Introduction to systems ecology
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Introduction to systems ecology
（Applied ecology and environmental management / series editor, Sven E. Jørgensen, A series）
CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, c2012
- : hardback
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Note
Bibliography: p. 287-296
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
Possibly the first textbook to present a practically applicable ecosystems theory, Introduction to Systems Ecology helps readers understand how ecosystems work and how they react to disturbances. It demonstrates-with many examples and illustrations-how to apply the theory to explain observations and to make quantitative calculations and predictions.
In this book, Sven Erik Jorgensen takes a first step toward integrating thermodynamics, biochemistry, hierarchical organization, and network theory into a holistic theory of systems ecology. The first part of the book covers the laws of thermodynamics and the basic biochemistry of living organisms, as well as the constraints they impose on ecosystems. To grow and develop, however, ecosystems have to evade these thermodynamic and biochemical constraints, so the second part of the book discusses the seven basic properties that enable ecosystems to grow, develop, and survive:
They are open systems, far from thermodynamic equilibrium.
They are organized hierarchically.
They have a high diversity.
They have high buffer capacities toward changes.
Their components are organized in cooperative networks, which allows for sophisticated feedback, regulation mechanisms, and higher efficiencies.
They contain an enormous amount of information embodied in genomes.
They have emerging system properties.
This timely textbook also looks at how systems ecology is applied in integrated environmental management, particularly in ecological modeling and engineering and in the assessment of ecosystem health using ecological indicators. Acknowledging that there is still much room for improvement, it will inspire ecologists to develop a stronger and more widely applicable ecosystem theory.
Table of Contents
System Ecology: An Ecological Discipline. Part 1: Conservation of Energy and Matter. Ecosystems: Growth and Development. Irreversibility and Order: The Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics. The Biochemistry of Ecosystems. The Thermodynamic Interpretation of Ecosystem Growth and Development. The Ecological Law of Thermodynamics. Part 2: Ecosystems Are Open Systems. Ecosystems Have a Hierarchical Organization. Ecosystems Have a High Diversity. Ecosystems Have a High Buffer Capacity. The Components of Ecosystems Form Ecological Networks. Ecosystems Have a Very High Content of Information. Ecosystems Have Emerging Holistic System Properties. Application of System Ecology in Ecological Subdisciplines and Environmental Management. References. Appendix. Index.
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