Landscape Ecology Concepts, Methods, and Applications [Paperback]

This book is about the birth of landscape ecology. It demonstrates how the concepts of landscape ecology have contributed to the definition of the policy of protection of nature and illustrates the dynamics of populations and communities, as well as transfers of matter and nutrients.Part I: Introduction: Definition of a Discipline: Emergence of Landscape Ecology in the History of Ecology; Recognition of Heterogeneity in Ecological Systems; Taking Human Activities into Account in Ecological Systems; Explicit Accounting for Space and Time; Landscape Ecology is based on Scientific Theories Linked to Ecology and Related Disciplines Landscpe Ecology: Definition of a Multidisciplinary Approach: Landscape as Understood by the Ecologist; Landscape Ecology: An Interdisciplinary Approach; Landscape Ecology: Application of Results of Fundamental Research to Conservation Biology and Land Management Part II: Landscape Structure and Dynamics Analysis of Spatial Structures: Categories of Landscape Elements; From Sample Plots in a Wood to Woods in a Landscape; Typology of Patches and Corridors; Basic Concepts for Quantitative Approaches; Measurement of Heterogeneity; Fragmentation; Connectedness o Return to Scale Dependence: Contribution of Fractal Geometry o Elements of Geostatistics; Typologies of Landscape Structures; General Conclusion Dynamics of Landscapes: Questions on Organization and Dynamics of Landscapes Stemming from Observation; Changes in Land use on the Global Scale; Regional Approaches to Changes in Land Use: Variations Depending on Modes of Measurement; Local Approaches to Changes in Land Cover: Importance of Spatialization; Dynamics of Valley Landscapes: The Water Course and its Corridors; Dynamics of Non-Anthropogenic Landscapes; Land cover and Evolving Landscapes, a General Phenomenon Organization of Landscapes: Categories of Models; The Concept of Organization; Ecological Organization of Landscapes; From Farming Systems to Landscape Diversity; General Approach lãÜ