Ecology

Author: Chang Jie, Ge Ling (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: This book is divided into 6 parts and 12 chapters:
Part 1 – General Overview of Ecology, including Chapter 1 Introduction and Chapter 2 Basic Principles of Life Systems and Their Relationship with the Environment;
Part 2 – Individual Systems, including Chapters 3 and 4;
Part 3 – Population Systems, including Chapters 5, 6, and 7, introducing the structure, processes, and functions of ecosystems;
Part 4 – Ecosystems, including Chapters 8 and 9;
Part 5 – Global Life Systems, including Chapters 10 and 11;
Part 6 – Summarizing the Common Principles of Life Systems at All Levels, leading to Chapter 12.
Parts 2 to 5 follow a similar introduction method, discussing life systems from aspects such as structure, processes, and functions (and evolution). Of course, the structure, processes, and functions of systems are closely interconnected and lack a clear boundary, but they are divided for the convenience of discussion. During the learning process, one should always apply a holistic and universally interconnected perspective. Some sections of the book involve knowledge from other disciplines, printed in smaller font, which can be skipped if already understood. Additionally, lengthy examples are also printed in smaller font, and students can read them outside of class due to time constraints in lectures.