As part of the Environmental and Ecological Modeling Handbooks series, the"Handbook of Ecosystems" provides a comprehensive overview of ecosystem theory and the tools - ecological engineering, ecological modeling, ecotoxicology and ecological economics - to manage these systems. The book is laid out to provide a summary or survey of each topic, using many tables and figures. Concepts, definitions, important findings, basic hypotheses, important correlations between theories and observation with illustrative graphs are included. The comprehensive treatment of ecosystem theory and application of theoretical tools, and the integration of classical theory and real world examples, sets this book apart. It covers newly emerging topical areas as well as nontraditional topical areas (i.e. chaos) that will interest professionals trained in previous decades and enlighten those now entering into formal training. The general approach taken by the authors makes this an essential reference and handbook for professionals and students. TOC:Introduction: Development of Systems Ecology. Application of Thermodynamics in Ecosystem Theories. The Four Laws of Thermodynamics Applied on Ecosystems. Emergent Properties of Ecosystems. Hierarchy Theory in Ecology. Information Measures in Ecology. Network Theory, Utility Theory and Indirect Effect. Network Theory and Ascendancy. Ecological Attributes. Cybernetics Applied in Ecology. Catastrophe Theory Applied to Ecology. Chaos Theory Applied to Ecology. Modeling as a Tool in Ecosystems. Stability of Ecological Systems. Ecological Indicators and Ecosystem Health. Application of Ecological Engineering as a Tool in Ecosystem Management Research on the Ecosystem Level. Ecological Economics as a Tool in Ecosystem Management. Ecotoxicity and Ecosystem Theory. Development of Ecosystems. Climate and Ecosystems. Conclusions: The State of the Art of Ecosystem Theory and Management. Index.
