Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science

Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science provides a compact and comprehensive introduction to modern ecosystem science. This book covers major concepts of ecosystem science, biogeochemistry, and energetics. It addresses, contrasts, and compares both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It combines general lessons, concepts, frameworks, and challenges in highly accessible synthesis chapters. It presents firsthand case studies, written by leaders in the field, offering personal insights into how adopting an ecosystem approach led to innovations, new understanding, management changes, and policy solutions. This book is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have had a general biology course, but not further training in ecosystems as well as researchers and professionals in ecology and environmental sciences.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Introduction 1. Introduction to Ecosystem Science Part II: Ecological Energetics 2. Primary Production: The Foundation of Ecosystems 3. Secondary Production and Consumer Energetics 4. Organic Matter Decomposition Part III: Biogeochemistry 5. Element Cycling 6. The Carbon Cycle 7. The Nitrogen Cycle 8. The Phosphorus Cycle Part IV: Synthesis  9. Revisiting the Ecosystem Concept: Important Features That Promote Generality and Understanding 10. Ecosystems in a Heterogeneous World 11. Controls on Ecosystem Structure and Function Part V: Case Studies 12. From Global Environmental Change to Sustainability Science: Ecosystem Studies in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico 13. Ecology of Lyme Disease 14. Understanding Ecosystem Effects of Dams 15. Acid Rain 16. Streams and Their Valleys Part VI: Frontiers 17. Frontiers in Ecosystem Science Appendix: A Primer on Biologically Mediated Redox Reactions in Ecosystems

About the Author :
Dr. Kathleen C. Weathers is the G. Evelyn Hutchinson Chair in Ecology at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Dr. David L. Strayer is a Distinguished Senior Scientist Emeritus at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Dr. Gene E. Likens is President Emeritus and Distinguished Senior Scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Connecticut, Storrs

Review :
"Via multiple approaches (e.g., experimental, theoretical, cross-system comparisons), contributors discuss the energetics and biochemical branches of this rapidly evolving science, and present case studies illustrating how ecosystem science can identify and control problems in diverse ecosystems."--Reference & Research Book News, October 2013 "I have been searching for a book like this for my ecosystem ecology class. The tone is right-on-target, the examples are apropos, and it is clear that these chapters are written for students as opposed to researchers, which is a significant plus."--Dr. Robert Hall, University of Wyoming "I found the chapters in Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science to be well-organized and well-written. Students and teachers alike respond well to them. The level of detail is about right (not too dense), and the subject matter is presented in an interesting and engaging way."--Dr. Clifford Ochs, University of Mississippi "The book is very readable and engaging, and it communicates both a general understanding of the topics and current state of the knowledge. The incorporation of both terrestrial and aquatic systems is a great contribution since most ecosystem science textbooks are focused on terrestrial or aquatic systems."--Dr. Mary Arthur, University of Kentucky "A refreshing approach that includes specific methods, examples and perspectives from both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It provides timely and motivating syntheses of concepts and approaches for addressing current challenges to earth's ecosystem functions."--Dr. Amy Rosemond, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia