Communities of microscopic plant life, or phytoplankton, dominate the Earth's aquatic ecosystems. This important new book by Colin Reynolds covers the adaptations, physiology and population dynamics of phytoplankton communities in lakes and rivers and oceans. It provides basic information on composition, morphology and physiology of the main phyletic groups represented in marine and freshwater systems and in addition reviews recent advances in community ecology, developing an appreciation of assembly processes, co-existence and competition, disturbance and diversity. Although focussed on one group of organisms, the book develops many concepts relevant to ecology in the broadest sense, and as such will appeal to graduate students and researchers in ecology, limnology and oceanography.

"Ecology of Phytoplankton is an impressive compilation of information of phytoplankton ecology and covers everything from some basic taxonomy of the phytoplankton to detailed discussions of the multifaceted topic of phytoplankton morality and loss processes."
Russell L. Chapman, Plant Science Bulletin