Like astronauts in space capsule, we on Spaceship Earth would be in trouble if our life-support systems failed. In this book, a founder of the field of ecology explains what those systems are, how they function, and what we need to do to keep them working. This second edition of the book presents a holistic, or big-picture, look at ecology. lt includes updated and expanded coverage of experimental life-support systems, ecotones, diversity, energetics, agroecology, succession, mutualism, evolution, ecological economics; waste reduction, global concerns and ecosystem types, especially wetlands. Boxes throughout the text highlight current problems in ecology and give Dr. Odum's personal perspective on particular dilemmas. Suggested readings at the end of each chapter have been selected from nontechnical or moderately technical books and journals that are available at medium sized libraries.