Biotic Interactions in Arid Lands

1 Introduction.- 1.1 Evolutionary Parallels.- 1.2 Ecological Analogues.- 2 Predatory Techniques.- 2.1 Active Searching for and Stalking Prey.- 2.2 Ambushing and Disguise.- 2.3 Scavenging.- 2.4 Synchronization of Activities.- 3 Primary Anti-Predator Devices.- 3.1 Anachoresis.- 3.2 Burrows and Retreats.- 3.3 Rhythmic Activity and Phenology.- 3.4 Crypsis.- 3.5 Protective Resemblance and Disguise.- 3.6 Mimicry.- 3.7 Integument, Scales and Armour.- 3.8 Aposematic Coloration.- 3.9 Communal Behaviour.- 3.10 Vigilance.- 4 Secondary Anti-Predator Devices.- 4.1 Flight and Escape.- 4.2 Thanatosis.- 4.3 Deflection of Attack.- 4.4 Autotomy.- 4.5 Spines, Urticating Hairs and Gin Traps.- 4.6 Venoms, Defensive Fluids and Toxins.- 4.7 Warning Smells, Sounds and Deimatic Display.- 4.8 Retaliation.- 5 Parasitic and Allied Interactions.- 5.1 The Parasites of Plants.- 5.2 Ectoparasites.- 5.3 Endoparasites and their Transmission.- 5.4 Parasitoids.- 5.5 Kleptoparasitism and Slavery.- 5.6 Social Parasitism, Commensalism and Mutualism.- 5.7 Evolutionary Trends in Parasitic Relationships.- 6 Plants and Herbivorous Animals.- 6.1 Vegetative Crypsis, Mimicry and Deception.- 6.2 Chemical Deterrence.- 6.3 Toughness and Spines.- 6.4 Responses to Seed-Eating.- 6.5 Thermal Protection.- 6.6 Symbiotic Protective Relationships with Stinging Insects.- 6.7 Phenology.- 7 Community Processes.- 7.1 Protection of Young and Social Behaviour.- 7.2 Effects on Animal Populations of Parasites and Predators.- 7.3 Sequestration of Plant Metabolites.- 7.4 Pollination of Plants by Animals.- 7.5 Seed Dispersal by Animals.- 7.6 Cooperation Between Plants.- 7.7 Competitive Interactions.- 7.8 Food Webs.- 8 Discussion and Conclusions.- 8.1 Emerging Principles.- 8.2 Desert Ecosystems.- References.