Cyanobacteria make a major contribution to world photosynthesis  and nitrogen fixation, but are also notorious for causing nuisances  such as dense and often toxic `blooms' in lakes and the ocean. The  Ecology of Cyanobacteria: Their Diversity in Time and Space  is the first book to focus solely on ecological aspects of these  organisms. Its twenty-two chapters are written by some thirty authors,  who are leading experts in their particular subject.     The book begins with an overview of the cyanobacteria - or  blue-green algae, for those who are not specialists - then  looks at their diversity in the geological record and goes on to  describe their ecology in present environments where they play  important roles. Why is one of the key groups of organisms in the  Precambrian still one of the most important groups of phototrophs  today? The importance of ecological information for rational  management and exploitation of these organisms for commercial and  other practical purposes is also assessed. Accounts are provided of  nuisances as well as the ecology of the commercially successful  Spirulina and the role of cyanobacteria in ecosystem recovery  from oil pollution.     Many chapters include aspects of physiology, biochemistry,  geochemistry and molecular biology where these help general  understanding of the subject. In addition there are three chapters  dealing specifically with molecular ecology. Thirty-two pages of  colour photos incorporate about seventy views and light micrographs.  These features make the book valuable to a wide readership, including  biologists, microbiologists, geologists, water managers and  environmental consultants. The book complements the highly successful  The Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria already published by  Kluwer.

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