1. Principles of Ecology

Case Study 1: Ecological Succession in Post-Wildfire Landscapes – California

Principles of Ecology:

• Ecosystem Stability and Resilience (Odum, 1969) – Ecosystems maintain equilibrium through succession.
• Nutrient Cycling and Energy Flow (Lindeman, 1942) – Transfer of energy through trophic levels.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function (Margalef, 1968) – Species diversity enhances ecological stability.

Theorists Behind the Principles:

• Frederic Clements (1916) – Climax community theory in ecological succession.
• Henry Gleason (1926) – Individualistic concept of succession.
• Eugene Odum (1969) – Holistic ecosystem approach.

Models/Theories/Laws:

• Primary and Secondary Succession Model – Gradual ecosystem recovery after disturbances.
• Trophic Dynamics Model – Energy transfer through food chains.
• Disturbance and Recovery Model – Role of external shocks in ecosystem adaptation.

Recent Data:

• California Wildfires: Burned 1.2 million acres, triggering secondary succession.
• Vegetation Recovery: Early successional species observed within six months.
• Satellite Observations: NASA confirms regrowth patterns in affected regions.

Spatial Variation:

• High-Severity Burn Areas: Slow recovery due to soil degradation.
• Moderate Burn Zones: Faster regeneration with pioneer species.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Wildfire-induced succession observed since 1980s.
• Future Projections: Expected increase in fire frequency due to climate change.

Source:

• Frontiers in Ecology: “Post-Wildfire Succession and Ecosystem Recovery in California”

Insight:

Ecological succession validates resilience models, emphasizing the role of biodiversity in post-disturbance recovery.

Case Study 2: Urban Ecology and Green Infrastructure in Singapore

Principles of Ecology:

• Ecosystem Services and Urban Sustainability (Odum, 1969) – Cities function as ecological systems.
• Human-Nature Interactions (McHarg, 1969) – Integrating natural processes into urban planning.
• Biodiversity and Climate Regulation (Margalef, 1968) – Urban green spaces mitigate environmental stress.

Theorists Behind the Principles:

• Ian McHarg (1969) – Ecological planning and landscape architecture.
• Eugene Odum (1969) – Holistic ecosystem approach.
• Howard T. Odum (1971) – Energy flow in urban ecosystems.

Models/Theories/Laws:

• Urban Ecosystem Model – Cities as dynamic ecological systems.
• Green Infrastructure Framework – Role of vegetation in urban sustainability.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Integrating ecological principles into city planning.

Recent Data:

• Singapore: 47% of urban land covered by vegetation, improving air quality.
• Green Roof Expansion: 30% increase in rooftop gardens since 2015.
• Satellite Observations: ESA confirms temperature reduction in green infrastructure zones.

Spatial Variation:

• Dense Urban Areas: Higher pollution mitigation due to green spaces.
• Peripheral Zones: Moderate ecological benefits with mixed land use.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Urban greening initiatives increasing since 1990s.
• Future Projections: Expected expansion of green infrastructure policies.

Source:

• Nature Cities: “Urban Ecology and Green Infrastructure in Singapore”

Insight:

Urban ecology validates sustainability models, emphasizing the role of green infrastructure in climate adaptation.