The Biomass Spectrum: A Predator-Prey Theory of Aquatic Production (Complexity in Ecological Systems) - Hardcover

Kerr, S. R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0231084587 ISBN 13: 9780231084581

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 2001

Synopsis

Kerr and Dickie propose the development of a new ecological theory, one that can lead to a more effective remedy for the drastic effects of heavy fishing on natural communities of organisms in both marine and freshwater environments. By plotting the densities of the biomass of all organisms in a given community by body-size classes, the authors provide empirical evidence of what they term "the biomass body-size spectrum" in the world's oceans. After examining this evidence, they propose an underlying theory of predator-prey energy transfer: larger species eat smaller species, providing energy exchange across all species within an ecosystem. Providing the first comprehensive synthesis of the energy flow within the biomass spectrum, this book demonstrates not only a new understanding of the self-organizing properties of ecological production systems but also the potential of the biomass spectrum methodology for offering practical remedies when these natural systems are exploited by humans.

About this title

Review:

"Kerr and Dickie are certainly aspiring towards a broader, more holistic ecological formulation, at least in aquatice ecology. For this reason alone, I strongly recommend the book." -- W. Gary Sprules, "Ecology"

"Kerr and Dickie are certainly aspiring towards a broader, more holistic ecological formulation, at least in aquatice ecology. For this reason alone, I strongly recommend the book." -- W. Gary Sprules, Ecology

"Kerr and Dickie are certainly aspiring towards a broader, more holistic ecological formulation, at least in aquatice ecology. For this reason alone, I strongly recommend the book." -- W. Gary Sprules, "Ecology"

About the Author:

Stephen R. Kerr is Cox Fisheries Scientist-in-Residence in the Department of Biology at Dalhousie University. Lloyd M. Dickie is a scientist emeritus at the Bedford Oceanographic Institute and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

About this edition

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0231084587
• ISBN 13: 9780231084581
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352