Vegetation Description and Data Analysis
Rating: Martin Kent. 2012. Vegetation Description and Data Analysis: A practical Approach. 2e. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978 0 471 49093 7 In writing reviews it is best to keep some professional distance; to report what the book tries to say and reflect on the quality and suitability in light of the academic field and competing texts. This is the first and probably only time I will break this rule, just at the outset. This is the second edition of a remarkable […]
Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology
Rating: Gören I Ågren and Folke O Andersson. 2012. Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978 1 107 64825 8. Perhaps the first thought on seeing this text is why ‘terrestrial’ and not just ecology. That lasts all of a few seconds when dipping into the preface and seeing that the focus is on whole systems i.e. ecosystems and that this is the easiest way to demonstrate the principles. The authors continue their rationale by noting that it is […]
Urban Ecology
Rating: Niemela J, Breuste JH, Elmqvist T, Gunterspergen G, James P and NE Macintyre. (eds). 2012. Urban Ecology: patterns, processes and applications. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978 0 19 964395 0. It’s always interesting to see how perspectives change in any field and ecology is no exception. Twenty years ago, the words ‘urban’ and ‘nature’ would only be seen together if they were in opposition. No-one would suggest the towns and cities could create environments or modify habitats. It’s not […]
Insects.org
Insects.org is an interesting site dedicated to all things insect especially human-insect interactions
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation is a US independent government agency founded in 1950 to promote science. This it does but it also has a great education programme with lots of useful links and science ideas. The best section seems to be Discoveries, but try the rest of the site.
Ecology of Freshwaters 4e.
Rating: Brian Moss. 2010. Ecology of Freshwaters – a view for the 21st century. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978 1 4051 1332 8. Brian Moss seems synonymous with freshwater ecology as this citation notes. Having used the first edition of this book way back in 1980 when it was first published it is pleasing to be able to report on the latest incarnation. However, it’s more than just meeting a new version; freshwaters are becoming a key part of the environmental debate […]
The Theory of Ecology
Rating: Samuel M Scheiner and Michael R Willig. 2012. The Theory of Ecology. Chicago University Press. ISBN 978 0 226 73686 0. It concerns me both as an educator and ecologist that students beginning their studies pay so much attention to getting information and so little idea to where it fits in. The debate between information and knowledge is alive and well on the net (try searching using that phrase!). What is worrying is that the internet opens up data […]
EoE – Environmental Science course
EoE – the Encyclopedia of Earth has a vast range of resources growing by the month. This feature highlights an online course in Environmental Science. From the site: Upon completion of this course you will: Know and understand the levels of the ecological hierarchy. Appreciate the integration of natural processes that govern the natural world. Appreciate the importance of maintaining a sustaining biosphere for the continued presence of a human population on the earth. Understand the pragmatic and realistic difficulties […]
LTER
Long Term Ecological Research Network comprises a set of key ecological sites in the US where research has been going on for decades. This makes it one of the most important pieces of longer-term research. Started in 1980 this work has become increasingly important as funding turns to smaller-scale projects. This site gives a wide range of information on the projects and the data gathered. Some of these places e.g. Hubbard Brook, have been contributing to core ecological ideas for […]
Experiments in Ecology
Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology is a site, run by the ecological Society of America, dedicated to helping staff improve their range of teaching methods and resources in ecological education. Although obviously focussed on the US and aimed at junior undergraduates, this site contains a wealth of ideas and data. Even if the areas don’t suit, it will be possible to adapt ideas for local conditions.
