The Ecology of Atlantic Shorelines is an introduction to the plant and animal communities on the Atlantic shores of North America. Written as a field guide to the physical and biological processes that generate patterns on Western Atlantic shorelines, it is intended for a wide audience ranging from undergraduate students and amateur naturalists to professionals in other disciplines. The first four chapters are an introduction to various processes that shape assemblages of organisms on shorelines. The opening chapter examines the history of the Atlantic coast, tides, introduced species, and the role of water movement in shaping shoreline communities. "The Economy of the Shoreline" then discusses the production and consumption of resources in shoreline assemblages. The unusual reproductive problems faced by shoreline organisms and the important role played by recruitment in shaping these communities are explored in the third chapter. A final introductory chapter describes the biological processes that affect shoreline organisms once they have settled on the shore.
The final three chapters discuss the ecology of three habitat types that dominate the Atlantic coast-rocky shores, soft sediment beaches, and salt marshes. These chapters will prepare students and naturalists for visits to these habitats. Each chapter ends with a brief summary and list of suggested readings.
The Ecology of Atlantic Shorelines has over 300 illustrations (including an eight-page, full-color insert), draws from over 700 references, and highlights key terms. It can serve as a text for courses in marine ecology, marine biology, shoreline or coastal ecology, and field ecology, as well as a supplemental text for invertebrate zoology and ecology course field trips
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