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Coral reefs are found all around the world, from the Indo-Pacific coral reef province to the Caribbean and Australia, and they support both marine and human life. They provide a rich supply of food and a breakwater from storms and high waves to countless coastal communities. Coral Reefs: A Very Short Introduction provides an account of what coral reefs are, how they are formed, how they have evolved, and the biological lessons we can learn from them. Today, these fascinating ecosystems are under threat from over-exploitation and climate change; some are dead and others are dying. They could face extinction, unless our conservation efforts are stepped up in order to save them.Less

Savannas form one of the largest and most important of the world’s ecological zones. Covering one-fifth of the Earth’s land surface, they are home to some of the world’s most iconic animals and form an extremely important global resource for plants and wildlife. Savannas: A Very Short Introduction considers savannas as landscapes and explains the variety of the vegetation, wildlife, and environments. Discussing their origin, topography, and global distribution, it explores the dynamic nature of savannas and illustrates how they have shaped human evolution and movements. It goes on to discuss the unrelenting pressures that confront conservation and management, and considers the future for savannas.Less