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Ecological Systems

Selected Entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology

  • Book
  • © 2013

Overview

Editors:
  1. Rik Leemans

    1. , Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands

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  • Features authoritative, peer-reviewed entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology
  • Covers topics ranging from atmospheric biogeochemistry to invasive species, ecosystem services, and urban ecology
  • Provides an ecological systems perspective on the vital question of how to cope with climate change and the global human population explosion
  • Includes a glossary of key terms and a concise definition of the subject for each contribution
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (15 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-vi
    Download chapter PDF

  2. Ecological Systems, Introduction

    • Rik Leemans
    Pages 1-6

  3. Atmospheric Biogeochemistry

    • Natalie M. Mahowald
    Pages 7-29

  4. Ecological Succession and Community Dynamics

    • Herman H. (Hank) Shugart
    Pages 31-57

  5. Ecosystem Engineers, Keystone Species

    • Sanne de Visser, Elisa Thébault, Peter C. de Ruiter
    Pages 59-68

  6. Ecosystem Flow Analysis

    • Brian D. Fath
    Pages 69-80

  7. Ecosystem Services

    • Heather Tallis, Anne Guerry, Gretchen C. Daily
    Pages 81-100

  8. Ecosystems and Spatial Patterns

    • Patrick M. A. James, Marie-Josée Fortin
    Pages 101-124

  9. Ecosystems, Adaptive Management

    • Craig R. Allen, Joseph J. Fontaine, Ahjond S. Garmestani
    Pages 125-146

  10. Ecotones and Ecological Gradients

    • Salit Kark
    Pages 147-160

  11. Invasive Species

    • Anthony Ricciardi
    Pages 161-178

  12. Landscape Ecology

    • Jianguo (Jingle) Wu
    Pages 179-200

  13. Marine Biogeochemistry

    • Walker O. Smith Jr., Eileen E. Hofmann, Anna Mosby
    Pages 201-221

  14. Species Competition and Predation

    • Peter Chesson
    Pages 223-256

  15. Species Diversity Within and Among Ecosystems

    • Jonathan E. M. Baillie, Karolyn Upham
    Pages 257-271

  16. Urban Ecology

    • S. T. A. Pickett, M. L. Cadenasso
    Pages 273-301

  17. Back Matter

    Pages 303-309
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Keywords

About this book

Earth is home to an estimated 8 million animal species, 600,000 fungi, 300,000 plants, and an undetermined number of microbial species.  Of these animal, fungal, and plant species, an estimated 75% have yet to be identified.  Moreover, the interactions between these species and their physical environment are known to an even lesser degree.  At the same time, the earth’s biota faces the prospect of climate change, which may manifest slowly or extremely rapidly, as well as a human population set to grow by two billion by 2045 from the current seven billion.  Given these major ecological changes, we cannot wait for a complete biota data set before assessing, planning, and acting to preserve the ecological balance of the earth.  This book provides comprehensive coverage of the scientific and engineering basis of the systems ecology of the earth in 15 detailed, peer-reviewed entries written for a broad audience of undergraduate and graduate students as well as  practicing professionals in government, academia, and industry.  The methodology presented aims at identifying key interactions and environmental effects, and enabling a systems-level understanding even with  our present state of factual knowledge.

Editors and Affiliations

  • , Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands

    Rik Leemans

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