Environmental Science : Toward a Sustainable Future

by WRIGHT & NEBEL

• ISBN13: 9780132302654
• ISBN10: 0132302659
• Edition: 10th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Addison Wesley

Summary

As the field of environmental science continues to evolve, this highly readable guide presents a full spectrum of views and information to help readers evaluate issues and make informed decisions. Reflects the changing environmental scene worldwide, with a wide range of viewpoints and information from the latest sources. Places new emphasis on issues such as emerging diseases like avian flu; the 4 th World Water Forum; the "gene revolution;" the Endangered Species Act controversy; restoration of the Everglades, and the 2005 Global Forest Resources Assessment. Strives for a balance between pure science and the political, social, and historical perspectives of environmental affairs. For those interested in learning more about environmental science.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Toward a Sustainable Future	p. 2
The Global Environmental Picture	p. 5
Population Growth and Economic Development	p. 5
The Decline of Ecosystems	p. 6
Global Atmospheric Changes	p. 7
Loss of Biodiversity	p. 8
Three Strategic Themes: Sustainability, Stewardship, and Science	p. 8
Sustainability	p. 9
Stewardship	p. 11
Science	p. 13
Three Integrative Themes: Ecosystem Capital, Policy/Politics, and Globalization	p. 16
Ecosystem Capital	p. 16
Policy and Politics	p. 17
Globalization	p. 18
The Environment in the 21st Century	p. 19
A New Commitment	p. 21
Revisiting the Themes	p. 21
Review Questions	p. 22
Thinking Environmentally	p. 23
Ethics What Is the Stewardship Ethic?	p. 12
global perspective Red Sky at Morning	p. 20
Ecosystems: Basic Units of the Natural World	p. 24
Ecosystems: What They Are	p. 26
Ecosystems: A Description	p. 28
The Structure of Ecosystems	p. 31
Trophic Categories	p. 31
Trophic Relationships: Food Chains, Food Webs, and Trophic Levels	p. 35
Nonfeeding Relationships	p. 37
Abiotic Factors	p. 40
From Ecosystems to Global Biomes	p. 41
The Role of Climate	p. 41
Microclimate and Other Abiotic Factors	p. 45
Biotic Factors	p. 45
Physical Barriers	p. 46
Summary	p. 46
The Human Presence	p. 47
Three Revolutions	p. 47
Revisiting the Themes	p. 50
Review Questions	p. 51
Thinking Environmentally	p. 51
earth watch Limiting Factors and the Woodland Caribou in Alberta, Canada	p. 47
global perspective Can Ecosystems Be Restored?	p. 48
Ecosystems: How They Work	p. 52
Matter, Energy, and Life	p. 54
Matter in Living and Nonliving Systems	p. 54
Energy Basics	p. 58
Energy Changes in Organisms	p. 60
Energy Flow in Ecosystems	p. 64
Primary Production	p. 64
Energy Flow and Efficiency	p. 65
Running on Solar Energy	p. 67
The Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems	p. 67
The Carbon Cycle	p. 68
The Phosphorus Cycle	p. 69
The Nitrogen Cycle	p. 70
Implications for Human Societies	p. 73
Ecosystem Sustainability	p. 73
Value of Ecosystem Capital	p. 74
The Future	p. 77
Revisiting the Themes	p. 77
Review Questions	p. 78
Thinking Environmentally	p. 79
global perspective Light and Nutrients: The Controlling Factors in Marine Ecosystems	p. 66
ethics Ecosystem Stakeholders	p. 75
Contents viii WRIGMF_0132302659_SE.QXD 1/12/07 12:59 PM	p. viii
Ecosystems: How They Change	p. 80
Dynamics of Natural Populations	p. 82
Population Growth Curves	p. 82
Biotic Potential versus Environmental Resistance	p. 83
Density Dependence and Critical Number	p. 85
Mechanisms of Population Equilibrium	p. 85
PredatorPrey Dynamics	p. 85
Competition	p. 88
Introduced Species	p. 91
Evolution as a Force for Change	p. 95
Adaptation through Natural Selection	p. 95
Drifting Continents	p. 100
Ecosystem Responses to Disturbance	p. 102
Ecological Succession	p. 102
Disturbance and Resilience	p. 105
Evolving Ecosystems?	p. 107
Living Beyond Our Means	p. 109
Managing Ecosystems	p. 109
Pressures on Ecosystems	p. 110
Revisiting the Themes	p. 111
Review Questions	p. 112
Thinking Environmentally	p. 112
Making a Difference Part one Chapters 2, 3, 4	p. 113
Guest essay The Village Weaverbird: Marvel or Menace?	p. 91
Earth watch Environmental Tipping Points	p. 108
The Human Population	p. 114
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.