This book provides an understanding of the joint dynamics of physical, chemical, and biological components of the ecosystem, and describes the role of ecology as an operational environmental science in solving environmental problems.

Contenu
The "natures" of ecology Part I: Elaboration of the Scientific Approach in Ecosystem Ecology: Origin and evolution of the ecosystem concept; Approaches and paradigms in ecosystem ecology; Methods of studying ecosystems Part II: Structure and Organization of Ecosystems: The system concept and attempts to apply physical principles to ecosystem ecology; Abiotic factors and structure of ecosystems; Hierarchies, levels of organization and typology of ecological systems; Spatial and temporal scales and their consequences; Spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability Part III: Functioning of Ecosystems: Dynamics of communities and ecosystems: from the balance of nature to self-regulated systems; Matter and energy flows in ecosystems; Biological diversity and ecosystem functioning; The biogeochemical cycles Part IV: Global Ecology: Global ecology: dynamics of the biosphere; The climatic system and its variability; Biosphere-atmosphere interactions and their consequences for global equilibrium; Responses of ecosystems to climatic changes: knowing the past to understand the future