Complex Ecology
Foundational Perspectives on Dynamic Approaches to Ecology and Conservation

Research papers from the end of twentieth-century have been assembled, alongside expert commentary, for the first collected volume on complexity-based ecology.

Charles G. Curtin (Edited by), Timothy F. H. Allen (Edited by)

9781108402606, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 May 2018

592 pages
24.7 x 17.5 x 2.8 cm, 1.2 kg

'Conservation is built on the foundations of ecology but it often seems that conservation uses ecology in fragmented ways - only knowing a piece of the proverbial elephant but not the whole animal. Complex Ecology is the first anthology that provides the full interconnected understanding of ecology and its implications for application. At a time when humanity is pushing the limits of planetary thresholds with climate change and an expanding footprint of impacts, Complex Ecology provides an essential compass for scientists and conservationists to navigate the shifting ecological context of conservation action. This book contains the touchstone primary sources that underpin resilience theory, conservation biology, and trophic ecology.' Gary Tabor, Center for Large Landscape Conservation, Montana

From climate change to species extinction, humanity is confronted with an increasing array of societal and environmental challenges that defy simple quantifiable solutions. Complexity-based ecology provides a new paradigm for ecologists and conservationists keen to embrace the uncertainty that is pressed upon us. This book presents key research papers chosen by some sixty scholars from various continents, across a diverse span of sub-disciplines. The papers are set alongside first person commentary from many of the seminal voices involved, offering unprecedented access to experts' viewpoints. The works assembled also shed light on the process of science in general, showing how the shifting of wider perspectives allows for new ideas to take hold. Ideal for undergraduate and advanced students of ecology and conservation, their educators and those working across allied fields, this is the first book of its kind to focus on complexity-based approaches and provides a benchmark for future collected volumes.

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Aggregation in complex systems
2. Diversity in ecology and conservation
3. The role of flows of energy and resources in structuring social and ecological systems
4. Non-linearity in natural, social, and physical systems
5. Applied implications and subversive science
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH], Conservation of the environment [RNK], Environmental management [RNF], Applied ecology [RNC]