Physiological Plant Ecology IV

O. L. LANGE, P. S. NOBEL, C. B. OSMOND, and H. ZIEGLER In the last volume of the series 'Physiological Plant Ecology' we have asked contributors to address the bases of ecosystem processes in terms of key plant physiological properties. It has often been suggested that it is not profitable to attempt analysis of complex living systems in terms of the properties of component individuals or populations, i. e. , the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Nevertheless, assessments of ecological research over the last century show that other approaches are seldom more helpful. Although it is possible to describe complex systems of living organisms in holistic terms, the most useful descriptions are found in terms of the birth, growth and death of individ uals. This allows analysis of performance of the parts of the whole considering their synergistic and antagonistic interrelationships and is the basis for a synthe sis which elucidates the specific properties of a system. Thus it seemsthat the description of ecosystem processes is inevitably anchored in physiological under standing. If enquiry into complex living systems is to remain a scientific exercise, it must retain tangible links with physiology. Of course, as was emphasized in Vol. 12A, not all of our physiological understanding is required to explore ecosystem processes. For pragmatic purposes, the whole may be adequantely represented as a good deal less than the sum of its parts.

Contenu
D.- 1 Nutrient Allocation in Plant Communities: Mineral Cycling in Terrestrial Ecosystems.- 2 Nutrient Cycling in Freshwater Ecosystems.- 3 Nutrient Cycling in Marine Ecosystems.- 4 Modeling of Growth and Production.- 5 Productivity of Agricultural Systems.- 6 Productivity of Grassland and Tundra.- 7 Productivity of Desert and Mediterranean-Climate Plants.- 8 Productivity of Temperate, Deciduous and Evergreen Forests.- 9 Productivity of Tropical Forests and Tropical Woodlands.- 10 Phytoplankton Productivity in Aquatic Ecosystems.- 11 Effects of Biocides and Growth Regulators: Physiological Basis.- 12 Effects of Biocides and Growth Regulators: Ecological Implications.- 13 Eutrophication Processes and Pollution of Freshwater Ecosystems Including Waste Heat.- 14 Ecophysiological Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants.- 15 Ecophysiological Effects of Changing Atmospheric CO2 Concentration.- 16 Man's Influence on Ecosystem Structure, Operation, and Ecophysiological Processes.- Author Index.- Taxonomic Index.- Subject Index for Parts A-D.