The Ecology Book - Big Ideas Simply Explained

The Ecology Book examines how living things connect with each other and with the environments they inhabit, how ecosystems change over time, and why biodiversity is significant. It also looks at the long history of attempts to classify the natural world and explain how it works, set alongside the increasing influence of human activity on the planet.

Written in plain English, the book sets out more than 90 key ideas in short, accessible entries. Explanations are supported by step-by-step diagrams, quotations, and illustrations, with content spanning biology, geology, geography, and environmentalism. It moves from classical thinkers and Enlightenment approaches to ordering nature through to discoveries such as DNA and theories including the Gaia hypothesis.

Key details

• More than 90 ideas across ecology and related subjects
• Plain-English text presented in concise entries
• Step-by-step diagrams, quotations, and illustrations throughout
• Draws on biology, geology, geography, and environmentalism
• Includes green-themed issue boxes and profiles of influential figures

Synopsis

Covering core ecological questions, the book explores species relationships, ecosystem change, and the meaning and importance of biodiversity. It follows key theories, movements, and events, from Enlightenment efforts to impose order on nature to discoveries such as DNA and ideas including the Gaia hypothesis.

Themed boxes highlight topics such as pesticides, vulnerable species, and renewable energy, alongside profiles of figures including Charles Darwin, Carl Linnaeus, Rachel Carson, and James Lovelock. It is presented as a broad introduction to the environment and climate change.