Experimental Landscape Ecology

This book provides a guide for landscape ecologists on conducting experiments, discussing issues of scale, spatial heterogeneity, and replication. It covers different experimental approaches, such as large-scale manipulations, experimental model landscapes, mesocosms and microcosms, in silico experiments, and novel landscapes. Examples from around the world illustrate the ideas, and an annotated resources section helps stimulate ideas and inspire creativity for graduate students and early career researchers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 217 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive guide provides invaluable insights for landscape ecologists seeking to excel in the art and science of conducting experiments, both observational and manipulative. As landscapes encompass vast and diverse ecosystems, conducting robust experiments can be a daunting task. The book addresses the challenges faced by researchers in this field, including issues of scale, spatial heterogeneity, and limitations on replication.

In the first half of the book, the authors delve into the history and philosophy of the scientific method, exploring the development of experimental approaches in ecology. They discuss the broader aspects that make a good experiment, such as designing effective hypotheses, selecting appropriate experimental designs, and controlling for potential confounding variables. Individual chapters focus on specific challenges in landscape ecology, offering practical solutions for issues of scale, such as using remote sensing and modeling techniques, and applying controls, randomization, and adequate replication in a landscape setting.

The second half of the book showcases a range of experimental approaches in landscape ecology, including large-scale manipulations, experimental model landscapes, mesocosms and microcosms, in silico experiments, and novel landscapes. Each chapter provides a detailed description of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, along with examples from around the world, showcasing the applications of these methods in diverse environments. The annotated resources section serves as a valuable guide for graduate students and early career researchers, offering a plethora of resources and references to further their understanding and expertise in landscape ecology experimentation.

Overall, this book serves as a valuable resource for landscape ecologists, offering a comprehensive and practical guide to conducting effective experiments in this field. It stimulates ideas and inspires creativity, empowering researchers to explore new frontiers and contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics of landscapes.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030951887
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022