Essentials in Ecology

Contents: Preface. 1. Ecology: basic concepts. 2. The biosphere. 3. Community dynamics in ecosystem. 4. Population ecology. 5. Evolutionary ecology. 6. Biological interactions. 7. Ecosystem ecology. 8. Energy flow through ecosystems. 9. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. 10. Conservation biology. 11. Ecosystem services to human livelihood. Bibliography. Index.

“Ecology is the scientific study of the distribution, abundance of life and the interactions between organisms and their natural environment. It is a multidisciplinary science. Because of its focus on the higher levels of the organization of life on earth and on the interrelations between organisms and their environment, ecology draws on many other branches of science, especially geology and geography, meteorology, pedology, genetics chemistry and physics. Thus, ecology is considered by some to be a holistic science, one that over-arches older disciplines such as biology which in this view become sub-disciplines contributing to ecological knowledge.

The present book is an accessible and up-to-date text covering all essential aspects of introductory ecology. It is designed to cultivate the beginner student’s understanding of, and fascination with, the natural environment. In a concise, engaging style, this text outlines the essential principles of ecology from the theoretical fundamentals to their practical applications. The updated information with fruitful diagrams, valuable pedagogical features and wide range of examples make this book an ideal for students and teachers of ecology.” (jacket)