ABSTRACT
Chapter 20 introduces the characteristics of ecosystem ecology. Included are machine theory, holism, emergent properties, systems approach, food chains/trophic levels, and adaptive management. A history of evolving principles is provided, through the leadership of aquatic ecologists. Highlights are included from the work of Birge and Juday, Linderman, the Odum brothers, and work at the Savannah River Project, big biology, and the International Biological Programme. The chapter ends with the recognition of the environmental movement that grew in concert with the development of ecosystem ecology. By 1960, Western culture was poised for societal change. By the mid-1960s, ecosystem ecology had a well-established, active scientific community engaged in applying a holistic philosophy that closely fit the social-cultural environment. Applied fields then spun off from ecology.
