Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science

Dr. Kathleen C. Weathers is the G. Evelyn Hutchinson Chair in Ecology at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Dr. David L. Strayer is a Distinguished Senior Scientist Emeritus at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Dr. Gene E. Likens is President Emeritus and Distinguished Senior Scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Connecticut, Storrs

"Highly recommended as a textbook, Fundamentals is certain to delight the reader with striking stories on the connection between habitat fragmentation and Lyme disease, and other intriguing examples that leave us marveling at the complexity of ecological interactions and remind us why we choose to work in this field." --The Journal of Wildlife Management, 2014"Via multiple approaches (e.g., experimental, theoretical, cross-system comparisons), contributors discuss the energetics and biochemical branches of this rapidly evolving science, and present case studies illustrating how ecosystem science can identify and control problems in diverse ecosystems." --Reference and Research Book News,  2013"I have been searching for a book like this for my ecosystem ecology class. The tone is right-on-target, the examples are apropos, and it is clear that these chapters are written for students as opposed to researchers, which is a significant plus." --Dr. Robert Hall, University of Wyoming"I found the chapters in Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science to be well-organized and well-written. Students and teachers alike respond well to them. The level of detail is about right (not too dense), and the subject matter is presented in an interesting and engaging way." --Dr. Clifford Ochs, University of Mississippi"The book is very readable and engaging, and it communicates both a general understanding of the topics and current state of the knowledge.  The incorporation of both terrestrial and aquatic systems is a great contribution since most ecosystem science textbooks are focused on terrestrial or aquatic systems." --Dr. Mary Arthur, University of Kentucky"A refreshing approach that includes specific methods, examples and perspectives from both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It provides timely and motivating syntheses of concepts and approaches for addressing current challenges to earth's ecosystem functions." --Dr. Amy Rosemond, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia

• Part I: Introduction1. Introduction to Ecosystem SciencePart II: Ecological Energetics2. Primary Production: The Foundation of Ecosystems3. Secondary Production and Consumer Energetics4. Organic Matter DecompositionPart III: Biogeochemistry5. Element Cycling6. The Carbon Cycle7. The Nitrogen Cycle8. The Phosphorus CyclePart IV: Synthesis 9. Revisiting the Ecosystem Concept: Important Features That Promote Generality and Understanding10. Ecosystems in a Heterogeneous World11. Controls on Ecosystem Structure and FunctionPart V: Case Studies12. From Global Environmental Change to Sustainability Science: Ecosystem Studies in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico13. Ecology of Lyme Disease14. Understanding Ecosystem Effects of Dams15. Acid Rain16. Streams and Their ValleysPart VI: Frontiers17. Frontiers in Ecosystem ScienceAppendix: A Primer on Biologically Mediated Redox Reactions in Ecosystems