Leemans Ecological Systems

Selected Entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology
1. Auflage 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4614-5755-8
Verlag: Springer US
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: 1 - PDF Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 310 Seiten

Reihe: Biomedical and Life Sciences

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.

Zielgruppe

Upper undergraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Leemans, Rik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Ecological Systems, Introduction.- 2. Atmospheric Biogeochemistry.- 3. Ecological Succession and Community Dynamics.- 4. Ecosystem Engineers, Keystone Species.- 5. Ecosystem Flow Analysis.- 6. Ecosystem Services.- 7. Ecosystems and Spatial Patterns.- 8. Ecosystems, Adaptive Management.- 9. Ecotones and Ecological Gradients.- 10. Invasive Species.- 11. Landscape Ecology.- 12. Marine Biogeochemistry.- 13. Species Competition and Predation.- 14. Species Diversity Within and Among Ecosystems.- 15. Urban Ecology.- Index.