Introduction to Systems Ecology

This text presents ecosystems theory, a field which combines concepts and techniques from thermodynamics, biochemistry, and network theory, and explains how ecosystems theory is applied in modeling, engineering, and management of the environment. The first part of the book covers basics of the conservation of matter and energy, thermodynamics, and biochemistry, leading to an exploration of the properties that allow ecosystems to grow and thrive in spite of natural constraints, such as biodiversity, hierarchical organization, and high buffer capacity. Final chapters recommend guiding principles for using systems ecology in ecological subdisciplines and environmental management, illustrated with case examples. The book is illustrated with b&w and color photos and charts, and includes chapter summaries, exercises, and problems. Jorgensen teaches environmental chemistry at Copenhagen University. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Dr. Sven Erik Jorgensen is a professor of environmental chemistry at Copenhagen University. He received a doctorate of engineering in environmental technology and a doctorate of science in ecological modeling. He is an honorable doctor of science at Coimbra University, Portugal, and at Dar es Salaam University, Tanzania. He was editor in chief of Ecological Modelling from the journal’s inception in 1975 to 2009. He has also been the editor in chief of the Encyclopedia of Ecology. In 2004 Dr. Jorgensen was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize and the Prigogine Prize. He was awarded the Einstein Professorship by the Chinese Academy of Science in 2005. In 2007 he received the Pascal medal and was elected a member of the European Academy of Science. He has written close to 350 papers, most of which have been published in international peer-reviewed journals. He has edited or written 64 books. Dr. Jorgensen has given lectures and courses in ecological modeling, ecosystem theory, and ecological engineering worldwide.