Malcolm and Ecolog:
Much as I want to be right-thinking, I tend to include everything that is
part of the system that is connected to life as part of the larger
ecosystem, which, I suppose, would include the magnetosphere, for example,
and the radiation that acts upon DNA. I can't help but thinking "it's
turtles all the way down." Where do the connections end, except as where we
say they end?
I do, however, see the usefulness of recognizing subdivisions as a way of
getting a handle on a complex subject; in fact, I have always found it
difficult (even though I do) to refer to subsets of the earth's ecosystem as
ecosystems.
I'm still in learning mode on this . . .
WT
----- Original Message -----
From: "malcolm McCallum" <[email protected]>
To: "Wayne Tyson" <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 8:00 AM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Terminology Re: [ECOLOG-L] CALL FOR AUTHORS: Biomes
and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia - Edited by Robert Warren Howarth
Technically the "earth" is neither a biome nor an ecosystem. The
living component is the biosphere, one of the four sphere's of the
earth. The others being atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
Biomes and ecosystems are subparts of the biosphere.
Malcolm
On Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 11:19 PM, Wayne Tyson <[email protected]> wrote:
Ecolog:
It seems I am in need of some serious educating or I'm misunderstanding
this
post.
My standard for terminology, as I have said before, is clarity. That is,
useful terms should delineate, in non-misleading brevity, the crucial
distinction between the phenomena described by them. If this is wrong,
please clear this up for me.
As to biomes, they seem to be quite broad and general, described by common
indicator species, while ecosystems, large and small, like the earth and
vernal pools, are integrated, interdependent and independent
(self-sufficient and to a greater than lesser degree independent of other)
systems. The two terms seem to be apples and oranges to me, both useful,
but
describing the same elephant at different scales or sections. I used to
piddle around in puddles after rains as a child, intrigued at how fast
tadpoles could appear magically from the dust, but I have a hard time to
this day seeing them, unto themselves, as ecosystems.
I do not see the usefulness of the distinction drawn by this post, but am
eager to become better informed and have my present impressions
corrected..
Consistent with my own standard, I am eager to understand the crucial
distinctions, but when they are not there I'm not sure that they should be
invented.
I'm ready to shape up.
WT
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joseph K. Golson"
<[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2011 9:48 AM
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] CALL FOR AUTHORS: Biomes and Ecosystems: An
Encyclopedia
- Edited by Robert Warren Howarth
Greetings,
We are inviting academic editorial contributors to a new reference work
about biomes and ecosystems to be published by Salem Press in 2013.
With approximately 600 articles in 4 volumes, Biomes and Ecosystems: An
Encyclopedia is a comprehensive review of key biological and geographic
classifications tied to the high-school and college curriculum. According
to
one expert, there is a slight difference between the two words, biome and
ecosystem. An ecosystem is much smaller than a biome. Conversely, a biome
can be thought of many similar ecosystems throughout the world grouped
together. An ecosystem can be as large as the Sahara Desert, or as small
as
a puddle or vernal pool. Thus, the reference work will cover the broad
scope
of biomes and ecosystems around the world, from puddles on the street to
coral reefs in Australia to rain forests in Brazil to the tundra in
Siberia.
Each article will delve into the properties that make the subject a biome
or
ecosystem, and how those features work together. Especially targeted
toward
high-school students, this outstanding reference work is edited to make
the
content readily accessible as well to patrons of public, academic, and
university libraries. Pedagogical elements include a Topic Finder,
Chronology, Resource Guide, Glossary, Appendix, and thorough index.
Presented in an A-to-Z format, Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia is
richly illustrated with photos, charts, and tables, all comprising an
unprecedented and unique resource produced by Golson Media for Salem
Press.
We are now making article assignments with a deadline of October 31,
2011.
Each article ranges from 600 to 3500 words and is signed by the
contributor.
The General Editor for the encyclopedia is Dr. Robert Warren Howarth,
Cornell University, who will review all the articles for editorial
content
and academic consistency.
If you are interested in contributing to Biomes and Ecosystems: An
Encyclopedia, it can be a notable publication addition to your CV/resume
and
broaden your publishing credits. Moreover, you can help ensure that
accurate
information and important points of view are credibly presented to
students
and library patrons. Compensation is an honorarium payment of $25 up to
1000
words; $35 from 1001 to 2500 words; and $45 above 2501 words.
The list of available articles, style guidelines, and sample article are
prepared and will be sent to you in response to your inquiry. Please then
select which unassigned articles may best suit your interests and
expertise.
If you would like to contribute to building a truly outstanding reference
with Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia, please contact me by the
e-mail
information below. Please provide a brief summary of your background in
biology, ecology, and science topics. Thanks for your time and interest.
Joseph K. Golson
Author Manager
[email protected]
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Malcolm L. McCallum
Managing Editor,
Herpetological Conservation and Biology
"Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" -
Allan Nation
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and pollution.
2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!
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