Problems and Challenges in Ecosystem Analysis

Abstract

Although the ecologists who contributed chapters to this volume represent several subdisciplines between which there has been little recent communication, we see several themes running through the book. Some of these are bits of classical ecological theory or dogma that persist, although we can perceive changes in their acceptance, use, and interpretation. Where we see general agreement, these serve as indicators of the state of ecosystem studies. More often, we see ferment and change. Some are new syntheses or at least new viewpoints of ecological research.