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Elsevier

Ecology for the 21st century

  • 1st Edition - July 30, 2025
  • Latest edition
  • Author: Orianna Carter
  • Language: English

Ecology for the 21st Century is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly, introductory textbook that provides students with an ecological perspective on our changing world. Suitable… Read more

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Description

Ecology for the 21st Century is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly, introductory textbook that provides students with an ecological perspective on our changing world. Suitable for both non-majors and majors-level ecology courses, this textbook presents clear and wide ranging coverage, including many current examples and topics. Applying a student-centric approach with dynamic examples and case studies, the book's ecological principles emerge through topics students care to learn more about. The ‘twin-evils’ of atmospheric carbon and ocean acidification are explored through investigations on the health of coral reef ecosystems.

In addition, populations and species dynamics are introduced using classical modeling parameters. This textbook drives home the delicate balance of the natural world through regional issues surrounding endangered versus invasive species. Themes of resource acquisition, adaptation, and evolution of species are reinforced throughout, encouraging students to envision an ecologically driven world.

Key features

  • Covers a great breadth of introductory ecology, covering topics ranging from climate change to population dynamics and biodiversity loss
  • Functions as core foundational content for both non-majors & major-level ecology courses
  • Features short, 10 min. interactive videos on topics to reinforce concepts
  • Includes in-chapter self-assessments with feedback and end-of-unit study guides
  • Integrates with a current issues discussion forum, currently delivered to the online classroom using Packback

Readership

Nonmajors students interested in the environment, Biological science undergraduates, Environmental science undergraduates, Upper-level undergraduates, and graduates studying Environmental Law, Environmental Health, Public Policy on Biodiversity and Conservation

Table of contents

Unit I. Ecosystems, Biogeography & Climate

1. Introduction to Ecology

2. Biogeography & Climate

3. Climate Change

UNIT II. The Physical Environment

4. The Terrestrial Environment

5. The Aquatic Environment

Unit III. Environmental Constraints

6. Natural Selection & Adaptations

7. Adaptations to the Environment

Unit IV. Ecosystem Ecology

8. Ecosystem Energetics

9. Nutrients & Biogeochemical Cycling

UNIT V. Populations and Life Histories

10. Population Dynamics

11. Life Histories

UNIT VI. Species and Community Dynamics

12. Species Interactions

13. Community Structure Dynamics

14. Ecosystem and Biodiversity Loss

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: September 5, 2025
  • Language: English

About the author

OC

Orianna Carter

Orianna Carter is an Associate Professor in the Biological Science at Ohio University. As a well-established biologist in her field, she has published case studies and field research in the past. Her research background is in environmental toxicology and natural products as preventative care. She also has a background in therapeutic herbalism from her family heritage with generations of using medical plants. She teaches courses in ecology, biochemistry, conservation, and biodiversity at Ohio University.
Affiliations and expertise
Associate Professor, Biological Science, Ohio University, West Virginia, USA

View book on ScienceDirect

Read Ecology for the 21st century on ScienceDirect