This text explores the significant concepts of modern ecology using a minimum of jargon and only basic/simple mathematics. KEY TOPICS: Focuses on the development of four major concepts – including their historical background: energy flow; nutrient cycles; population ecology; and community ecology. Contains coverage of abiotic factors – including air, insolation, precipitation, soils, nutrients, ionizing radiation, and fire; energy flow (with increased emphasis on decomposition); nutrient cycling; population ecology; and community ecology. Updates material on applied ecology/human ecology and ecological ethics.
I. ECOLOGY AND ECOSYSTEMS
1. Ecology as a Science
2. The Nature of Ecosystems
II. THE ABIOTIC ENVIRONMENT
3. Minimums, Tolerances and the Medium
4. Insolation, Precipitation and Climate
5. Soils, Nutrients and Other Factors
III. ENERGY FLOW IN ECOSYSTEMS
6. Energy Fixation by Autotrophs
7. Energy Flow Beyond the Producers
IV. BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES AND ECOSYSTEMS
8. Gaseous and Sedimentary Nutrient Cycles
9. Nutrient Budgets and Ecosystems
V. POPULATION ECOLOGY
10. Population Growth and Structure
11. Population Regulation
VI. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
12. The Structure and Function of Communities
13. Stability and Change in Communities
VII. MAJOR ECOSYSTEMS OF THE WORLD
14. Biomes, The Major Terrestrial Ecosystems
15. Aquatic Ecosystems
VIII. HUMAN ECOLOGY
16. The Nature of Human Ecology
17. The Human Population
18. Anthropogenic Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems
19. Anthropogenic Impact on Terrestrial Systems
20. Anthropogenic Impact on the Atmosphere