Evolution from a Thermodynamic Perspective: Implications for Species Conservation and Agricultural Sustainability

By Carl F Jordan

Preface: The Thermodynamic Theater and an Evolutionary Play.

Part 1: Theory (To Understand Economics, Follow the Money. To Understand Ecosystems, Follow the Energy.)

1. Two Views of Ecology

2. What Can We Learn from Studying Ecosystems that We Can't Learn from Studying Species?

3. A Thermodynamic Definition of Ecosystems

4. Thermodynamic Characteristics of Ecosystems

5. Ecosystem Control: A Top-Down View

6. Ecosystem Control: A Bottom-Up View

7. Ecosystem Stability

8. Case Studies of Ecosystem Control and Stability

9. Entropy and Maximum Power

10. A Thermodynamic View of Succession

11. Panarchy

12. A Thermodynamic View of Evolution

13. Why Is Species Diversity Higher in the Tropics?

14. The Rest of the Story

15. Objections to the Ecosystem Concept

Part 2: Applied (Agricultural Problems are Systems Problems)

16. Maximum Power vs. Maximum Efficiency

17. Energetic Costs and Benefits of Nature's Services

18. Feedback and Stability in Coffee Production Systems

19. Energetic Costs and Benefits of Domestication

20. Feedback and Stability in Economic Food Systems

21. Natural Capital: A Case Study

22. Agroforestry: Capturing Entropy

23. What has Cybernetic Theory Taught us about Agricultural Sustainability?

Conclusion

24. What Have We Learned from a Thermodynamic Approach to Evolution?

Appendices

1. Ecosystem Boundaries

2. Gaia

3. Thermodynamic Niches

4. The Keystone Concept

5. The Maximum Power Principle

6. Problems of Industrial Agriculture

7. Calculations for Table 17.2

8. Thermodynamic Principles in Ecosystem Studies

9. How to Study an Ecosystem when you are Standing in the Middle of It

References

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3030851850
• ISBN13: 9783030851859
• Release Date: November 2021
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"