Ecology: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #649

by Jaboury Ghazoul

Understanding how our living environment works is essentially a study of ecological systems. Ecology is the science of how organisms interact with each other and with their environment, and how such interactions create self-organising communities and ecosystems. This science touches us all. The food we eat, the water we drink, the natural resources we use, our physical and mental health, and much of our cultural heritage are to a large degree products of ecologicalinteractions of organisms and their environment.This Very Short Introduction celebrates the centrality of ecology in our lives. Jaboury Ghazoul explores how ecology has evolved rapidly from natural history to become a predictive science that explains how the natural world works, and which guides environmental policy and management decisions. Drawing on a range of examples, he shows how ecological science can be applied to management and conservation, including the extent to which theory has shaped practice. Ecological science hasalso shaped social and cultural perspectives on the environment, a process that influences politics of the environment. Ghazoul concludes by considering the future of ecology, particularly in the light of current and future environmental challenges.ABOUT THE Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Ecology, Biology, Environment, Popular Science

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such a relevant and popular topic I am surprised this did not appear earlier in the series. Like all the other titles it is a good summary of the subject at hand, broad but yet sufficiently in depth to explain key concepts clearly. Do not be deceived by the pocket size, these books pack in a lot of information, kind of like chapter summaries of reference textbooks. The author first introduces the purely technical and theoretical aspects of ecology as a science, while the later portion went into its practical applications in wildlife management, agriculture, fisheries etc., the idea of ecology as a worldview and values system, and finally the latest technologies available like remote sensing and genetics that are opening up further avenues for future research.

Ecology is a systems science that connects the dots over a broad range of topics, which is why I find it endlessly fascinating. As humanity increasingly runs into biophysical limits to further expansion this century, an understanding of this subject is now more critical than ever.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little read - it is very compact by nature, and I think I prefer my ecology books to sprawl and wander. But it does what it sets out to with gusto and occasional humor or flair, and I appreciate the breadth of the topics covered. A solid little intro! More academic than I expected but not in a bad way at all.

[Timo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. An interesting overview with historical, theoretical, and applied insights into the field of ecology.

Not much to add after the second time reading it. It is amusing how there are examples of attempts to deal with invasive species that were really successful, but also ones that have gone terribly wrong.

[Jack Hruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and informative. Will definitely help me take a lot more out of my upcoming ecology course.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to basic concepts in ecology. I found this 'short introduction' very readable as a non-scientist, and appreciated how many concrete examples were included to illustrate the theoretical concepts. I like the inclusion of an annotated 'further reading' at the end. I do wish this book was cited with footnotes/endnotes and a complete bibliography.

[Stanimira Deleva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, clear, easy to understand. Some chapters felt like a very LONG introduction, instead of packed information, so minus one star.

[a*s*h · Rating 4 out of 5]

At one point, the book started taking about the sonic soundscape of ecosystems and asked the reader to close their eyes and listen to the sounds around them. Me, being immersed in the audiobook while out on a walk, did so. Immediately crashed into a pole.

Pea-brained moments aside, I enjoyed this, despite comprehending perhaps 1 out of every 4 concepts I came across, mostly because that quarter were the only ecological concepts I learned in 12th grade science class. My favourite parts were when they used historical examples, or otherwise specific examples of animals and plants actually interacting with the world — like about the cane toads and the Indian mynas and the cod.

Also, predictably, enjoyed the parts of book discussing the political and social history of the field, applied ecology, and the key figureheads of ecology (Aldo Leopold, Rachel Carson etc.) Also enjoyed the sections examining indigenous ecological views.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good and comprehensive introduction into the wide ranging and complex subject of ecology. Ghazoul covers all the key theories and describes them in a clear and concise why, highlighting the potential nuances and how these have changed over the years as ecology has grown and developed as a science. As an ecologist myself this was also a really good refresher for the theories and principles that sit behind my work and how it has infiltrated into and is seen by the wider world. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest, however fleeting, and for those who work within the subject as a handy refresher and quick reference if and when needed.

[Taffi Schippers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ecology : A Very Short Introduction stays true to its title. This books explores the broad spectrum of ecology, from basic principles to how ecology is used as a multidisciplinary science in society today. I liked how the sections introduced are used as building blocks to understand the full picture of ecology in today's present times. Often times ecology can be a daunting subject, in both academic and not-so academic fields. But this is genuinely a lovely book.

[Sivasothi N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long awaited and, I’m glad to say, an excellent primer of ecology for students and naturalists alike, and anyone else involved in conservation. An engaging read, for sure.

Jaboury Ghazoul also wrote the VSI on Forests.

Read the ebook from National Library and got the Amazon Kindle version to return to. Want to use as a primer to lectures in ecology.

[Osvald Lemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's make a difference in the world by choosing the services of Happen Ventures https://happenventures.com/waste-to-e... . Achieve zero waste to landfill with our innovative solutions for waste-to-energy, ethanol product elimination, and satinier recycling. Embrace efficiency, transparency and sustainability while supporting a sustainable future. Join us in responsible waste management.

[Musa Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer to ecology as a science. Prof Ghazoul explains many important concepts and ideas in a concise yet understandable manner backed by numerous case studies. Really loved the chapter on simple complex questions, showing how simple questions such as “Why is the world green?” has complex answers rooted in ecology. Looking forward to reading his other Short Introduction book on Forests!

[Jeffrey Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to it as an audiobook... It accomplishes something I've looked for for a while: a general introduction (at a high level) to a field which I cannot devote time to learn in great depth. The author certainly had a lot to do with this, but if the editting played a part, i suspect I will be a fan of this series more generally.

[MrKillick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wieder mal ein hervorragendes Buch aus der "Very Short Introductions"-Reihe.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to ecology, recommended.