Network and Hierarchical Concepts of Ecosystems

Abstract

This book is about recent developments and enrichments in system ecology. Because network concepts have contributed significantly to this area of ecology, the inclusion of one or more chapters on network theory is compulsory. Ecosystems should be conceived as more than simply a collection of organisms, and more than energy, mass flows, trophic webs and interacting populations. Ecosystems should be conceived as the full interactive network among co-existing living organisms and their non-biological physical—chemical environment (Higashi and Burns 1991).