| The Biomass Spectrum: A Predator-Prey Theory of Aqautic Production Contributor(s): Kerr, S. R. (Author), Dickie, L. M. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0231084595 ISBN-13: 9780231084598 Publisher: Columbia University Press OUR PRICE: $44.55 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: August 2001 Annotation: Kerr and Dickie propose the development of a new ecological theory, one that can lead to a more effective remedy for the drastic effects of heavy fishing on natural communities of organisms in both marine and freshwater environments. By plotting the densities of the biomass of all organisms in a given community by body-size classes, the authors provide empirical evidence of what they term "the biomass body-size spectrum" in the world's oceans. After examining this evidence, they propose an underlying theory of predator-prey energy transfer: larger species eat smaller species, providing energy exchange across all species within an ecosystem. Providing the first comprehensive synthesis of the energy flow within the biomass spectrum, this book demonstrates not only a new understanding of the self-organizing properties of ecological production systems but also the potential of the biomass spectrum methodology for offering practical remedies when these natural systems are exploited by humans. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | Life Sciences - Ecology - Science | Life Sciences - Marine Biology - Science | Earth Sciences - Oceanography |
| Dewey: 577.613 |
| LCCN: 00065961 |
| Series: Complexity in Ecological Systems (Paperback) |
| Physical Information: 0.74" H x 6.38" W x 9.14" (1.03 lbs) 352 pages |
| Themes: - Topical - Ecology |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Kerr and Dickie propose the development of a new ecological theory, one that can lead to a more effective remedy for the drastic effects of heavy fishing on natural communities of organisms in both marine and freshwater environments. By plotting the densities of the biomass of all organisms in a given community by body-size classes, the authors provide empirical evidence of what they term "the biomass body-size spectrum" in the world's oceans. After examining this evidence, they propose an underlying theory of predator-prey energy transfer: larger species eat smaller species, providing energy exchange across all species within an ecosystem. Providing the first comprehensive synthesis of the energy flow within the biomass spectrum, this book demonstrates not only a new understanding of the self-organizing properties of ecological production systems but also the potential of the biomass spectrum methodology for offering practical remedies when these natural systems are exploited by humans. |