The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2005-02-13

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 0309095808

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In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological recordâ€"which includes fossils, sediment and ice cores, and tree rings. Because of recent advances in earth scientists' ability to analyze biological and environmental information from geological data, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Geological Survey asked a National Research Council (NRC) committee to assess the scientific opportunities provided by the geologic record and recommend how scientists can take advantage of these opportunities for the nation's benefit. The committee identified three initiatives for future research to be developed over the next decade: (1) use the geological record as a "natural laboratory" to explore changes in living things under a range of past conditions, (2) use the record to better predict the response of biological systems to climate change, and (3) use geologic information to evaluate the effects of human and non-human factors on ecosystems. The committee also offered suggestions for improving the field through better training, improved databases, and additional funding.

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher:

Published: 2005-01-13

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13: 9780309384421

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In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological recordâ "which includes fossils, sediment and ice cores, and tree rings. Because of recent advances in earth scientistsâ (TM) ability to analyze biological and environmental information from geological data, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Geological Survey asked a National Research Council (NRC) committee to assess the scientific opportunities provided by the geologic record and recommend how scientists can take advantage of these opportunities for the nationâ (TM)s benefit. The committee identified three initiatives for future research to be developed over the next decade: (1) use the geological record as a â oenatural laboratoryâ to explore changes in living things under a range of past conditions, (2) use the record to better predict the response of biological systems to climate change, and (3) use geologic information to evaluate the effects of human and non-human factors on ecosystems. The committee also offered suggestions for improving the field through better training, improved databases, and additional funding.

Encyclopedia of Ecology

Encyclopedia of Ecology PDF

Author: Sven Erik Jørgensen

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 904

ISBN-13: 9780080454009

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The Encyclopedia of Ecology contains contributions from international experts on a diverse array of topics related to ecology. It provides current and comprehensive information on many themes, including behavioral ecology, ecological processes, ecological modeling, ecological engineering, ecological indicators, ecological informatics, ecosystems, ecotoxicology, evolutionary ecology, general ecology, global ecology, human ecology, and systems ecology. The online version includes extensive internal cross-referencing and dynamic linking to journal articles and abstract databases.

Effects of Past Global Change on Life

Effects of Past Global Change on Life PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1995-02-01

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 0309051274

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What can we expect as global change progresses? Will there be thresholds that trigger sudden shifts in environmental conditionsâ€"or that cause catastrophic destruction of life? Effects of Past Global Change on Life explores what earth scientists are learning about the impact of large-scale environmental changes on ancient lifeâ€"and how these findings may help us resolve today's environmental controversies. Leading authorities discuss historical climate trends and what can be learned from the mass extinctions and other critical periods about the rise and fall of plant and animal species in response to global change. The volume develops a picture of how environmental change has closed some evolutionary doors while opening othersâ€"including profound effects on the early members of the human family. An expert panel offers specific recommendations on expanding research and improving investigative toolsâ€"and targets historical periods and geological and biological patterns with the most promise of shedding light on future developments. This readable and informative book will be of special interest to professionals in the earth sciences and the environmental community as well as concerned policymakers.

Foundations of Paleoecology

Foundations of Paleoecology PDF

Author: S. Kathleen Lyons

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2019-12-13

Total Pages: 800

ISBN-13: 022661834X

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Approximately 99% of all life that has ever existed is extinct. Fortunately, these long dead species have left traces of their lives and interactions with other species in the rock record that paleoecologists use to understand how species and ecosystems have changed over time. This record of past life allows us to study the dynamic nature of the Earth and gives context to current and future ecological challenges. This book brings together forty-four classic papers published between 1924 and 1999 that trace the origins and development of paleoecology. The articles cross taxonomic groups, habitat types, geographic areas, and time and have made substantial contributions to our knowledge of the evolution of life. Encompassing the full breadth of paleoecology, the book is divided into six parts: community and ecosystem dynamics, community reconstruction, diversity dynamics, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, species interaction, and taphonomy. Each paper is also introduced by a contemporary expert who gives context and explains its importance to ongoing paleoecological research. A comprehensive introduction to the field, Foundations of Paleoecology will be an essential reference for new students and established paleoecologists alike.

Paleontology in Ecology and Conservation

Paleontology in Ecology and Conservation PDF

Author: Julien Louys

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-04-25

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 3642250386

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The fossil record contains unique long-term insights into how ecosystems form and function which cannot be determined simply by examining modern systems. It also provides a record of endangered species through time, which allow us to make conservation decisions based on thousands to millions of years of information. The aim of this book is to demonstrate how palaeontological data has been or could be incorporated into ecological or conservation scientific studies. This book will be written by palaeontologists for modern ecologists and conservation scientists. Manuscripts will fall into one (or a combination) of four broad categories: case studies, review articles, practical considerations and future directions. This book will serve as both a ‘how to guide’ and provide the current state of knowledge for this type of research. It will highlight the unique and critical insights that can be gained by the inclusion of palaeontological data into modern ecological or conservation studies.

Geology and Ecosystems

Geology and Ecosystems PDF

Author: COGEOENVIRONMENT.

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 424

ISBN-13: 9780387292922

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This book is the result of an international working group entitled ‘Geology and Ecosystems’ that was organized by the IUGS commission on Geological Sciences for Environmental Planning (COGEOENVIRONMENT). The aim of the working group is to increase awareness and build methodological principles of ecological geology as a new branch of science. This book includes the analysis of the relationship between the different geological, hydrochemical, hydrogeological, and engineering-geological processes and the processes within surface ecosystems. Modern engineering activity associated with the mining of minerals, excessive groundwater withdrawal, disposal of industrial and domestic liquid wastes (including radioactive wastes) and their impacts on all components of the environment are analyzed, as is the "water factor" impact on ecosystems. It is intended as a professional update for all scientists and professionals with an interest in the Earth's environments and environmental protection.

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