Abstract

Dynamic Aquaria is the outgrowth of years of research aimed at studying how to accurately model and construct living ecosystems in mesocosms, microcosms, and aquaria. It is a unique book, presenting scientifically sound information for a growing new area of science--synthetic ecology, or the construction of living ecosystems. At the same time, the authors present thoughtful perspectives on how knowledge gained by creating these smaller ecosystems helps us to understand our wild ecosystems and biosphere as a whole.
For the scientist:
n This book presents an array of new approaches, some revolutionary, to the development and operation of experimental ecosystems
For the professional aquarist:
n This book demonstrates the ever-expanding possibilities for creating functioning ecosystems for educational display
For the hobbyist:
n The book demonstrates the practical potential for building and operating true, "natural" ecosystems, rather than artificial habitats that house a few selected organisms
"In all, this is an impressive book both in scope and scholarship....The authors have successfully taken on two difficult tasks--conveying complex ecological issues to the aquarist, and describing new water-handling technologies to the scientist.The book successfully presents the essential biological, ecological, and physico-chemical aspects of ecological systems in an accessible fashion."
--ECOLOGY