As the practical application of ecological restoration continues to grow, there is an increasing need to connect restoration practice to areas of underlying ecological theory. Foundations of Restoration Ecology is an important milestone in the field, bringing together leading ecologists to bridge the gap between theory and practice by translating elements of ecological theory and current research themes into a scientific framework for the field of restoration ecology.
Each chapter addresses a particular area of ecological theory, covering traditional levels of biological hierarchy (such as population genetics, demography, community ecology) as well as topics of central relevance to the challenges of restoration ecology (such as species interactions, fine-scale heterogeneity, successional trajectories, invasive species ecology, ecophysiology). Several chapters focus on research tools (research design, statistical analysis, modeling), or place restoration ecology research in a larger context (large-scale ecological phenomena, macroecology, climate change and paleoecology, evolutionary ecology).
The book makes a compelling case that a stronger connection between ecological theory and the science of restoration ecology will be mutually beneficial for both fields: restoration ecology benefits from a stronger grounding in basic theory, while ecological theory benefits from the unique opportunities for experimentation in a restoration context.
Foundations of Restoration Ecology advances the science behind the practice of restoring ecosystems while exploring ways in which restoration ecology can inform basic ecological questions. It provides the first comprehensive overview of the theoretical foundations of restoration ecology, and is a must-have volume for anyone involved in restoration research, teaching, or practice.
"Restoration is a keystone strategy for conserving biodiversity, and ecology has matured into a central discipline of the biological sciences. This important work shows us that their synergy offers new hope for the future of life on Earth."---Edward O. Wilson, winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University "Humanity has damaged more than half the land surface on Earth, making restoration an essential tool to preserve biodiversity. It is also the ultimate test of whether we scientists know enough to do the job. There is no better place to find out than inside this book."---Stuart Pimm, Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology, Duke University "The publication of this book is an important event, a coming-of-age of restoration-it's an indispensable key to the survival and well-being of classic ecosystems, setting the context for basic ecological research. A rich trove of ecological theory in productive and provocative dialogue with restoration practice."---William R. Jordan III, Director, New Academy and DePaul University Institute for Nature and Culture "This volume explores classical ecological theory from a perspective that identifies optimal strategies behind the practical application of restoration ecology in the near future. The editors and authors have produced a paragon of sustainability science."---Jelte van Andel, Professor of plant ecology, University of Gronigen, The Netherlands "This is a comprehensive synthesis of the conceptual basis of the field of restoration ecology. With contributions by leading theoretical ecologists as well as by recognized restoration ecologists, it covers the range of hierarchies from population genetics to macroecology."---Edith B. Allen, Professor, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, UC, Riverside
