Principles Of Ecology

Ecology considers how organisms of the same species interact with each other, how organisms of different species in the same space interact, and how multiple communities interact to make up an ecosystem, information crucial in understanding how biodiversity affects ecological function. In over 120 articles, Principles of Ecology addresses topics including: Morphology, Human ecology, Resilience, Social ecology, Co-evolution, Traits, Biome and Biosphere.

As Ecology teachers ourselves we have become increasingly aware of the lack of a single comprehensive textbook of Ecvlogy which we can recommend unreservedly to our students. While general, review texts are readily available in other fields, recent publications in Ecology have tended for the most part to be small, specialised works on single aspects of the subject. Such general texts as are available are often rather too detailed and, in addition, tend to be somewhat biased towards one aspect of the discipline or another and are thus not truly balanced syntheses of current knowledge. Ecology is, in addition, a rapidly developing subject: new information is being gathered all the time on a variety of key questions; new approaches and techniques open up whole new areas of research and establish new principles. Already things have changed radically since the early '70s and we feel there is a need for an up to date student text that will include some of this newer material. We have tried, therefore, to create a text that will review all the major principles and tenets within the whole field of Ecology, presenting the generally accepted theories and fundamentals and reviewing carefully the evidence on which such principles have been founded. While recent developments in ecological thought are emphasised, we hope that these will not dominate the material to the extent where the older-established principles are ignored or overlooked.

Ecology is a branch of biology concerned with the study of interactions and interrelationships between organisms and their environment, as well as with other organisms. Ecosystems are vast systems of organisms, their communities, and the environmental factors that have an influence on these. Several processes control the flux of matter and energy through an environment, such as pedogenesis, nutrient cycling, primary production and niche construction. The study of ecology focuses on such processes, as well as ecological succession, distribution of organisms and biodiversity, among others. Ecosystems sustain life, regulate climate and produce economically crucial materials, such as biomass. The regulation of water filtration, erosion control, flood protection, global biogeochemical cycles, etc. is also sustained by the ecosystem. The book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of ecology. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied branches that fall under this category. It aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike and contribute to the growth of the discipline.

Features review questions at the end of each chapter; Includes suggestions for recommended reading; Provides a glossary of ecological terms; Has a wide audience as a textbook for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students and as a reference for practicing scientists from a wide array of disciplines

Rev. ed. of: Principles of ecology in plant production / edited by T.R. Sinclair and F.P. Gardner.

This is a comprehensive textbook for A-level students and first-year undergraduates taking courses in biology, geography and Earth sciences.

Features review questions at the end of each chapter; Includes suggestions for recommended reading; Provides a glossary of ecological terms; Has a wide audience as a textbook for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students and as a reference for practicing scientists from a wide array of disciplines