WHY ECOLOGY MATTERS

Global temperatures and seawater levels rise the world s smallest porpoise species looms at the edge of extinction and a tiny emerald beetle from Japan flourishes in North America but why does it matter Who cares With this concise accessible and up to date book Charles J Krebs answers critics and enlightens students and environmental advocates alike revealing not why phenomena like these deserve our attention but why they demand it Highlighting key principles in ecology from species extinction to the sun s role in powering ecosystems each chapter introduces a general question illustrates that question with real world examples and links it to pressing ecological issues in which humans play a central role such as the spread of invasive species climate change overfishing and biodiversity conservation While other introductions to ecology are rooted in complex theory math or practice and relegate discussions of human environmental impacts and their societal implications to sidebars and appendices Why Ecology Matters interweaves these important discussions throughout It is a book rooted in our contemporary world delving into ecological issues that are perennial timeless but could not be more timely