Ecological energetics
Encyclopedia
Ecological energetics is the quantitative study of the flow of energy through ecological systems. It aims to uncover the principles
which describe the propensity of such energy flows through the trophic, or 'energy availing' levels of ecological networks. In systems ecology
the principles of ecosystem energy flows or "ecosystem laws" (i.e. principles of ecological energetics) are considered formally analogous to the principles of energetics.
and the concerns of the physiocrats
. It began in the works of Podolinksy in the late 1800s, and subsequently was developed by the Soviet ecologist Stanchinskii, the Austro-American Lotka, and American limnologists, Lindeman and Hutchenson. It underwent substantial development by H.T.Odum and was applied by systems ecologists
, and radiation ecologists.
Principles
Principles may refer to:*Value *Principles and parameters*Principles...
which describe the propensity of such energy flows through the trophic, or 'energy availing' levels of ecological networks. In systems ecology
Systems ecology
Systems ecology is an interdisciplinary field of ecology, taking a holistic approach to the study of ecological systems, especially ecosystems. Systems ecology can be seen as an application of general systems theory to ecology. Central to the systems ecology approach is the idea that an ecosystem...
the principles of ecosystem energy flows or "ecosystem laws" (i.e. principles of ecological energetics) are considered formally analogous to the principles of energetics.
History
Ecological energetics appears to have grown out of the Age of enlightenmentAge of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment was an elite cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe that sought to mobilize the power of reason in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted intellectual interchange and opposed intolerance and abuses in church and state...
and the concerns of the physiocrats
Physiocrats
Physiocracy is an economic theory developed by the Physiocrats, a group of economists who believed that the wealth of nations was derived solely from the value of "land agriculture" or "land development." Their theories originated in France and were most popular during the second half of the 18th...
. It began in the works of Podolinksy in the late 1800s, and subsequently was developed by the Soviet ecologist Stanchinskii, the Austro-American Lotka, and American limnologists, Lindeman and Hutchenson. It underwent substantial development by H.T.Odum and was applied by systems ecologists
Systems ecology
Systems ecology is an interdisciplinary field of ecology, taking a holistic approach to the study of ecological systems, especially ecosystems. Systems ecology can be seen as an application of general systems theory to ecology. Central to the systems ecology approach is the idea that an ecosystem...
, and radiation ecologists.