Review

Conveying the intellectual challenge of ecology: an historical perspective

Sharon Kingsland

Department of History of Science and Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD ( E-mail: sharon@jhu.edu)

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First published: 01 September 2004
Cited by: 7

Abstract

The roots of ecology are historically extremely diverse, with contributions from many fields of science. A sampling of ways of thinking ecologically, ranging from the early 19th to the early 20th century, reveals the richness of ecological science. By examining historical examples from biogeography, natural history, the science of energy, and biomedical sciences, we can appreciate the many different contexts in which ecological thinking has evolved, whether as part of larger projects to systematize and unify knowledge of the world, or in response to particular problems that were solved by taking a fresh approach. It is important, when educating students and the public, to convey this diversity of ecological thought and the nature of ecology as an integrative discipline.

Number of times cited: 7

  • , Through 100 years of Ecological Society of America publications: development of ecological research topics and scientific collaborations, Ecosphere, 9, 2, (2018).
  • , Ecological Systems of Combat and Operational Stress: Theoretical Basis for the U.S. Navy Mobile Care Team in Afghanistan, Military Behavioral Health, 2, 4, (316), (2014).
  • , Pitch the niche – taking responsibility for the concepts we use in ecology and species distribution modelling, Journal of Biogeography, 39, 12, (2112-2118), (2012).
  • , Stitch the niche – a practical philosophy and visual schematic for the niche concept, Journal of Biogeography, 39, 12, (2103-2111), (2012).
  • , History of Ecology, eLS, (2011).
  • , From ‘circumstances’ to ‘environment’: Herbert Spencer and the origins of the idea of organism–environment interaction, Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C: Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, 41, 3, (241), (2010).
  • , The evolution of ecology in Mexico: facing challenges and preparing for the future, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 4, 5, (259-267), (2006).