A New Ecology: Systems Perspective

A New Ecology presents an ecosystem theory based on the following ecosystem properties: physical openness, ontic openness, directionality, connectivity, a complex dynamic for growth and development, and a complex dynamic response to disturbances. Each of these properties is developed in detail to show that these basic and characteristic properties can be applied to explain a wide spectrum of ecological obsevations and convections. It is also shown that the properties have application for environmental management and for assessment of ecosystem health.

* Demonstrates an ecosystem theory that can be applied to explain ecological observations and rules
* Presents an ecosystem theory based upon a systems approach
* Discusses an ecosystem theory that is based on a few basic properties that are characteristic for ecosystmes

Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Ecosystems have openness (thermodynamic). 3. Ecosystems have ontic openness. 4. Ecosystems have directionality. 5. Ecosystems have connectivity. 6. Ecosystems have complex dynamics (growth). 7. Ecosystems have complex dynamics (disturbances). 8. Ecosystems have broad explanatory power in ecology. 9. Ecosystem principles have applications. 10. Conclusions and final remarks. References. Index.