vii
Contents
Preface
xv
Kimon Hadjibiros
Introduction
xvii
Part 1
Ecological Systems
1
1 systems and Ecosystems
3
1.1 The Concept of System 3
1.2 Concept and Use of Models 4
1.3 System State and Stability 5
1.4 The Ecosystem as a System 8
1.5 Mathematical Models of Ecosystems 9
2 organisms and Environmental Factors
11
2.1 Categories of Organisms 11
2.2 Chemical Composition of the Cell 12
2.3 Metabolism—Enzymes 14
2.4 Storage of Energy 14
2.5 Photosynthesis—Respiration—Chemosynthesis 15
2.6 Limiting Nutrient 16
2.7 Interaction of Organisms and Environment 17
2.7.1 Physical Factors 17
2.7.1.1 Temperature, Wind, Humidity 18
2.7.1.2 Radiation 19
3 organisation at Population Level
25
3.1 Population and Ecosystem 25
3.1.1 Age Distribution 26
Contents
Preface
xv
Kimon Hadjibiros
Introduction
xvii
Part 1
Ecological Systems
1
1 systems and Ecosystems
3
1.1 The Concept of System 3
1.2 Concept and Use of Models 4
1.3 System State and Stability 5
1.4 The Ecosystem as a System 8
1.5 Mathematical Models of Ecosystems 9
2 organisms and Environmental Factors
11
2.1 Categories of Organisms 11
2.2 Chemical Composition of the Cell 12
2.3 Metabolism—Enzymes 14
2.4 Storage of Energy 14
2.5 Photosynthesis—Respiration—Chemosynthesis 15
2.6 Limiting Nutrient 16
2.7 Interaction of Organisms and Environment 17
2.7.1 Physical Factors 17
2.7.1.1 Temperature, Wind, Humidity 18
2.7.1.2 Radiation 19
3 organisation at Population Level
25
3.1 Population and Ecosystem 25
3.1.1 Age Distribution 26