266 Index
Malthusian views, 223
non-renewable natural resources, 226
positions and goals, 227
self-constraint, 225
world population, 224
SVHCs, see Substances of Very High
Concern
System
behaviour, 241
characteristic case of, 25
cohesion, 74
elasticity, predator-prey interaction
and, 36
equilibrium point, 241
single-crop, 75
Systems and ecosystems, 3–10
concept of system, 3–4
characteristic issues, 4
complexity of relevant
phenomena, 4
contexts, 3
cybernetics, 3
definition of system, 3
description levels, 4
General Systems Theory, 3
prerequisite for system, 3
scientific use of term, 3
concept and use of models, 4–5
continuous spectrum, 5
definition of model, 4
model types, 4–5
perfect model, 5
strategic models, 5
tactical models, 5
ecosystem as a system, 8–9
ecosystem stability, 8
maintenance of states of
equilibrium, 8
natural ecosystem, 8
natural environment,
examination of, 8–9
objectives, 9
trophic relationships, 8
mathematical models of ecosystems,
9–10
biological organisation, levels of, 9
deterministic models, 9
ecological phenomena, 10
external factors, 10
input, 10
mathematical simulation of the
functioning of the ecosystem,
10
model construction stages, 10
output, 10
stochastic models, 9
system state and stability, 5–7
definition of system state, 5
external perturbation, system
response to, 7
negative feedback, 7
positive feedback, 7
stability, degrees of, 6
stability of equilibrium points, 7
stagnant system state, 6
state equations, 6
state of equilibrium, 6
temporal evolution of system, 6
t
Tactical models, 5
Taiga, 87
Terrestrial ecosystems, 87–97
desert, 90
forest ecosystem, 87–89
forest as a natural resource, 90–92
grassland, 89
Mediterranean environment, 92–94
most productive, 61
soil and agricultural activity, 94–97
tundra, 89
Thermal pollution, 19
Tools for environmental analysis,
evaluation and management,
203–214
definition and assessment of impacts
on the environment, 203–204
consequences, 203
distinction, 204
environmental impacts, 203
policy requirement, 204
eco-labels, 207
environmental audits, 207
environmental certification, 207–208
guidance offered, 208
international level, 208
organisation recognition, 208
resource squandering, 208
environmental impact assessment,
209–212
aquifer, 212
Malthusian views, 223
non-renewable natural resources, 226
positions and goals, 227
self-constraint, 225
world population, 224
SVHCs, see Substances of Very High
Concern
System
behaviour, 241
characteristic case of, 25
cohesion, 74
elasticity, predator-prey interaction
and, 36
equilibrium point, 241
single-crop, 75
Systems and ecosystems, 3–10
concept of system, 3–4
characteristic issues, 4
complexity of relevant
phenomena, 4
contexts, 3
cybernetics, 3
definition of system, 3
description levels, 4
General Systems Theory, 3
prerequisite for system, 3
scientific use of term, 3
concept and use of models, 4–5
continuous spectrum, 5
definition of model, 4
model types, 4–5
perfect model, 5
strategic models, 5
tactical models, 5
ecosystem as a system, 8–9
ecosystem stability, 8
maintenance of states of
equilibrium, 8
natural ecosystem, 8
natural environment,
examination of, 8–9
objectives, 9
trophic relationships, 8
mathematical models of ecosystems,
9–10
biological organisation, levels of, 9
deterministic models, 9
ecological phenomena, 10
external factors, 10
input, 10
mathematical simulation of the
functioning of the ecosystem,
10
model construction stages, 10
output, 10
stochastic models, 9
system state and stability, 5–7
definition of system state, 5
external perturbation, system
response to, 7
negative feedback, 7
positive feedback, 7
stability, degrees of, 6
stability of equilibrium points, 7
stagnant system state, 6
state equations, 6
state of equilibrium, 6
temporal evolution of system, 6
t
Tactical models, 5
Taiga, 87
Terrestrial ecosystems, 87–97
desert, 90
forest ecosystem, 87–89
forest as a natural resource, 90–92
grassland, 89
Mediterranean environment, 92–94
most productive, 61
soil and agricultural activity, 94–97
tundra, 89
Thermal pollution, 19
Tools for environmental analysis,
evaluation and management,
203–214
definition and assessment of impacts
on the environment, 203–204
consequences, 203
distinction, 204
environmental impacts, 203
policy requirement, 204
eco-labels, 207
environmental audits, 207
environmental certification, 207–208
guidance offered, 208
international level, 208
organisation recognition, 208
resource squandering, 208
environmental impact assessment,
209–212
aquifer, 212