Fundamental Processes in Ecology
An Earth Systems Approach
ISBN13: 9780199229062ISBN10: 0199229066
Paperback,
200 pages
Also available:
Hardback
Oct 2007,
In Stock
Price:
$65.00 (06)
Winner of the Marsh Ecology Book of the Year Award, awarded by the British Ecological Society
Description
Fundamental Processes in Ecology presents a way to study ecosystems that is not yet available in ecology textbooks but is resonant with current thinking in the emerging fields of geobiology and Earth System Science. It provides an alternative, process-based classification of ecology and proposes a truly planetary view of ecological science. To achieve this, it asks (and endeavours to answer) the question, "what are the fundamental ecological processes which would be found on any planet with Earth-like, carbon based, life?"The author demonstrates how the idea of fundamental ecological processes can be developed at the systems level, specifically their involvement in control and feedback mechanisms. This approach allows us to reconsider basic ecological ideas such as energy flow, guilds, trade-offs, carbon cycling and photosynthesis; and to put these in a global context. In doing so, the book puts a much stronger emphasis on microorganisms than has traditionally been the case.
The integration of Earth System Science with ecology is vitally important if ecological science is to successfully contribute to the massive problems and future challenges associated with global change. Although the approach is heavily influenced by Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis, this is not a popular science book about Gaian theory. Instead it is written as an accessible text for graduate student seminar courses and researchers in the fields of ecology, earth system science, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, history of life, astrobiology, geology and physical geography.
Features
- Integrates Earth System Science with ecology, by focusing on fundamental ecological processes including energy flow, carbon sequestration and photosynthesis
- Provides an alternative process-based classification of ecology, and proposes a new approach to the teaching of undergraduate ecology
- Suggests how the idea of fundamental processes can be developed at the systems level
- Ideal graduate seminar course material
Product Details
200 pages; 12 line & 19 halftone illus.; ISBN13: 978-0-19-922906-2ISBN10: 0-19-922906-6About the Author(s)
David M. Wilkinson is Reader in Environmental Science in the School of Biological and Earth Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. He has wide interests within the environmental and biological sciences, where much of his research is on theoretical topics within evolutionary ecology, biogeography and Earth systems science. In addition he is involved in more empirical research on soil protozoa, environmental archaeology and the history of science. His teaching covers a diverse range of topics from the history of geology to forensic archaeology, but centres on various aspects of ecology.
