Ecology: From Ecosystem to Biosphere

About this book

A wide-ranging survey, with particular emphasis on ecological hierarchies, homogeneity and heterogeneity, the role of biological diversity, and spacial and temporal scales. The book ends with a presentation of the overall functioning of the biosphere in a historical perspective.

Contents

The "natures" of ecology. Part I Elaboration of the Scientific Approach in Ecosystem Ecology: Origin and evolution of the ecosystem concept; Approaches and paradigms in ecosystem ecology; Methods of studying ecosystems. Part II Structure and Organization of Ecosystems: The system concept and attempts to apply physical principles to ecosystem ecology; Abiotic factors and structure of ecosystems; Hierarchies, levels of organization and typology of ecological systems; Spatial and temporal scales and their consequences; Spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability. Part III Functioning of Ecosystems: Dynamics of communities and ecosystems - from the balance of nature to self-regulated systems; Matter and energy flows in ecosystems; Biological diversity and ecosystem functioning; The biogeochemical cycles. Part IV Global Ecology: Global ecology - dynamics of the biosphere; The climatic system and its variability; Biosphere-atmosphere interactions and their consequences for global equilibrium; Responses of ecosystems to climatic changes - knowing the past to understand the future.

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