The Structure And Dynamics Of Human Ecosystems

A landmark book that strives to provide both grand theory and practical application, innovatively describing the structure and dynamics of human ecosystems As the world faces ever more complex and demanding environmental and social challenges, the need for interdisciplinary models and practical guidance becomes acute. The Human Ecosystem Model described in this landmark book provides an innovative response. Broad in scope, detailed in method, at once theoretical and applied, this grand study offers an in-depth understanding of human ecosystems and tools for action. The authors draw from Goethe’s Faust, classic anthropology and sociology studies, contemporary ecosystem ecology, Buddhist ethics, and more to create a paradigm-shifting model and a major advance in interdisciplinary ecology.

Cover -- Half Title -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- ONE: Introduction -- TWO: An Overview of the Model -- THREE: Lessons and Legacies -- FOUR: The Ecosystem Concept in Biology -- FIVE: The Roots of Human Ecology -- SIX: Key Components and Variables for Analyzing Human Ecosystems -- SEVEN: Goals, Strategies, and Tactics for Inquiry and Action -- EIGHT: Using the Model for Science during Crisis -- NINE: Revitalizing Human Communities and Reclaiming Biological Communities: The Baltimore Story -- TEN: Toward a More Perfect Civic Order: Lessons Learned from Research -- ELEVEN: Extending the Capability of the Model -- TWELVE: Leaning Forward: Future Challenges to Human Ecosystems -- THIRTEEN: Conclusion -- Notes -- Index -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- Q -- R -- S -- T -- U -- V -- W -- Y -- Z

DIVGroundbreaking collection contends that humans must establish communication with the rest of nature and a mutually nurturing relationship that builds on nature’s presence in all human practices./div

Highlighting the importance to ecological studies of incorporating humans and their effects on ecosystems, leading experts from a variety of disciplines address a number of important issues, including: * the prominent role of humans in the function of ecosystems on Earth * why humans have been ignored in ecological studies * approaches taken by social scientists, historians, geographers, economists, and anthropologists in the study of human activities * the emergence of a new ecological paradigm accommodating human activities * methods for studying subtle human effects, and human- populated ecosystems * future research and training required to include humans effectively as components of ecological systems. Of interest to students and researchers in ecology, and to policy-makers and environmental managers. In addition, it makes social scientists aware of new opportunties for integrating their ideas with those of ecologists.

A synthesis of present understanding of the structure of the geographic ranges of species, which is a core issue in ecology and biogeography with implications for many of the environmental issues presently facing humankind.

The Principles of Biology sequence (BI 211, 212 and 213) introduces biology as a scientific discipline for students planning to major in biology and other science disciplines. Laboratories and classroom activities introduce techniques used to study biological processes and provide opportunities for students to develop their ability to conduct research.

Vegetation Dynamics, Changing Ecosystems and Human Responsibility provides an overview of vegetation dynamics, which is the science of natural, near-natural, and human-influenced changes in vegetation over time and space. We can find chapters about almost every viewpoint of this very diverse segment of our science and in connection with almost every main type of terrestrial ecosystem.

Presents over thirty presentations from a 1999 conference in Douglas, Arizona, in which scientists and managers shared research progress and results concerning land management and environmental protection in the Borderlands region of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico.