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A comprehensive accessible introduction to, and review of, the science of ecology for environmental professional, policymakers, and their legal advisers.

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction The Background Science, Scientists and Scientific Method The Scope of Ecology and Its Roles Habitats, Communities, and Ecosystems: The Holistic Approach Ecosystems as a Concept Global Ecosystems Ecosystems and the Law Energy and Materials: The Abiotic Component Energy Flow Material Cycling and Ecosystem Structure Biogeochemical Cycles Strategy and the Biosphere: The Fourth Dimension Cosmology and the History of Planet Earth Development and Evolution of Ecosystems Life on Planet Earth: The Biota Transition: Homeostasis and Limiting Factors Ecology of Aggregations Ecology, Adaptation, and Evolution Ecology and the Politico-Legal System: The Intellectual Dimension The Niche of Homo sapiens sapiens Ecologists and the Politico-Legal System Glossary Principle Sources and Suggested Readings Index

About the Author

DOROTHY J. HOWELL, Assistant Professor at the Environmental Law Center, Vermont Law School, started her career as an ecologist in 1969, becoming an environmental lawyer in 1975. She is also the author of Intellectual Properties and the Protection of Fictional Characters (Quorum, 1990) and Scientific Literacy and Environmental Policy (Quorum, 1992).