Human ecology is the study of how human social systems relate to and interact with the ecological systems on which they depend. As the study of how to achieve ecologically sustainable development becomes more and more important in courses in human and natural sciences, it is becoming a fundamental introductory subject. Human Ecology is the first introductory textbook of its kind. It provides a comprehensive, clear, and engaging introduction designed to meet student and teaching needs. It explains how ecosystems are organized and function; the interactions of human social systems with them; and how social institutions and processes contribute to or conflict with sustainability. It integrates long-standing ecological principles with more recent concepts from complex systems theory. Simple diagrams, examples, and exercises make the concepts easily understood. It should become the standard text in the area.

is Professor at the School of Policy Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan.

". one would be hard-pressed to find a clearer, more complete, and more usable introductory text for the application of systems concepts to human ecology. covers a wealth of ideas and concepts in a relatively short text.[It] would make an excellent backbone for a high school- or college-level introduction to human ecology, providing an explanation of concepts, which an educator could supplement with specific issues that are most relevant to the students." -- Journal of Applied Environmental Education and Communication

".a highly original contribution to the literature of human ecology.the first introductory human ecology text to offer students a systematic framework.a useful tool for helping students to understand the extremely complex interactions between humans and their environment.clear and precise.simple, straightforward language, vivid illustrative examples, and maximum use of figures to illustrate key points." -- Human Ecology Review

". the book is of interest for all of those who want to know why and how to respond to the multiple problems that we face today in the human-environment interface.an intelligent and fascinating book. extremely well written.Dr. Marten has a gift to explain complex concepts." -- Human Ecology (An Interdisciplinary Journal)


".arranges a very broadly-based, multidisciplinary subject into a coherent set of concepts.an excellent text in terms of its careful definition of concepts and the structured manner in which the subject is developed.introduces in a logical flow the concepts involved for understanding the sustainability of human society and ecosystems on the earth." -- International Review for Environmental Strategies

". proficiently lays out the groundwork for human ecology as a scientific discipline."-- The Ecologist

"outstanding. an excellent textbook." --Eagle Bulletin (An environmental newsletter for the professions)

"a stimulating, appropriate, and very welcome contribution to the literature on sustainable development.It deserves to be widely read" -- Economic Geography

"It gives a clear and accessible account of the complex range of issues and of the concepts and tools required to understand and tackle them. It's an excellent introduction for students from secondary school to university, as well as for general readers who want a guide to sustainable development." -- Positive News

[The book] should be compulsory reading for every student entering human ecology classes, courses or programs worldwide.--International Journal for Environment and Pollution

Introduction
Populations and Feedback Systems
Human Population
Ecosystems and Social Systems as Complex Adaptive Systems
Ecosystem Organization
Ecological Succession
Co-evolution and Co-adaptation of Social Systems and Ecosystems
Ecosystem Services
Perceptions of Nature
Unsustainable Interactions
Sustainable Human Ecosystem Interactions
Further Reading, Index