Ecology of Hierarchical Landscapes: From Theory to Application

The idea for this book grew out of: (1) the realisation that development of the theory of landscape ecology has now reached the point where rigorous field work is required to validate models, test assumptions and ideas of scaling theory, and refine our understanding of landscape features and their delineation; (2) the relative scarcity of compilations that have examined the role of field research or interdisciplinary management applications in advancing the science of landscape ecology; and (3) the increasing amount of information coming out of the Chequamegon Integrated Field Project (CIFP) on relevant topics. This book synthesises the experiences and lessons learned from the CIFP project and other relevant landscape studies in an attempt to demonstrate the utility of field studies and emerging technology to the advancement of the science. This book is organised to synthesise and update knowledge on research topics mentioned previously, with an emphasis on ecological consequences (i.e., implications for ecological function) of the approach to and understanding of these topics across levels of the ecological hierarchy.