ABSTRACT
The methodology of human ecology is firmly rooted in the human and the natural sciences. This chapter begins with a discussion of ecosystem relationships that examines population ecology, primary production, and the importance of soils in plant productivity. It continues with aspects of human biology, including physiological responses (thermoregulation, biological rhythms, and work capacity), growth and development, and nutrition and disease, including a discussion of gender differences. The chapter focuses on methodological approaches, including an integrated study of population, soils, human biology, and information theory, that are not part and parcel of the training received by environmental social scientists. The mineral horizons of soil are characterized by lesser concentrations of organic matter and varied particulate structure. The chapter includes a discussion of remote sensing (using digital satellite data) and geographic information systems techniques applicable to contemporary human-environment studies.
