Ocean Ecology: Marine Life in the Age of Humans

Marine ecology is a multidisciplinary field that is more closely connected to human activities than ever before, and Ocean Ecology provides an integrated approach to understanding and managing the ocean as a complex adaptive system. It explains the ecological processes that link organismal to ecosystem scales and how biological diversity is the heart of functioning ecosystems. It also explains how human impacts such as fishing, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial fertilizer use are transforming the Anthropocene ocean.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Marine ecology is an interdisciplinary field that has grown in importance and complexity,with a greater connection to human activities than ever before. It encompasses the study of the diverse range of organisms that inhabit the ocean,from microscopic phytoplankton to large marine mammals.

Ocean Ecology provides a comprehensive introduction to marine ecology,covering key concepts such as marine biodiversity,ecosystem dynamics,and human impacts on the ocean. The textbook is designed for advanced undergraduates,graduate students,and practitioners in the field.

One of the key strengths of Ocean Ecology is its interdisciplinary approach. The book draws on knowledge from various scientific disciplines,including biology,chemistry,geology,and physics,to provide a holistic understanding of marine ecosystems. This approach allows students to gain a deeper appreciation of the complex interactions between different components of the ocean,such as the physical environment,biological processes,and human activities.

The book also emphasizes the broader scope of marine ecology,which extends beyond the study of individual organisms and their interactions. It explores the role of marine ecosystems in shaping global climate,providing resources for human consumption,and supporting economic activities such as fishing and tourism. By understanding the broader context of marine ecology,students can develop a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the ocean in the 21st century.

Another important aspect of Ocean Ecology is its intimate link to human activities. The book discusses the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems,such as overfishing,pollution,and climate change. It provides insights into the mechanisms by which these activities affect marine organisms and ecosystems,and explores strategies for mitigating and adapting to these impacts.

Ocean Ecology is an authoritative and accessible textbook that advances a framework based on interactions among four major features of marine ecosystems: geomorphology,the abiotic environment,biodiversity,and biogeochemistry. The book explains the ecological processes that link organismal to ecosystem scales and that shape the major types of ocean ecosystems,both historically and in the Anthropocene world. It also shows how biological diversity is the heart of functioning ecosystems and how it is influenced by factors such as habitat loss,invasive species,and climate change.

The textbook spans genes to earth systems,surface to seafloor,and estuary to ocean gyre,providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex ecological structures and processes that occur in the ocean. It links species composition,trait distribution,and other ecological structures to the functioning of ecosystems,and explains how these structures are influenced by human activities.

In conclusion, Ocean Ecology is an essential textbook for students and practitioners in marine ecology. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the field,covering key concepts,interdisciplinary approaches,and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. The book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding and managing the ocean as a complex and dynamic system.

Weight: 2080g
Dimension: 223 x 289 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691161556