The Earth in Transition. Patterns and Processes of Biotic Impoverishment

1992 ◽  
Vol 158 (1) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
P. M. Berry ◽  
G. M. Woodwell
Keyword(s):  
The Earth ◽  
Patterns And Processes

Introduction to Systematics

2021 ◽  
pp. 3-34
Author(s):  
Andrew V. Z. Brower ◽  
Randall T. Schuh
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
Earth Sciences ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Historical Aspects ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Comparative Framework ◽  
Historical Geology ◽  
Patterns And Processes ◽  
Evolutionary Taxonomy

This introductory chapter provides an overview of systematics, which is the science of biological classification. It embodies the study of organic diversity and provides the comparative framework to study the historical aspects of the evolutionary process. The chapter then explores the nature of systematics as an independent discipline and briefly surveys the literature sources most frequently used by systematists. It differentiates between evolutionary taxonomy, phenetics, and phylogenetics (cladistics). Ultimately, systematics is the most strongly comparative of all of the biological sciences, and its methods and principles transcend the differences between botany and zoology. It is also the most strongly historical field within biology, and as such provides the basis for nearly all inferences concerning historical patterns and processes. Among the earth sciences, systematics is directly comparable to historical geology, and indeed the two fields find integration in paleontology.

Putting the geo back into Biogeosciences

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Schrodt
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Biotic Interactions ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Science Policy Interface ◽  
Patterns And Processes ◽  
Interaction Approach ◽  
And Function

<p>We increasingly recognize the diversity of biological systems, in terms of taxonomy, phylogeny and function, as well as the importance of biotic interactions in shaping them. However, the diversity of abiotic factors and interactions between biotic and abiotic diversity are still understudied, despite of Alexander from Humboldt’s advocacy over 200 years ago (Schrodt et al. 2019a). As such, we have lost sight of one of fundamental concepts of Biogeosciences: holistic integrative studies of patterns and processes across the Earth’s spheres.</p><p>In the face of accelerated anthropogenic and natural change of biotic and abiotic aspects, appreciation of the interaction diversity between all spheres of the Earth is urgently needed. Yet, to date, the vast majority of studies only account for the effect of climate and, potentially, soils on biodiversity, ignoring interactions (e.g. the effect of biodiversity on soils) and other aspects of geodiversity (the range, value and dynamics of geological, geomorphological, pedological and hydrological aspects and features of the Earth’s surface and subsurface). This applies to both, primary science and the science-policy interface.</p><p>I will give a brief introduction on the state-of-the-art in geodiversity – biodiversity interaction research, discuss the importance of incorporating the diversity of abiotic factors in biodiversity and conservation studies and indicate promising avenues for further research. This includes theoretical advancements, such as the recently introduced Essential Geodiversity Variables framework (Schrodt et al. 2019b), as well as practical matters, including remote sensing (Lausch et al. 2019) and modelling approaches suitable for expanding the geo- biodiversity interaction approach across the relevant spatial and temporal scales.</p><p> </p><p>F Schrodt et al. (2019a) Challenges and opportunities for biogeography—What can we still learn from von Humboldt? Journal of Biogeography</p><p> </p><p>F Schrodt et al. (2019b) To advance sustainable stewardship, we must document not only biodiversity but geodiversity. PNAS 116 (33): 16155 – 16158</p><p> </p><p>A Lausch et al. (2019) Linking remote sensing and geodiversity and their traits relevant to biodiversity—part I: soil characteristics. Remote sensing 11 (20): 2356-2407</p>

Remote Sensing

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale A. Quattrochi ◽  
Stephen J. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Earth Surface ◽  
Working Definition ◽  
Art And Technology ◽  
The Earth ◽  
American Society ◽  
Patterns And Processes

As noted in the first edition of Geography in America, the term “remote sensing” was coined in the early 1960s by geographers to describe the process of obtaining data by use of both photographic and nonphotographic instruments (Gaile and Wilmot 1989: 46). Although this is still a working definition today, a more explicit and updated definition as it relates to geography can be phrased as: “remote sensing is the science, art, and technology of identifying, characterizing, measuring, and mapping of Earth surface, and near Earth surface phenomena from some position above using photographic or nonphotographic instruments.” Both patterns and processes may be the object of investigation using remote sensing data. The science dimension of geographic remote sensing is rooted in the fact that: (1) it is dealing with primary data, wherein the investigator must have an understanding of the environmental phenomena under scrutiny, and (2) the investigator must understand something of the physics of the energy involved in the sensing instrument and the atmospheric pathway through which the energy passes from the energy source, to the Earth object, to the sensor. The art dimension of geographic remote sensing has to do with the creative ways that the scientific interpretations are presented for visualization and measurement. The technological dimension of geographic remote sensing has to do with the constantly evolving hardware, software, and algorithmic manipulation and modeling involved in the collection, processing, and interpreting of data regarding the Earth phenomena under investigation. It is the rapidly advancing combination of these three dimensions over recent decades that has brought remote sensing to be a vibrant and dynamic part of the discipline of geography today. We wish not to dwell at length on the historical aspects of remote sensing as it relates to geography. This has been done quite adequately in the first edition of Geography in America as well as in other publications, such as the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Manual of Remote Sensing series (e.g. Colwell 1983), that is now going through a third edition and complete update, and is being presented as a compendium of individual volumes that deal with specific aspects of remote sensing science.

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