological factors, techno-
logical innovations, and changes in hunting strategy and organization.
SUSAN K. SHORT Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research University of Colorado, Boulder
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF CAPE NOME, ALASKA.
By John Bockstoce. 1979. (University of Pennsylvania, University Museum Mono-
graph 38.) xiv + 133 pp. Available from Pub- lications Services Division, The University Museum, University of Pennsylvania, 33rd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania 19104. $14.00.
This monograph on the archaeology of Cape Nome, Alaska, is primarily a report of
archaeological investigations in the Cape Nome region carried out by the author over eight years (1969 through 1976). The report is supported by a general literature review of
previous work in the area and by a short re- view of the local geology, flora, and fauna, with an emphasis on possible food sources. The author's goals involve more than descrip- tive archaeology, i.e., what caused the changes observed in the archaeological record of the Bering Strait, and what were the effects of change in the different periods? Through an assessment of faunal availability and an analysis of the technological potentials of dif- ferent cultural groups, Bockstoce attempts to explain the observed cultural record based on biological and climatological factors, techno-
logical innovations, and changes in hunting strategy and organization.
SUSAN K. SHORT Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research University of Colorado, Boulder
BOOKS RECEIVED BOOKS RECEIVED BOOKS RECEIVED
ANNOTATED WORLD LIST OF SELECTED CUR-
RENT GEOGRAPHICAL SERIALS. Fourth Edition. By Chauncy D. Harris. (University of Chi- cago, Department of Geography, Research Paper No. 194.) Chicago: Department of Geography, University of Chicago, 1980. iv + 168 pp. Available from Department of
Geography, University of Chicago, 5828 Uni- versity Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637. $8.00 ($6.00 on series subscription).
Lists 443 current geographical serials from 72 countries with a study of serials most cited in geographical bibliographies.
ANNOTATED WORLD LIST OF SELECTED CUR-
RENT GEOGRAPHICAL SERIALS. Fourth Edition. By Chauncy D. Harris. (University of Chi- cago, Department of Geography, Research Paper No. 194.) Chicago: Department of Geography, University of Chicago, 1980. iv + 168 pp. Available from Department of
Geography, University of Chicago, 5828 Uni- versity Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637. $8.00 ($6.00 on series subscription).
Lists 443 current geographical serials from 72 countries with a study of serials most cited in geographical bibliographies.
ANNOTATED WORLD LIST OF SELECTED CUR-
RENT GEOGRAPHICAL SERIALS. Fourth Edition. By Chauncy D. Harris. (University of Chi- cago, Department of Geography, Research Paper No. 194.) Chicago: Department of Geography, University of Chicago, 1980. iv + 168 pp. Available from Department of
Geography, University of Chicago, 5828 Uni- versity Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637. $8.00 ($6.00 on series subscription).
Lists 443 current geographical serials from 72 countries with a study of serials most cited in geographical bibliographies.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTHWEST TERRI-
TORIES POPULATION STUDIES 1961-1985. By Louis-Edmond Hamelin with collaboration of Denis Saint-Maurice and Gilles Plante. (Re- port to the Science Advisory Board of the Northwest Territories.) Yellowknife, N.W.T.: Government of the Northwest Ter- ritories, 1979. xii + 54 pp. Available from Department of Information, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, N.W.T. X1A 2L9, Canada. $5 prepaid.
The human population in the Northwest Ter- ritories is made up of three basic different
CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTHWEST TERRI-
TORIES POPULATION STUDIES 1961-1985. By Louis-Edmond Hamelin with collaboration of Denis Saint-Maurice and Gilles Plante. (Re- port to the Science Advisory Board of the Northwest Territories.) Yellowknife, N.W.T.: Government of the Northwest Ter- ritories, 1979. xii + 54 pp. Available from Department of Information, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, N.W.T. X1A 2L9, Canada. $5 prepaid.
The human population in the Northwest Ter- ritories is made up of three basic different
CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTHWEST TERRI-
TORIES POPULATION STUDIES 1961-1985. By Louis-Edmond Hamelin with collaboration of Denis Saint-Maurice and Gilles Plante. (Re- port to the Science Advisory Board of the Northwest Territories.) Yellowknife, N.W.T.: Government of the Northwest Ter- ritories, 1979. xii + 54 pp. Available from Department of Information, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, N.W.T. X1A 2L9, Canada. $5 prepaid.
The human population in the Northwest Ter- ritories is made up of three basic different
116 / ARCTIC AND ALPINE RESEARCH 116 / ARCTIC AND ALPINE RESEARCH 116 / ARCTIC AND ALPINE RESEARCH
This content downloaded from 188.72.96.190 on Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:37:54 AMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
