Principles of Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology

by F. Stuart Chapin III

The ecosystem approach to ecology treats organisms and the physical elements of their environment as components of a single, integrated system. This comprehensive textbook outlines the central processes that characterize terrestrial ecosystems, tracing the flow of water, carbon, and nutrients from their abiotic origins to their cycles through plants, animals, and decomposer organisms. As human activity becomes an increasingly dominant factor in natural processes around the globe, landscape dynamics over time and space have become the focus of recent attention. This book synthesizes current advances in ecology with established theory to offer a complete survey of ecosystem pattern and process in the terrestrial environment. Featuring review questions at the end of each chapter, suggestions for recommended reading, and a glossary of ecological terms, Principles of Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology will be an important text suitable for use in all courses on ecosystem ecology. Resource managers, land use managers, and researchers will also welcome its thorough presentation of ecosystem essentials. About the AuthorsF. Stuart Chapin, III is Professor of Ecology at the Institute for Arctic Biology, University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Pamela Matson is Professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences and the Institute of International Studies, Stanford University; Director of the Earth Systems Degree Program and co-director of the Center for Environmental Science and Policy, Stanford University; and currently serves as president of the Ecological Society of America. Harold A. Mooney is Professor of Environmental Biology at Stanford University.

Genres: Ecology, Textbooks, Science, Nature, Environment, Biology, Nonfiction

529 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2002

About the author

F. Stuart Chapin III, known to his friends as “Terry,” is an Alaskan ecologist who has written leading textbooks in ecosystem stewardship, ecosystem ecology, and plant physiological ecology. Based on his stewardship work, for which he was awarded the 2019 Volvo Environment Prize, he wrote “Grassroots Stewardship: Sustainability Within Our Reach” to explore stewardship with a general audience. This book presents a positive and pragmatic strategy by which individual citizens can shape a more sustainable future for nature and society.

Chapin’s research addresses the effects of changes in climate and wildfire on Alaskan ecology and rural communities. He explores ways that communities and agencies can increase sustainability of ecosystems and human communities over the long term despite rapid climatic and social changes. In this way, society can proactively shape changes toward a more sustainable future. He pursues this internationally through the Resilience Alliance, nationally through the Ecological Society of America, and in Alaska through partnerships with rural indigenous communities.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a graduate course in Ecosystems Ecology. This text is well organized with clear focus, good and readable explanations, meaningfully connected to current issues and concerns, and has a good chapter summary for each chapter and helpful review questions. If you have a basic background (a good introductory course), you will benefit from this text especially with regard to understanding systems biology, the impact of human activity (the Anthropocene), and global climate change.

[M Wu]

read current events (:puke:) about dutch farmers revolt, realized (as is usually the case) that i know nothing, just wanted to read about nitrogen. did not get nothing out of it - surprising given my undirected approach.

ch. 14 quite readable.
ch. 9 a lot to parse.

[Wetbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teach with this.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and very easily accessible introduction to ecology

[Alec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic, fairly technical ecology at the ecosystem scale. I thought this covered ecosystems processes with good depth and some breadth. Not a systems approach, but this book plus a rigorous systems ecology text would make for a good foundation if you're trying to learn about basic ecology.

[Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite intensive, definitely not for those with little knowledge in the sciences. Lots of great information in here, I would recommend for those looking to learn about ecosystem science.

[Xi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best review book and a good start for ecosystem ecologist.