Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Boxes
- Preface
- Prologue Environmental changes and ecosystem effects: two historical examples
- Section I History and concepts
- Section II Ecosystem structure and function
- Section III Ecosystem dynamics at different time scales
- Section IV Applications
- Appendix 1 Abbreviations
- Appendix 2 Glossary
- Appendix 3 Some useful values and symbols used to represent them
- Appendix 4 Information and data on selected ecosystems
- References
- Index
- Plate section
Preface
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Boxes
- Preface
- Prologue Environmental changes and ecosystem effects: two historical examples
- Section I History and concepts
- Section II Ecosystem structure and function
- Section III Ecosystem dynamics at different time scales
- Section IV Applications
- Appendix 1 Abbreviations
- Appendix 2 Glossary
- Appendix 3 Some useful values and symbols used to represent them
- Appendix 4 Information and data on selected ecosystems
- References
- Index
- Plate section
Summary
Preface
There are three major reasons behind this textbook Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology – a fast-growing science. The first one is that the discipline provides us with basic facts on how Nature functions. New knowledge has accumulated. A wealth of information and data on ecosystems and their processes are now available. Development in measuring techniques, computers and other technologies are major reasons behind these achievements. This allows us today to better formulate principles and hypotheses for ecosystems and their function. The intention with our book is to identify and strengthen the base of ecosystem ecology in order to provide a platform on which to build future, solid scientific development. Although there are obvious links between aquatic and terrestrial environments we have chosen to focus on terrestrial ecosystems.
A second reason is that Man's activities lead to a number of direct and indirect effects on ecosystems, which are a threat to long-term and sustainable use of the natural resources for our survival. We need to understand how Nature and ecosystems function in order to interpret the effects of various degrees of utilisation. We need also broad, basic knowledge in order to give advice for utilisation, management and mitigation of detrimental effects. It is also important to have a holistic view and understand how atmosphere, water, biota and soils interact under the influence of Man.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Terrestrial Ecosystem EcologyPrinciples and Applications, pp. xv - xviiiPublisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011