Integration of Ecosystem Theories: A PatternThe book presents an integration of existing ecosystem theories in such a comprehensive way as to enable a full ecological and theoretical pattern to be presented. It shows that ecosystems and their reactions may be understood, provided that all basic systems ecology is applied to different aspects of the properties of ecosystems. Since the publication of the previous two editions of this book, ongoing research and discussions on an international scale have greatly clarified and enhanced this pattern. This progress is presented as Chapter 16 in this new, third edition. It is shown that the integrated ecosystem theory presented can be applied to explain various ecological observations and rules. Audience: Researchers and decision makers whose work involves the study of ecosystems and ecology. This book is also recommended for use in graduate courses. |
Contents
DO WE NEED A NEW HOLISTIC ECOLOGY? 1346 | 18 |
MODELS IN ECOLOGY 4774 | 41 |
EXERGY AND ECOLOGY 131174 | 131 |
UTILITY THEORY INDIRECT EFFECT AND ASCENDANCY 193221 | 193 |
DYNAMIC OF ECOSYSTEMS 295325 | 295 |
GOAL FUNCTIONS ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS | 328 |
A TENTATIVE PATTERN OF ECOSYSTEM THEORIES 343363 | 343 |
TOWARDS A CONSISTENT ECOSYSTEM THEORY 365396 | 366 |
| 412 | |
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Common terms and phrases
able algae applied ascendancy behaviour biological biomass buffer capacities calibration catastrophe theory changes Chapter chemical compartment Complexity of ecosystems components concept considered cycles decrease detritus discussed dissipation diversity ecological models ecosystem theory embodied energy energy flow entropy production environment environmental equation eutrophication evolution example explain external factors feedback Figure fish forcing functions fractal dimension genes give goal function gradients H.T. Odum higher highest exergy holistic hypothesis implies increase indirect effects inorganic input interacting Jørgensen lake law of thermodynamics maximum growth rate maximum power principle measure molecules negentropy nitrogen observations Odum organisms parameters pattern phosphorus phytoplankton plotted versus possible predation presented processes r-strategists ratio reactions relation relationship relative respiration selection shown solar radiation stability steady structural dynamic models structural exergy survival systems ecology Table temperature tentative fourth law thermodynamic equilibrium tion trophic levels Ulanowicz uptake utilization valid values variables zooplankton