Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems

by Michael Begon, Colin R. Townsend

A definitive guide to the depth and breadth of the ecological sciences, revised and updated

The revised and updated fifth edition of From Individuals to Ecosystems – now in full colour – offers students and practitioners a review of the ecological sciences. 

The previous editions of this book earned the authors the prestigious ‘Exceptional Life-time Achievement Award’ of the British Ecological Society – the aim for the fifth edition is not only to maintain standards but indeed to enhance its coverage of Ecology.

In the first edition, 34 years ago, it seemed acceptable for ecologists to hold a comfortable, objective, not to say aloof position, from which the ecological communities around us were simply material for which we sought a scientific understanding. Now, we must accept the immediacy of the many environmental problems that threaten us and the responsibility of ecologists to play their full part in addressing these problems. This fifth edition addresses this challenge, with several chapters devoted entirely to applied topics, and examples of how ecological principles have been applied to problems facing us highlighted throughout the remaining nineteen chapters. 

Nonetheless, the authors remain wedded to the belief that environmental action can only ever be as sound as the ecological principles on which it is based. Hence, while trying harder than ever to help improve preparedness for addressing the environmental problems of the years ahead, the book remains, in its essence, an exposition of the science of ecology. This new edition incorporates the results from more than a thousand recent studies into a fully up-to-date text. 

Written for students of ecology, researchers and practitioners, the fifth edition of From Individuals to Ecosystems is anessential reference to all aspects of ecology and addresses environmental problems of the future. 

Genres: Ecology, Science, Biology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Nature, Reference

853 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Michael Begon, B.Sc., Ph.D, is professor and head of department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Integrative Biology.

For his academic profile, see:
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/integrati...

Reviews

[Muhammad al-Khwarizmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though something about the cover artwork suggests that this is a so-called "user-friendly" or, perhaps less charitably, "dumbed-down" textbook on ecology, the maxim "don't judge a book by its cover" holds true. The fact is, it is somehow semi-encyclopedic in nature; in other words, it is part textbook and part reference text. Not infrequently it assumes considerable prior knowledge of biological topics. It is a fairly advanced text for this reason. There are few faults with the content, though sometimes explanation of models is somewhat opaque and of course any discussion involving p-values brings with it many caveats and perhaps even falsehoods. That however is a defect that one can find in many other texts as well. I recommend this title and I would go as far as to say that it is, as far as I know, peerless in some ways. Nonetheless, it is better to use it for the most part in the reference capacity I mentioned earlier.

Another nice thing about this book: its formatting is very uncluttered. Almost perfect graphic design except for the ugly orange shades being used therein.

[Yuta Tamberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit better, a bit worse than previous editions. Boxes and other scattered bits of information are tiresome to follow. It is written in a way somewhat reminding of a website, with natural flow of concentration often interrupted. It is, in my opinion, not a good thing for a book to cause unnecessary distractions.
Still, it is a good book, though heavily skewed to terrestrial ecology. One should own and consult, if not enjoy, this book. But then, it is not exactly meant for enjoyment.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book on general ecology, a perfect review if you haven't had an ecology class for a while (i.e. undergrad). A bit simplistic in parts, but those areas can be quickly skimmed over. Good for understanding biogeochemical cycles, all the way up to ecosystem dynamics - a solid overview of all levels of ecology.

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good research text. The material therein takes an in-depth look at the ecological science.....

[Chris]

a classic!

[Lee Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb introductory text to the subject; balancing theory, method, case-studies and the odd-joke to keep the whole thing from becoming too daunting.