Assembled here for the first time in one volume are forty classic papers that have laid the foundations of modern ecology. Whether by posing new problems, demonstrating important effects, or stimulating new research, these papers have made substantial contributions to an understanding of ecological processes, and they continue to influence the field today. The papers span nearly nine decades of ecological research, from 1887 on, and are organized in six sections: foundational papers, theoretical advances, synthetic statements, methodological developments, field studies, and ecological experiments. Selections range from Connell's elegant account of experiments with barnacles to Watt's encyclopedic natural history, from a visionary exposition by Grinnell of the concept of niche to a seminal essay by Hutchinson on diversity. Six original essays by contemporary ecologists and a historian of ecology place the selections in context and discuss their continued relevance to current research. This combination of classic papers and fresh commentaries makes Foundations of Ecology both a convenient reference to papers often cited today and an essential guide to the intellectual and conceptual roots of the field. Published with the Ecological Society of America.

Publisher Description

The Fundamentals of ecology has all the characteristics of scientific explanation. It provides advanced students an insight into the rich and varied investigations on the modern concepts with particular reference to the Indian sub-continent. It is hoped that this attempt will shed some light on the expanding horizons, serious controversy and major concepts by opposing schools of thought and stimulate others to clarify the subject further.

The scope of ecology. The ecosystem. Energy in ecological sytems. Biogeochemical cycles. Limiting factors and the physical environment. Population dynamics. Populations in communities. Development and evolution in the ecosystem. The predicament of humankind: futuristics. Brief description of major natural ecosystem types of the biosphere.

Essentials of Ecology presents introductory ecology in an accessible, state–of–the–art format designed to cultivate the novice student′s understanding of, and fascination with, the natural world. In a concise, engaging style, this text outlines the essential principles of ecology from the theoretical fundamentals to their practical applications. Full color artwork, simple pedagogical features and a wide range of timely examples make this book an ideal introduction to ecology for students at all levels. The second edition of this successful text provides expanded coverage and over 400 references including 100 new examples reflecting the vibrancy of the field. More than a simple update, the new edition also features new artwork http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/townsend/Images.htm, an enhanced design, and additional integrated applications to make Essentials of Ecology up–to–date and relevant. Outstanding features of the second edition of Essentials of Ecology include: ∗ Dedicated website – study resources and web research questions provide students and instructors with an enhanced, interactive experience of the book www.blackwellpublishing.com/townsend ∗ Key Concepts – summarized at the beginning of each chapter ∗ Unanswered questions – highlighted throughout, emphasizing that in ecology, as in any science, we have much left to learn ∗ History boxes – outlining key landmarks in the development of ecology ∗ Quantitative boxes – allowing mathematical aspects of ecology to be explained thoroughly without interrupting the flow of the text ∗ Topical ECOncerns boxes – highlighting ethical, social and political questions in ecology ∗ Review questions – included at the end of each chapter

For undergraduate courses in Human Ecology, Environmental Studies, Ecological Anthropology, and Human Geography. Presenting general ecological principles followed by discussions of the human aspects of the problem, the goal of this text is to present the fundamentals of ecology and its application to humans. This text takes an integrated approach to human ecology, blending biological ecology with social sciences approaches.