Laws, theories, and patterns in ecology / Walter K. Dodds.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dodds, Walter K. (Walter Kennedy), 1958-

Series:

Stephen Bechtel Fund imprint in ecology and the environment.

The Stephen Bechtel Fund imprint in ecology and the environment

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biotic communities.

Ecology--Philosophy.

Ecology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (250 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Physics and chemistry are distinguished from biology by the way generalizations are codified into theories tested by observation and experimentation. Some theories have been sufficiently tested to qualify as laws. In ecology, generalizations worthy of being called theories are less common because observations and experimentation are difficult and exceptions are more common. In this book, Walter K. Dodds enumerates generalizations in ecology. Introductory material describes how the practice of science in general, and ecology specifically, yields theories and laws. Dodds also discusses why such ideas are only useful if they have predictive ability, and delineates the scope of these generalizations and the constraints that limit their application. The result is a short book that delves deeply into important ecological ideas and how they predict and provide understanding.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Introduction

Chapter 1. Laws

Chapter 2. Theories

Chapter 3. Patterns, Questions, and Predictions

REFERENCES

INDEX

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN:

9786612359859

9781282359857

1282359851

9780520944541

0520944542

OCLC:

773565076