Author(s):   Wilkinson, D M   

Title:   Fundamental Processes in Ecology: an Earth Systems approach   

Publisher:   Oxford University Press.   

Year of publication:   2006  

ISBN:   13:978-0-19-856846-0  

Fundamental Processes in Ecology presents a  way to study ecosystems that is not yet  available in ecology textbooks but is resonant  with current thinking in the emerging fields of  geobiology and Earth System Science. It  provides an alternative, process-based  classification of ecology and proposes a truly  planetary view of ecological science. To  achieve this, it asks (and endeavours to  answer) the question, "what are the  fundamental ecological processes which would  be found on any planet with Earth-like, carbon  based, life?" The author demonstrates how the  idea of fundamental ecological processes can  be developed at the systems level, specifically  their involvement in control and feedback  mechanisms. This approach allows us to  reconsider basic ecological ideas such as  energy flow, guilds, trade-offs, carbon cycling  and photosynthesis; and to put these in a  global context. In doing so, the book puts a  much stronger emphasis on microorganisms  than has traditionally been the case.   The integration of Earth System Science with  ecology is vitally important if ecological science  is to successfully contribute to the massive  problems and future challenges associated with  global change. Although the approach is  heavily influenced by Lovelock's Gaia  hypothesis, this is not a popular science book  about Gaian theory. Instead it is written as an  accessible text for graduate student seminar  courses and researchers in the fields of  ecology, earth system science, evolutionary  biology, palaeontology, history of life,  astrobiology, geology and physical geography.    To search for publications by DAVID WILKINSON at Amazon, Press AMAZON To search for publications by DAVID WILKINSON with Google, Press GOOGLE To search for publications by DAVID WILKINSON with Alta Vista, Press Alta Vista