Ecological Understanding: The Nature of Theory and the Theory of NatureElsevier, 22 de out. de 2013 - 206 páginas Ecology is an historical science in which theories can be as difficult to test as they are to devise. This volume, intended for ecologists and evolutionary biologists, reviews ecological theories, and how they are generated, evaluated, and categorized. Synthesizing a vast and sometimes labyrinthine literature, this book is a useful entry into the scientific philosophy of ecology and natural history. The need for integration of the contributions to theory made by different disciplines is a central theme of this book. The authors demonstrate that only through such integration will advances in ecological theory be possible. Ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and other serious students of natural history will want this book. |
Conteúdo
The Nature of Theory | 55 |
From Theory to Integration and Application | 111 |
Theory and Its Environment | 149 |
Outras edições - Ver todos
Ecological Understanding: The Nature of Theory and the Theory of Nature Steward T. Pickett,Jurek Kolasa,Clive G. Jones Prévia não disponível - 2007 |
Termos e frases comuns
abstract apply approach aspects assumptions behavior causal explanation causes Chapter classical classical physics community ecology competition competitive exclusion principle complete components of theory conceptual constructs confirmed constraints contrast derived disciplinary paradigms discipline disturbance diversity domain dynamics ecological systems ecological understanding ecologists ecosystem ecosystem ecology empirical entities environment equilibrium evaluated evolutionary example exist fact falsification fluxes focus framework fundamental questions genetic herbivores hierarchical hypotheses ideal important integration in ecology interactions island biogeography landscape landscape ecology laws levels of organization logical positivism maximum power principle mechanisms mechanistic models natural selection nature nitrogen objects observable phenomena patterns phenomenon philosophy of science physics Pickett plant population prediction problem processes relationships require resource result role scale scientific understanding scientists scope society spatial species richness specific statement structure subdisciplines system of understanding term theoretical theory change tion translation modes Type I error versus view of theory