Ecosystem Functioning

Kurt Jax

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511781216

In the face of decreasing biodiversity and ongoing global changes, maintaining ecosystem functioning is seen both as a means to preserve biological diversity as well as for safeguarding human well-being by securing the services ecosystems provide. The concept today is prominent in many fields of ecology and conservation biology, such as biodiversity research, ecosystem management, or restoration ecology. Although the idea of ecosystem functioning is important, the concept itself remains rather vague and elusive. This book provides a novel analysis and integrated synthesis of different approaches to conceptualising and assessing ecosystem functioning. It links the natural sciences with methodologies from philosophy and the social sciences, and introduces a new methodology for a clearer and more efficient application of ecosystem functioning concepts in practice. Special emphasis is laid on the social dimensions of the concept and the ways it influences research practice. Several case studies relate theoretical analyses to practical application.

"The text is filed with many intriguing questions, offering constant stimulation to readers. A valuable resource for readers interested in ecological theory as well as ecosystem science and management. Highly recommended."
J. Chen, University of Toledo for Choice Magazine

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Ecosystem Functioning

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-viii

Contents
pp ix-xii

Acknowledgements
pp xiii-xiv

1 - Introduction
pp 1-8

2 - Setting the scene
pp 9-28

3 - What do we need for a functioning ecosystem?
pp 29-58

4 - Becoming general
pp 59-112

5 - Ecosystem functioning
pp 113-149

6 - Assessing ecosystem functioning
pp 150-181

7 - Putting ecosystem functioning concepts into practice
pp 182-235

References
pp 236-268

Index
pp 269-272

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Ecosystem Functioning

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