Ecology for the 21st Century is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly, introductory textbook that provides students with an ecological perspective on our changing world. Suitable for both non-majors and majors-level ecology courses, this textbook presents clear and wide ranging coverage, including many current examples and topics. Applying a student-centric approach with dynamic examples and case studies, the book's ecological principles emerge through topics students care to learn more about. The ‘twin-evils’ of atmospheric carbon and ocean acidification are explored through investigations on the health of coral reef ecosystems.
In addition, populations and species dynamics are introduced using classical modeling parameters. This textbook drives home the delicate balance of the natural world through regional issues surrounding endangered versus invasive species. Themes of resource acquisition, adaptation, and evolution of species are reinforced throughout, encouraging students to envision an ecologically driven world.
Table of Contents
Unit I. Ecosystems, Biogeography & Climate1. Introduction to Ecology
2. Biogeography & Climate
3. Climate Change
UNIT II. The Physical Environment
4. The Terrestrial Environment
5. The Aquatic Environment
Unit III. Environmental Constraints
6. Natural Selection & Adaptations
7. Adaptations to the Environment
Unit IV. Ecosystem Ecology
8. Ecosystem Energetics
9. Nutrients & Biogeochemical Cycling
UNIT V. Populations and Life Histories
10. Population Dynamics
11. Life Histories
UNIT VI. Species and Community Dynamics
12. Species Interactions
13. Community Structure Dynamics
14. Ecosystem and Biodiversity Loss
