The past, present and future of ecological energetics

Abstract

Outlines the historical development of ecological energetics, and discusses theoretical constructs and some suggestions for future work, firstly by examining historical developments; then by reviewing important areas of past theoretical activity (ecological efficiencies, the thermodynamic basis for the ecological energy budget, and the principle of maximum power); and finally looks at current and future directions with evaluation of resource foraging theory, energy quality analysis, energy flow versus cycling, trophic levels, energy storage and energy flow models. -P.J.Jarvis.