Closing the Ecological Cycle: The Emergence of Integrative Science

摘要: A new century/millennium provides an opportune time to reflect on how the science of ecology evolved during 19th and 20th centuries, predict it is likely change 21st century (at least might evolve in order best serve societies decades ahead). This viewpoint article will attempt to: (a) provide overview regarding emergence from a subdiscipline biology discipline its own past (Odum 1977); (b) discuss academic fragmentation into numerous subdisciplines study; (c) argue that field transdisciplinary urgently needed not only integrate these emerging fields ecological sciences, but interface with humanities social sciences as well (i.e., similar C. P. Snow’s “third culture,” Snow 1963). Earlier we termed this study “integrative science” (Barrett & Odum 1998; Barrett Kress 2001). Should integrative continue evolve, greatly increase our knowledge understanding natural world. also literacy necessary for humankind understand benefits services are supplied by ecosystems landscapes (Daily et al. 1997). Thus concept “sustainable society” 1989; Rapport 1998a) be more fully realized. approach and, hopefully, success could viewed “closing cycle” earlier view scientists had systems ecosystem concept), which led investigations addressing questions at greater temporal/ spatial scales. Later article, I suggest based noosystem, rather than ecosystem, discussed (1985), including multitude cultural influences systems. Transdisciplinary education, research, service missions advance frontiers revolutionary manner if culture” become reality). The should result novel worldview problem solving, political decision making, sustainable development. health expected play important role contributing paradigm, increasingly needs focus larger scales higher levels organization (Rapport 1998b). As (1995) notes, effective, interfaced or efforts enrich disciplines (or subdisciplines) being interfaced, principles and/or procedures applicable human predicaments. Otherwise, effort merely adds already excessive below.