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  • © 1993

Ecological Microcosms

Part of the book series: Springer Advanced Texts in Life Sciences (SATLIFE)

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Table of contents (20 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
  2. Microcosms: Concepts and Uses

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Introduction to Microcosmology

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 3-10
    3. Metabolism and Homeostasis

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 11-40
    4. Succession and Self-organization

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 41-61
    5. Chemical Cycles and Limiting Factors

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 62-87
    6. Diversity and Information

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 88-107
    7. Hierarchy, Control, and Oscillation

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 108-147
    8. Stress, Toxicity, and Adaptation

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 148-177
    9. History

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 178-187
  3. Kinds of Microcosms and Mesocosms

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 189-189
    2. Aquaria

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 191-208
    3. Stream Microcosms

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 209-233
    4. Terraria and Soil Microcosms

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 234-259
    5. Wetland Microcosms

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 260-271
    6. Ponds and Pools

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 272-293
    7. Reefs and Benthic Microcosms

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 294-321
    8. Plankton Columns

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 322-340
    9. Thermal and Brine Microcosms

      • Robert J. Beyers, Howard T. Odum
      Pages 341-354
  4. Microcosms for Society

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 355-356

About this book

Ecological Microcosms is a seminal work which reviews the expanding field of enclosed ecosystem research, and relates the results and models of microcosm studies to general concepts in ecology. Microcosms are miniaturized pieces of our biosphere, ranging from streams and lakes to terraria, agroecosystems, and waste systems. The study of these simplified ecosystems is providing provocative insights into ecological principles as well as issues of environmental management and global stability. The authors have used the well-known thermodynamic approach of H.T. Odum and numerous computer simulations. The book also includes an evaluation of alternative mesocosm approaches for the support of humans in space, as well as appendices to aid in the teaching of environmental concepts using student-created microcosms. Ecological Microcosms will be of interest to ecologists, environmental engineers, policy makers and environmental managers, space scientists, and educators. Robert J. Beyers is a Professor of Biology at the University of South Alabama. Howard T. Odum is Graduate Research Professor of Environmental Engineering Sciences at the University of Florida, and was awarded, with Eugene Odum, the 1987 Crafoord Prize in the Biosciences.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, USA

    Robert J. Beyers

  • Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA

    Howard T. Odum

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access