Understanding Complex Ecosystem Dynamics

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Understanding Complex Ecosystem Dynamics

Author : William S. Yackinous
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 436 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2015-06-03
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780128020630

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Understanding Complex Ecosystem Dynamics by William S. Yackinous Pdf

Understanding Complex Ecosystem Dynamics: A Systems and Engineering Perspective takes a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective on complex system dynamics, beginning with a discussion of relevant systems and engineering skills and practices, including an explanation of the systems approach and its major elements. From this perspective, the author formulates an ecosystem dynamics functionality-based framework to guide ecological investigations. Next, because complex system theory (across many subject matter areas) is crucial to the work of this book, relevant network theory, nonlinear dynamics theory, cellular automata theory, and roughness (fractal) theory is covered in some detail. This material serves as an important resource as the book proceeds. In the context of all of the foregoing discussion and investigation, a view of the characteristics of ecological network dynamics is constructed. This view, in turn, is the basis for the central hypothesis of the book, i.e., ecological networks are ever-changing networks with propagation dynamics that are punctuated, local-to-global, and perhaps most importantly fractal. To analyze and fully test this hypothesis, an innovative ecological network dynamics model is defined, designed, and developed. The modeling approach, which seeks to emulate features of real-world ecological networks, does not make a priori assumptions about ecological network dynamics, but rather lets the dynamics develop as the model simulation runs. Model analysis results corroborate the central hypothesis. Additional important insights and principles are suggested by the model analysis results and by the other supporting investigations of this book – and can serve as a basis for going-forward complex system dynamics research, not only for ecological systems but for complex systems in general. Provides a fresh interdisciplinary perspective, offers a broad integrated development, and contains many new ideas Clearly explains the elements of the systems approach and applies them throughout the book Takes on the challenging and open issues of complex system network dynamics Develops and utilizes a new, innovative ecosystem dynamics modeling approach Contains over 135 graphic illustrations to help the reader visualize and understand important concepts

New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration

Author : Richard J. Hobbs,Katharine N. Suding,Peter Society for Ecological Restoration International
Publisher : Island Press
Page : 366 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2013-03-19
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781610911382

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New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration by Richard J. Hobbs,Katharine N. Suding,Peter Society for Ecological Restoration International Pdf

As scientific understanding about ecological processes has grown, the idea that ecosystem dynamics are complex, nonlinear, and often unpredictable has gained prominence. Of particular importance is the idea that rather than following an inevitable progression toward an ultimate endpoint, some ecosystems may occur in a number of states depending on past and present ecological conditions. The emerging idea of “restoration thresholds” also enables scientists to recognize when ecological systems are likely to recover on their own and when active restoration efforts are needed. Conceptual models based on alternative stable states and restoration thresholds can help inform restoration efforts. New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration brings together leading experts from around the world to explore how conceptual models of ecosystem dynamics can be applied to the recovery of degraded systems and how recent advances in our understanding of ecosystem and landscape dynamics can be translated into conceptual and practical frameworks for restoration. In the first part of the book, background chapters present and discuss the basic concepts and models and explore the implications of new scientific research on restoration practice. The second part considers the dynamics and restoration of different ecosystems, ranging from arid lands to grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs, to forests and wetlands, to production landscapes. A summary chapter by the editors discusses the implications of theory and practice of the ideas described in preceding chapters. New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration aims to widen the scope and increase the application of threshold models by critiquing their application in a wide range of ecosystem types. It will also help scientists and restorationists correctly diagnose ecosystem damage, identify restoration thresholds, and develop corrective methodologies that can overcome such thresholds.

Modelling Complex Ecological Dynamics

Author : Fred Jopp,Hauke Reuter,Broder Breckling
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 397 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2011-02-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783642050299

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Modelling Complex Ecological Dynamics by Fred Jopp,Hauke Reuter,Broder Breckling Pdf

Model development is of vital importance for understanding and management of ecological processes. Identifying the complex relationships between ecological patterns and processes is a crucial task. Ecological modelling—both qualitatively and quantitatively—plays a vital role in analysing ecological phenomena and for ecological theory. This textbook provides a unique overview of modelling approaches. Representing the state-of-the-art in modern ecology, it shows how to construct and work with various different model types. It introduces the background of each approach and its application in ecology. Differential equations, matrix approaches, individual-based models and many other relevant modelling techniques are explained and demonstrated with their use. The authors provide links to software tools and course materials. With chapters written by leading specialists, “Modelling Complex Ecological Dynamics” is an essential contribution to expand the qualification of students, teachers and scientists alike.

New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration

Author : Richard J. Hobbs,Katharine N. Suding,Peter Society for Ecological Restoration International
Publisher : Island Press
Page : 366 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2008-01-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 1597261858

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New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration by Richard J. Hobbs,Katharine N. Suding,Peter Society for Ecological Restoration International Pdf

As scientific understanding about ecological processes has grown, the idea that ecosystem dynamics are complex, nonlinear, and often unpredictable has gained prominence. Of particular importance is the idea that rather than following an inevitable progression toward an ultimate endpoint, some ecosystems may occur in a number of states depending on past and present ecological conditions. The emerging idea of “restoration thresholds” also enables scientists to recognize when ecological systems are likely to recover on their own and when active restoration efforts are needed. Conceptual models based on alternative stable states and restoration thresholds can help inform restoration efforts. New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration brings together leading experts from around the world to explore how conceptual models of ecosystem dynamics can be applied to the recovery of degraded systems and how recent advances in our understanding of ecosystem and landscape dynamics can be translated into conceptual and practical frameworks for restoration. In the first part of the book, background chapters present and discuss the basic concepts and models and explore the implications of new scientific research on restoration practice. The second part considers the dynamics and restoration of different ecosystems, ranging from arid lands to grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs, to forests and wetlands, to production landscapes. A summary chapter by the editors discusses the implications of theory and practice of the ideas described in preceding chapters. New Models for Ecosystem Dynamics and Restoration aims to widen the scope and increase the application of threshold models by critiquing their application in a wide range of ecosystem types. It will also help scientists and restorationists correctly diagnose ecosystem damage, identify restoration thresholds, and develop corrective methodologies that can overcome such thresholds.

Foundations of Ecological Resilience

Author : Lance H. Gunderson,Craig Reece Allen,C. S. Holling
Publisher : Island Press
Page : 496 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2012-07-16
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781610911337

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Foundations of Ecological Resilience by Lance H. Gunderson,Craig Reece Allen,C. S. Holling Pdf

Ecological resilience provides a theoretical foundation for understanding how complex systems adapt to and recover from localized disturbances like hurricanes, fires, pest outbreaks, and floods, as well as large-scale perturbations such as climate change. Ecologists have developed resilience theory over the past three decades in an effort to explain surprising and nonlinear dynamics of complex adaptive systems. Resilience theory is especially important to environmental scientists for its role in underpinning adaptive management approaches to ecosystem and resource management. Foundations of Ecological Resilience is a collection of the most important articles on the subject of ecological resilience—those writings that have defined and developed basic concepts in the field and help explain its importance and meaning for scientists and researchers. The book’s three sections cover articles that have shaped or defined the concepts and theories of resilience, including key papers that broke new conceptual ground and contributed novel ideas to the field; examples that demonstrate ecological resilience in a range of ecosystems; and articles that present practical methods for understanding and managing nonlinear ecosystem dynamics. Foundations of Ecological Resilience is an important contribution to our collective understanding of resilience and an invaluable resource for students and scholars in ecology, wildlife ecology, conservation biology, sustainability, environmental science, public policy, and related fields.

Integrating Hydrology, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Biogeochemistry in Complex Landscapes

Author : J. D. Tenhunen,P. Kabat
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 396 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 1999-08-03
Category : Science
ISBN : UCSD:31822027940634

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Integrating Hydrology, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Biogeochemistry in Complex Landscapes by J. D. Tenhunen,P. Kabat Pdf

In recent decades, the biosphere has become increasingly stressed, often beyond the point where the internal structure and function of ecosystems are sustained. We have experienced an intensified “exploration” of natural system resources to support agricultural and forest production, to provide water for human consumption, to supply the needs of industrial processes, and to provide, in addition, attractive, diverse landscapes for recreation and tourism. Exceeding thresholds via anthropogenic disturbance that results in degradation of ecosystems is dangerous, since the system-level effects and feedbacks (e.g., soil erosion, famine, polluted drinking water, etc.) are highly undesirable. Finding appropriate compromises in resource use that satisfy existing competitive interests and result in sound environmental management, especially in densely populated regions, requires an improved understanding of the trade-offs that accompany changes in “exploitation” or altered resource allocation at regional and landscape scales. Progress on landscape-level understanding of coupled water, carbon, and nitrogen budgets is limited by a lack of commitment to a rigorous development and application of synthetic techniques (e.g., strongly linked remote sensing studies, geographic information system applications, computer simulation modeling, and ecosystem experimentation) more than by basic site-level measurement alone. Possible research approaches that will contribute to new use of ecosystem knowledge in a landscape and regional context were considered by this Dahlem Workshop. The importance of conducting improved landscape and regional assessment of ecosystem function as input to global scale efforts of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme is a major theme of this book.

Complexity in Landscape Ecology

Author : David G. Green,Nicholas Klomp,Glyn Rimmington,Suzanne Sadedin
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 217 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2006-02-17
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781402042874

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Complexity in Landscape Ecology by David G. Green,Nicholas Klomp,Glyn Rimmington,Suzanne Sadedin Pdf

Interactions matter. To understand the distributions of plants and animals in a landscape you need to understand how they interact with each other, and with their environment. The resulting networks of interactions make ecosystems highly complex. Recent research on complexity and artificial life provides many new insights about patterns and processes in landscapes and ecosystems. This book provides the first overview of that work for general readers. It covers such topics as connectivity, criticality, feedback, and networks, as well as their impact on the stability and predictability of ecosystem dynamics. With over 60 years of research experience of both ecology and complexity, the authors are uniquely qualified to provide a new perspective on traditional ecology. They argue that understanding ecological complexity is crucial in today’s globalized and interconnected world. Successful management of the world's ecosystems needs to combine models of ecosystem complexity with biodiversity, environmental, geographic and socioeconomic information.

The Structure and Dynamics of Human Ecosystems

Author : William R. Burch,Gary E. Machlis,Jo Ellen Force
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 313 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2017-08-22
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780300231632

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The Structure and Dynamics of Human Ecosystems by William R. Burch,Gary E. Machlis,Jo Ellen Force Pdf

A landmark book that strives to provide both grand theory and practical application, innovatively describing the structure and dynamics of human ecosystems As the world faces ever more complex and demanding environmental and social challenges, the need for interdisciplinary models and practical guidance becomes acute. The Human Ecosystem Model described in this landmark book provides an innovative response. Broad in scope, detailed in method, at once theoretical and applied, this grand study offers an in-depth understanding of human ecosystems and tools for action. The authors draw from Goethe’s Faust, classic anthropology and sociology studies, contemporary ecosystem ecology, Buddhist ethics, and more to create a paradigm-shifting model and a major advance in interdisciplinary ecology.

Economics and Ecosystems

Author : Lars Hein
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
Page : 221 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2010-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781849806770

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Economics and Ecosystems by Lars Hein Pdf

A central issue in economics is the optimal allocation of scarce resources. Is efficient allocation indeed optimal and does it lead to sustainable solutions? Lars Hein contributes to this discussion at the interface of ecology and economics, and provides interesting case studies to test various theoretical approaches. The book is a must for both economists with an interest in ecology and for ecologists with an interest in economics! Ekko van Ierland, Wageningen University, the Netherlands Economics and Ecosystems demonstrates how the concepts of economic efficiency, sustainability and equity can be applied in ecosystem management. The book presents an overview of these three concepts, a framework for their analysis and modelling, and three case studies. Specific attention is given to how complex ecosystem dynamics, such as thresholds or irreversible responses, influence ecosystem management options. The case studies focus on ecosystem dynamics and ecosystem services supply in a forest ecosystem, a Dutch wetland, and a rangeland in the Western Sahel. Integrating ecology and economics, this informative book will appeal to postgraduate students in environmental sciences and environmental economics as well as ecosystem managers.

Ecosystem Dynamics

Author : Richard H. W. Bradshaw,Martin T. Sykes
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 336 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2014-03-21
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781118525197

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Ecosystem Dynamics by Richard H. W. Bradshaw,Martin T. Sykes Pdf

Ecosystem Dynamics focuses on long-term terrestrialecosystems and their changing relationships with humansocieties. The unique aspect of this text is the long-timescale under consideration as data and insights from the last 10,000years are used to place present-day ecosystem status into atemporal perspective and to test models that generate forecasts offuture conditions. Descriptions and assessments of some of thecurrent modelling tools that are used, along with theiruncertainties and assumptions, are an important feature of thisbook. An overarching theme explores the dynamic interactionsbetween human societies and ecosystem functioning and services. This book is authoritative but accessible and provides a usefulbackground for all students, practitioners, and researchersinterested in the subject.

High-Arctic Ecosystem Dynamics in a Changing Climate

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 596 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2008-05-16
Category : Science
ISBN : 0080570046

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High-Arctic Ecosystem Dynamics in a Changing Climate by Anonim Pdf

High-Arctic Ecosystem Dynamics in a Changing Climate is based on data collected during the past 10 years by Zackenberg Ecological Research Operations (ZERO) at Zackenberg Research Station in Northeast Greenland. This volume covers the function of Arctic ecosystems based on the most comprehensive long-term data set in the world from a well-defined Arctic ecosystem. Editors offer a comprehensive and authoritative analysis of how climate variability is influencing an Arctic ecosystem and how the Arctic ecosystems have inherent feedback mechanisms interacting with climate variability or change. The latest research on the functioning of Arctic ecosystems Supplements current books on arctic climate impact assessment as a case study for ecological specialists Discusses the complex perpetuating effects on Earth Vital information on modeling ecosystem responses to understand future climates

Regenerative Urban Design and Ecosystem Biomimicry

Author : Maibritt Pedersen Zari
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 276 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2018-05-20
Category : Architecture
ISBN : 9781351627399

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Regenerative Urban Design and Ecosystem Biomimicry by Maibritt Pedersen Zari Pdf

It is clear that the climate is changing and ecosystems are becoming severely degraded. Humans must mitigate the causes of, and adapt to, climate change and the loss of biodiversity, as the impacts of these changes become more apparent and demand urgent responses. These pressures, combined with rapid global urbanisation and population growth mean that new ways of designing, retrofitting and living in cities are critically needed. Incorporating an understanding of how the living world works and what ecosystems do into architectural and urban design is a step towards the creation and evolution of cities that are radically more sustainable and potentially regenerative. Can cities produce their own food, energy, and water? Can they be designed to regulate climate, provide habitat, cycle nutrients, and purify water, air and soil? This book examines and defines the field of biomimicry for sustainable built environment design and goes on to translate ecological knowledge into practical methodologies for architectural and urban design that can proactively respond to climate change and biodiversity loss. These methods are tested and exemplified through a series of case studies of existing cities in a variety of climates. Regenerative Urban Design and Ecosystem Biomimicry will be of great interest to students, professionals and researchers of architecture, urban design, ecology, and environmental studies, as well as those interested in the interdisciplinary study of sustainability, ecology and urbanism.

Meta-Ecosystem Dynamics

Author : Frederic Guichard,Justin Marleau
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 112 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2021-09-25
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 9783030834548

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Meta-Ecosystem Dynamics by Frederic Guichard,Justin Marleau Pdf

This book presents current meta-ecosystem models and their derivation from classical ecosystem and metapopulation theories. Specifically, it reviews recent modelling efforts that have emphasized the role of nonlinear dynamics on spatial and food web networks, and which have cast their implications within the context of spatial synchrony and ecological stoichiometry. It suggests that these recent advances naturally lead to a generalization of meta-ecosystem theories to spatial fluxes of matter that have both a trophic and non-trophic impact on species. Ecosystem dynamics refers to the cycling of matter and energy across ecological compartments through processes such as consumption and recycling. Spatial dynamics established its ecological roots with metapopulation theories and focuses on scaling up local ecological processes through the limited movement of individuals and matter. Over the last 15 years, theories integrating ecosystem and spatial dynamics have quickly coalesced into meta-ecosystem theories, the focus of this book. The book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers who wish to learn more about the synthesis of ecosystem and spatial dynamics, which form the foundation of the theory of meta-ecosystems.

Redefining Diversity and Dynamics of Natural Resources Management in Asia, Volume 2

Author : Ganesh Shivakoti,Mai Van Thanh,Tran Duc Vien,Stephen J Leisz
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2016-09-01
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9780128104729

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Redefining Diversity and Dynamics of Natural Resources Management in Asia, Volume 2 by Ganesh Shivakoti,Mai Van Thanh,Tran Duc Vien,Stephen J Leisz Pdf

Redefining Diversity and Dynamics of Natural Resources Management in Southeast Asia, Volumes 1-4 brings together scientific research and policy issues across various topographical areas in Asia to provide a comprehensive overview of the issues facing the region. Upland Natural Resources and Social Ecological Systems in Northern Vietnam, Volume 2, provides chapters on natural resource management in northern Vietnam tied together by the concept that participatory local involvement is needed in all aspects of natural resource management. The volume examines planning for climate change, managing forestland, alleviating food shortages, living with biodiversity, and assessing the development projects and policies being implemented. Without the involvement of local communities, households, and ultimately individual people, the needed action will not be effectively taken. Upland Natural Resources and Social Ecological Systems in Northern Vietnam, Volume 2, goes beyond just Northern Vietnam to address the issue of transboundary natural resource management—an issue that Vietnam is dealing with in its relations with northern neighbor, China, and western neighbor, Laos—as well as the transboundary water governance between Pakistan and India in south Asia, with the hope that some of the lessons learned may one day be useful in the case of Vietnam and its neighbors. Provides a multi-disciplinary case study into a complex environmental situation involving government institutions, planning, and practices, using northern Vietnam as the focus Covers the issues of natural resource management and biodiversity in depth using international case studies Provides examples of measuring the potential climate change impacts on food security in agricultural regions Examines topics such as planning for climate change, managing forestland, alleviating food shortages, living with biodiversity, and assessing development projects and policies

Fishery Ecosystem Dynamics

Author : Michael J. Fogarty,Jeremy S. Collie
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 336 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2020
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780198768937

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Fishery Ecosystem Dynamics by Michael J. Fogarty,Jeremy S. Collie Pdf

This book will illuminate the deep and often underappreciated connections between basic ecology and fishery science, and will explore the implications of these linkages in crafting management strategies for the 21st century.