| Description |
1 online resource |
| Contents |
Ecological Systems, Introduction / Rik Leemans -- Atmospheric Biogeochemistry / Natalie M. Mahowald -- Ecological Succession and Community Dynamics / Herman H. (Hank) Shugart -- Ecosystem Engineers, Keystone Species / Sanne de Visser, Elisa Thébault, Peter C. de Ruiter -- Ecosystem Flow Analysis / Brian D. Fath -- Ecosystem Services / Heather Tallis, Anne Guerry, Gretchen C. Daily -- Ecosystems and Spatial Patterns / Patrick M.A. James, Marie-Josée Fortin -- Ecosystems, Adaptive Management / Craig R. Allen, Joseph J. Fontaine, Ahjond S. Garmestani -- Ecotones and Ecological Gradients / Salit Kark -- Invasive Species / Anthony Ricciardi -- Landscape Ecology / Jianguo (Jingle) Wu -- Marine Biogeochemistry / Walker O. Smith Jr., Eileen E. Hofmann, Anna Mosby -- Species Competition and Predation / Peter Chesson -- Species Diversity Within and Among Ecosystems / Jonathan E.M. Baillie, Karolyn Upham -- Urban Ecology / S.T.A. Pickett, M.L. Cadenasso |
| Summary |
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. 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 |
| Analysis |
Life sciences |
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Geochemistry |
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Ecology |
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Endangered ecosystems |
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Urban Ecology |
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Ecosystems |
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Biogeosciences |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Subject |
Biotic communities.
|
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Ecology -- Encyclopedias
|
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Biota
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NATURE -- Ecology.
|
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NATURE -- Ecosystems & Habitats -- Wilderness.
|
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SCIENCE -- Environmental Science.
|
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SCIENCE -- Life Sciences -- Ecology.
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Biotic communities
|
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Ecology
|
| Genre/Form |
encyclopedias.
|
|
Encyclopedias
|
|
Encyclopedias.
|
|
Encyclopédies.
|
| Form |
Electronic book
|
| Author |
Leemans, Rik, editor
|
| ISBN |
9781461457558 |
|
1461457556 |
|
1461457548 |
|
9781461457541 |
|
