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Introduction to Systems Ecology

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Introduction to Systems Ecology Introduction to Systems Ecology Sven Erik Jørgensen, Copenhagen University, Denmark A volume in the series Applied Ecology and Environmental Management Series edited by Sven Erik Jørgensen Using quantitative methods to understand how ecological systems operate and influence each other, this textbook presents a com- plete and practically applicable ecosystems theory. The book is built on fourteen principles for ecological systems, including the general application of energetics principles in systems ecology. Written by an internationally recognized expert, this work provides readers with a thorough understanding of how ecosystems work and how they react to disturbances such as pollution. The holistic systems ecology described has a wide application in conservation biology, ecological modeling, assessment of ecosystem health and sustainability, and ecotechnology. Features • Presents a complete and practically applicable ecosystem theory that offers a general frame of reference for ecological disciplines • Integrates four aspects of systems ecology: thermodynamics, biochemistry, network theory, and hierarchical organization • Summarizes important points at the end of each chapter • Includes plenty of examples and more than 100 exercises and problems for students to solve Catalog no. K12561 • Contains more than 100 black-and-white illustrations and a April 2012 32-page color insert 360 pp. ISBN: 978-1-4398-5501-0 Solutions manual available upon qualifying course adoption $99.95 / £63.99 Bulk pricing is available. Please contact a sales representative. www.crcpress.com CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group e-mail: [email protected] 1-800-634-7064 • 1-561-994-0555 • +44 (0) 1235 400 524 Table of Contents System Ecology: An Ecological The Thermodynamic Interpretation of Ecosystems Have a High Buffer Discipline Ecosystem Growth and Development Capacity What Is Systems Ecology? Introduction Introduction: Stability Concepts The Holistic Approach The Ecosystem Development Described The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis Outline of the Book by a Thermodynamic Interpretation of (IDH) the Three Growth Forms Hysteresis and Buffer Capacities PART 1 Seasonal Changes Chaos, Disturbances, and Buffer New Ecosystems Capacities Conservation of Energy and Matter The Conservation Laws The Ecological Law of Thermodynamics The Components of Ecosystems Form Ecological Networks Other Thermodynamic Functions Introduction: Darwin’s Theory Introduction Liebig’s Law of Minimum The Ecological Law of Thermodynamics (ELT) Ecological Networks Increase Utilization Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification Some Basic Ecological Observations Efficiency of Matter and Energy Cycling in Ecosystems and in the (Rules) That Can Be Explained by ELT Cardinal Hypotheses about the Properties Ecosphere Structurally Dynamic Models (SDMs) of Networks Energy Flows in Ecosystems The Compliance between ELT and Network Analyses Evolutionary Theories Network Selection by Ecosystems Ecosystems: Growth and Development The Maximum Power Principle PART 2 Ecosystems Have a Very High Content Embodied Energy/Emergy of Information Ecosystem as a Biochemical Reactor Ecosystems Are Open Systems The Information Embodied in the Genes Technological and Ecological Interpreta- Why Must Ecosystems Be Open? The Ascendency tion of the Thermodynamic The Allometric Principles and Information Embodied in the Networks Concept Exergy Quantification of Openness and Horizontal Evolution Eco-Exergy and Information Life Is Information Ecosystems Have a Hierarchical Irreversibility and Order: The Second Organization Ecosystems Have Emerging Holistic and Third Laws of Thermodynamics The Hierarchical Organization System Properties Open Systems Interactions between the Hierarchical Introduction Physical Openness Levels Additional Properties of Ecosystems Ontic Openness The Variations and the Hierarchical The Second Law of Thermodynamics Organization Application of System Ecology in Interpreted for Ecosystems The Frequency of Disturbances Ecological Subdisciplines and The Third Law of Thermodynamics Ontic Openness and the Hierarchy Theory Environmental Management Applied on Open Systems Integrated Ecological and Environmental Dissipative Structure and Eco-Exergy Ecosystems Have a High Diversity Management Should Be Based on a How to Calculate Exergy of Organic Profound Knowledge to System Ecology Introduction Matter and Organisms The Application of Systems Ecology to Ex- The Wide Spectrum of Forcing Functions Why Have Living Systems Such a High plain Ecological Observations and Rules The Molecular Differentiation in Level of Exergy? Application of Systems Ecology to Explain Biochemistry the Principles Applied in Ecological The Genetic Differentiation The Biochemistry of Ecosystems Engineering The Diversity of Cells A General Biochemistry for Living Systems Application of Systems Ecology to Assess The Diversity of Organs The First Steps of the Evolution toward a Ecosystem Health Biochemistry Diversity among Individuals The Prokaryote Cells Species Diversity References The Eukaryote Cells Differentiation of Communities and Appendix Ecological Networks The Temperature Range Needed for Life Index Processes Diversity of Ecosystems Natural Conditions for Life The Advantages of a High Biodiversity Chapters include a summary of important Ecological Stoichiometry Diversity and Extreme Environment points and exercises or problems. www.crcpress.com CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group e-mail: [email protected] 1-800-634-7064 • 1-561-994-0555 • +44 (0) 1235 400 524.
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