Acknowledgments
Many students, colleagues, friends, and South Texas relatives have contributed to my thinking about this ecosystem, though not all will agree with my conclusions. I owe special thanks to staff of Chaparral Wildlife Area for access to the area and for use of facilities over the years 1972-1982. Managers John Ellisor and Ernie Davis, along with Assistant Manager Bill Brummel, have all been most helpful to me and my graduate students. I owe special thanks to friends and colleagues who have read and criticized the paper: P. Whittaker, N. Fowler, B. Simpson, N. Nadkarni, P. Rundel, W. VanAuken, S. Knapp, C. Todzia, R.H. Richardson, and H. Petursson. Thanks also to Sharon Bramblett for her hard work in typing the various drafts. Finally, I would like to thank all South Texas ranchers who have left substantial parts of their land in undisturbed natural condition.