Laws, Theories, and Patterns in Ecology.
Title:
Laws, Theories, and Patterns in Ecology.
Author:
DODDS, WALTER.
ISBN:
9780520944541
Personal Author:
Edition:
1st ed.
Physical Description:
1 online resource (250 pages)
Contents:
Cover -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Prediction In Ecology -- What Should We Expect From Laws? -- How Laws Will Be Approached -- Chapter 1. Laws -- Foundations -- Fundamental Biological Laws -- Physiological Constraints Of Organisms -- Behavior Of Organisms -- Fundamental Properties Of Populations -- Laws That Arise From Evolution -- Variability And Organisms -- Biotic And Abiotic Interactions Of Organisms -- Some Candidate Laws -- Some Useful Generalizations Or Patterns -- The Promise Of Reductionism In Solving Ecological Problems -- Chapter 2. Theories -- Cross-Cutting Theories -- Physiological Ecology -- Populations -- Communities -- Ecosystems -- Conclusion -- Chapter 3. Patterns, Questions, And Predictions -- General Questions -- Questions Related To Patterns In Communities -- Questions About Ecosystems And Community Effects On Ecosystems -- Conclusions -- References -- Index.
Abstract:
Physics and chemistry are distinguished from biology by the way generalizations are codified into theories tested by observation and experimentation. Some theories have been sufficiently tested to qualify as laws. In ecology, generalizations worthy of being called theories are less common because observations and experimentation are difficult and exceptions are more common. In this book, Walter K. Dodds enumerates generalizations in ecology. Introductory material describes how the practice of science in general, and ecology specifically, yields theories and laws. Dodds also discusses why such ideas are only useful if they have predictive ability, and delineates the scope of these generalizations and the constraints that limit their application. The result is a short book that delves deeply into important ecological ideas and how they predict and provide understanding.
Local Note:
Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, 2017. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries.
Genre:
Electronic Access:
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