Understanding Nature

Understanding Nature is a new kind of ecology textbook: a straightforward resource that teaches natural history and ecological content, and a way to instruct students that will nurture both Earth and self. While meeting the textbook guidelines set forth by the Ecological Society of America, Understanding Nature has a unique ecotherapy theme, using a historical framework to teach ecological theory to undergraduates.

This textbook presents all the core information without being unnecessarily wordy or lengthy, using simple, relatable language and discussing ecology in ways that any student can apply in real life. Uniquely, it is also a manual on how to improve one's relationship with the Earth. This is accomplished through coverage of natural history, ecology, and applications, together with suggested field activities that start each chapter and thinking questions that end each chapter. The book includes traditional ecological knowledge as well as the history of scientific ecological knowledge.

Understanding Nature teaches theory and applications that will heal the Earth. It also teaches long-term sustainability practices for one's psyche. Professor Louise Weber is both an ecologist and a certified ecopsychologist, challenging ecology instructors to rethink what and how they teach about nature. Her book bridges the gap between students taking ecology to become ecologists and those taking ecology as a requirement, who will use the knowledge to become informed citizens.

1. Introduction
2. We Stand on Their Shoulders
3. Biomes, Life Forms, and Ecoregions
4. Biomes: Tundra, and Tiaga
5. Biomes: Grassland
6. Biomes: Shrubland, Thickets, and Desert
7. Biomes: Savanna, and Forest
8. Why are Biomes Where They Are?
9. Why are Individual Species Where They Are?
10. Introduction to Evolution: The Modern Synthesis
11. Advances in Microevolution, Molecular Evolution, and Evo-devo
12. An Autobiography of the Earth
13. Introduction to Statistics
14. Population Ecology Basics
15. Population Ecologys' Profound Questions
16. Community Ecology Basics
17. Theory in Community Ecology/Competition
18. Predation
19. Succession
20. Ecosystem Ecology Basics
21. Energy
22. Matter
23. Ecosystem Regulation
24. Landscape Ecology
25. Wildlife Management and Habitat Ecology
26. Wildlife Management for Temperate Farms and Ranches
27. Wildlife Management in Temperate Forests
28. Conservation Biology
29. Restoration Ecology
30. Aquatic Ecology
31. New Perspectives in Biogeography
32. Wicked Problems
33. Epilogue: The Evolution of an Idea