Ecosystems: A Functional ApproachEcosystems introduces the basic concepts and processes in the ecosystem and explores its role in solving environmental problems. Examining the development of the ecosystem concept, the book explains how ecosystems function and analyzes the complex interactions between life and its physical environment. Presenting examples from all parts of the world within lively case studies and illustrations, Ecosystems focuses on 'real world' problems and topical and controversial issues, particularly on human impacts on the natural environment, and the consequences of environmental change. |
Contents
The nature of ecosystems | 1 |
operational and support functions | 30 |
Energy flow and energetics | 48 |
Material cycles in ecosystems | 62 |
meeting environmental challenges | 84 |
The role of disturbance and succession in ecosystem functioning | 99 |
productive and intermediate ecosystems | 114 |
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Common terms and phrases
abiotic abiotic environment adapted animals aquatic areas atmosphere autotrophic bacteria biodiversity biological biomass biosphere biota biotic carbon cycle carbon dioxide carnivores cause Chapter chemical colonise competition complex cycle system damage deforestation Earth ecologists ecosystem concept ecosystem function effects emperor penguin environmental change environmental science erosion eutrophication example exergy factors fertiliser functional group functioning of ecosystems Further reading global climatic change grazing habitat heat human actions human impacts hydrological cycle impacts on ecosystems important increase input intensity interactions isoetid Lake Nasser lakes land lithosphere located major material natural niche nitrogen nitrogen cycle numbers nutrient cycling occur ocean organisms permafrost photosynthesis physical environment phytoplankton plant community plant growth plant species population pressures primary production problems processes radiation rain forest result sediment soil solar strategies stress-tolerant stressed ecosystems subsystem supply surface survival temperature terrestrial theory tolerance trophic levels troposphere types vegetation wetland