Ecosystem Ecology: Thermodynamic approaches to ecosystem behaviour: fundamental principles with case studies from forest succession and management

摘要: Introduction Ecosystems and organisms must obey physical laws. This statement, perhaps due to its obviousness, is extremely powerful. It forms the basis of how we model systems, living or otherwise, understand their dynamics behaviour. Mass energy be conserved, but many configurations can satisfy conservation mass energy. follow laws thermodynamics , ways in which ecosystems these determine chapter discusses classic contemporary ideas from physics (via thermodynamics) statistics information theory) have influenced study ecology. After reviewing history thermodynamic approach biology, basic statistical concepts are reviewed, practical application demonstrated, debated, using case studies temperate forest succession south-eastern United States global management for atmospheric CO 2 mitigation after Kyoto Bali accords. Throughout, different viewpoints community ecology ecosystem contrasted place principles a broader ecological context, explore improve existing theories. Historical development motivation The understanding biological systems was articulated most elegantly series lectures by Erwin Schrodinger, recapitulated book entitled What Life (1944). Schrodinger describes as those that dissipate energy, pass entropy surroundings, maintain an ordered state far equilibrium.