A New Ecology
Systems Perspective

Aids in the application of ecosystem theory in ecology

Sven Erik Jørgensen (Author), Brian D. Fath (Author), Simone Bastianoni (Author), Joao C. Marques (Author), Felix Muller (Author), S. Nors Nielsen (Author), Bernard D. Patten (Author), Enzo Tiezzi (Author), Robert E. Ulanowicz (Author)

9780444531605, Elsevier Science

Hardback, published 16 May 2007

288 pages
24 x 16.5 x 2.3 cm, 0.644 kg

A New Ecology presents an ecosystem theory based on the following ecosystem properties: physical openness, ontic openness, directionality, connectivity, a complex dynamic for growth and development, and a complex dynamic response to disturbances. Each of these properties is developed in detail to show that these basic and characteristic properties can be applied to explain a wide spectrum of ecological obsevations and convections. It is also shown that the properties have application for environmental management and for assessment of ecosystem health.

Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Ecosystems have openness (thermodynamic). 3. Ecosystems have ontic openness. 4. Ecosystems have directionality. 5. Ecosystems have connectivity. 6. Ecosystems have complex dynamics (growth). 7. Ecosystems have complex dynamics (disturbances). 8. Ecosystems have broad explanatory power in ecology. 9. Ecosystem principles have applications. 10. Conclusions and final remarks. References. Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], Applied ecology [RNC], The environment [RN], Limnology [freshwater RBKF], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]