Ecology - A Very Short Introduction

Ecology is the science of how organisms interact with each other and their environment to form communities and ecosystems. Ecology: A Very Short Introduction explains the history of ecology, the principles of ecological thinking, how ecology affects our everyday lives, and how it guides environmental decisions, especially in the light of current and future environmental challenges. What are the factors behind ‘boom and bust’ cycles in species populations? How and why do two species cooperate? Do humans need so many species? The cultural significance of ecology is also explored, with examples of different schools of thought that envisage ecology as a science and a worldview.