Review by Choice Review
Sagarin (Univ. of Arizona) and Pauchard (Univ. of Concepcion, Chile) view the history of ecology as moving from observational science during the later 1800s to experimental and theoretical science during the 1900s to revived observations during the 2000s but without replacing experiments and theory. Their book is a guide for this new ecology, defending it against detractors and explaining with sophistication how to proceed. Revival of observation comes partly from the needs of applied ecology--concerning resource management--and partly from the concerns of students who want to address society's environmental needs. Additionally, scientists are learning how to use information from citizen observers to supplement data that scientists collect. Formerly, ecologists studied organisms under natural conditions, but such conditions have largely disappeared, and now observational studies need to integrate human impacts into ecosystems. Observational approaches to studies on climate change, ocean acidification, invasive species, and management of endangered species are already successful. Technology has greatly expanded the reach of humans' senses, and networks of observers monitor environments. Observational studies have the most influence upon policy makers in governments, and visual images have the most influence upon public attitudes. A valuable resource for all ecologists. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, professional, and general readers. F. N. Egerton emeritus, University of Wisconsin--Parkside
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
