Fenchel Tom. Ecology: Potentials and limitations

Oldendorf/Luhe, Germany: Ecology Institute, 1987. — XIX+187 p. — (Excellence in Ecology 1).The first book in the series 'Excellence in Ecology' has been written by the well-known Danish marine ecologist Tom Fenchel (b. 1940) - a highly cited scientist known for, among other things, Fenchel's Law.
The book briefly traces the history of ecological research, and then focusses on the relation of ecology to other natural sciences; the significance of ecology for understanding the forces which control the dynamics of organismic assemblages in time and space; the central ideas, problems and results of contemporary ecology; our present knowledge on the properties of communities and ecoystems; and the significance of modern ecological research for assisting societies in facing and appropriately responding to major problems caused by man's detrimental effects on nature.
Offering and explaining his definition of ecology, Tom Fenchel delineates the scope of ecology relative to other biological disciplines and explores
the potentials and limitations of ecology as a science and as a means of controlling man's unique impact on his environment.
The blending together of concepts and methodologies employed in different fields of research is considered a prime source of progress in science. While different disciplines mirror historical developments and heuristic classifications of natural phenomena, they must ultimately be combined for
constructing the best possible picture of the world around us.
In order to attract money and attention, scientists have often promised rapid progress in return for substantial funding. Such opportunism has led to disappointment and doubt in the potential of science to help solve the many problems facing modern societies. A solid and less corruptible basis for sponsoring sciences is called for, along with more support for basic research - the very expression of man's learned curiosity and the very foundation of all his scientific efforts.Introduction;
Delimitation and characteristics of ecology;
Concepts, ideas, and problems in ecology;
Some examples of communities and ecosystems;
Ecology and society;
Conclusion: Limits and limitations of ecology.