Fundamental Processes in Ecology An Earth Systems Approach

by Wilkinson, David M.

• ISBN13: 9780199229062
• ISBN10: 0199229066
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780191551857
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-12-05
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• More Book Details

Summary

Fundamental Processes in Ecology presents a way to study ecosystems that is not yet available in ecology textbooks but is resonant with current thinking in the emerging fields of geobiology and Earth System Science. It provides an alternative, process-based classification of ecology andproposes a truly planetary view of ecological science. To achieve this, it asks (and endeavours to answer) the question, what are the fundamental ecological processes which would be found on any planet with Earth-like, carbon based, life?The author demonstrates how the idea of fundamental ecological processes can be developed at the systems level, specifically their involvement in control and feedback mechanisms. This approach allows us to reconsider basic ecological ideas such as energy flow, guilds, trade-offs, carbon cycling andphotosynthesis; and to put these in a global context. In doing so, the book puts a much stronger emphasis on microorganisms than has traditionally been the case. The integration of Earth System Science with ecology is vitally important if ecological science is to successfully contribute to the massive problems and future challenges associated with global change. Although the approach is heavily influenced by Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis, this is not a popularscience book about Gaian theory. Instead it is written as an accessible text for graduate student seminar courses and researchers in the fields of ecology, earth system science, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, history of life, astrobiology, geology and physical geography.

Author Biography

David M. Wilkinson is Reader in Environmental Science in the School of Biological and Earth Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. He has wide interests within the environmental and biological sciences, where much of his research is on theoretical topics within evolutionary ecology, biogeography and Earth systems science. In addition he is involved in more empirical research on soil protozoa, environmental archaeology and the history of science. His teaching covers a diverse range of topics from the history of geology to forensic archaeology, but centres on various aspects of ecology.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Introducing the thought experiment

The Fundamental processes

Energy Flow

Multiple guilds

Tradeoffs and biodiversity

Ecological hypercycles - covering a planet with life

Merging of organismal and ecological physiology

Photosynthesis

Carbon sequestration

Emerging systems

Nutrient cycling as an emergent property

Historical contingency and the development of planetary ecosystems

From processes to systems

Glossary

References

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