The updated fourth edition of Concepts of Ecology, is an ideal text for those studying ecology for the first timewhether or not they've had a first-year course in biology. This hallmark text explores the significant concepts of modern ecology in an intelligible and easy to understand manner, using a minimum of jargon and only basic/simple mathematics.Features New and updated features:-Focuses on the development of the following four major concepts including their historical background¢ Energy flow¢ Nutrient cycles¢ Population ecology¢ Community ecology-Updated and expanded coverage of¢ Abiotic factors including air, insolation, precipitation, soils, ionizing radiation and fire¢ Energy flow with increased emphasis on decomposition¢ Nutrient cycling¢ Population ecology¢ Community ecology-The interaction of ecology and evolution-Updated section on applied ecology/human ecology-Section on ecological ethics-Over 400 review questions and multiple choice questionsTable of Contents I. ECOLOGY AND ECOSYSTEMS. 1. Ecology as a Science. 2. The Nature of Ecosystems.II. THE ABIOTIC ENVIRONMENT. 3. Minimums, Tolerances and the Medium. 4. Insolation, Precipitation and Climate. 5. Soils, Nutrients and Other Factors.III. ENERGY FLOW IN ECOSYSTEMS. 6. Energy Fixation by Autotrophs. 7. Energy Flow Beyond the Producers.IV. BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES AND ECOSYSTEMS. 8. Gaseous and Sedimentary Nutrient Cycles. 9. Nutrient Budgets and Ecosystems.V. POPULATION ECOLOGY.10. Population Growth and Structure.11. Population Regulation.VI. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY.12. The Structure and Function of Communities.13. Stability and Change in Communities.VII. MAJOR ECOSYSTEMS OF THE WORLD.14. Biomes, The Major Terrestrial Ecosystems.15. Aquatic Ecosystems.VIII. HUMAN ECOLOGY.16. The Nature of Human Ecology.17. The Human Population.18. Anthropogenic Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems.19. Anthropogenic Impact on Terrestrial Systems.20. Anthropogenic Impact on the Atmosphere.