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The purpose of this collection is to present some of the diversity of ideas
and studies about species that can be classifi ed as “ecosystem engineers.”
As with any developing concept, we fi nd disagreement about the
meaning and usefulness of this term in the literature and among ourselves.
The idea for the book arose in a National Center for Ecological
Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) working group designed to develop
models of ecosystem engineering species. Our meetings could be characterized
as lively, punctuated as they were by vigorous debates regarding
defi nitions and arguments over whether a particular species’ actions
were appropriately characterized as engineering. Given that a small
group of eight people with an active interest in the concept could not
reach an agreement about defi nition, it is even less likely that the larger
scientifi c community will do so in the immediate future. Notably, though,
all eight found utility in the concept. In these pages, we invite other
authors to contribute to this diversity of opinion in the hope that the
variety of ideas and applications will engender further research in this
area and a concomitant refi nement of the concept. Given the breadth of
the topic, only an edited book like this one, which draws on a wide range
of authors, could hope to provide even the semblance of a balanced
overview.
The first book entirely devoted to this topic, Ecosystem Engineers begins with the history of the concept, presenting opposing definitions of ecosystem engineeing. These varied definitions advance the debate and move past trivial difficulties to crystallize key issues such as the value of process-based vs. outcome-based. Authors include case studies spanning a wide spectrum of species and habitats, including above and below-ground, aquatic and terrestrial, and extant and paleontological examples. These studies enable readers to understand how the categorization of species as ecosystem engineers allows scientists to forge new explanatory generalizations. Key for all ecologists and environmentalists, this book ultimately illustrates how to inform and manage natural resources.
* The only consolidated treatment available
* Provides definitions, case studies, and examples of ecological models
* Discusses how ecosystem engineering can inform and improve the management of natural resources
* Includes contributions from Clive Jones, the leading figure in the development of the ecosystem engineer concept, and many other eminent ecologists, such as Alan Hastings |
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