Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Dobson M. and Frid C. 1998. Ecology of Aquatic Systems. Longman. pp viii + 221. ISBN 0 582 29804 0.

Eschewing the traditional split between marine and freshwater ecology, the authors examine all common aquatic systems to find not just their differences but also the factors that they have in common. As such it reads as part reference work and part overview providing the beginner with a good grounding in the topic. The book starts with an overview of the world’s aquatic systems; their physics, chemistry and biology. There is also some discussion on ecological groups and community organisation. From this introduction, subsequent chapters are devoted to specific ecosystems: rivers, estuaries, coasts, open oceans, lake and ponds and wetlands. A very brief final chapter summarises the main elements that unite these systems.

In keeping with the book's aim, chapters follow a common path. A brief introduction leads into discussion of the abiotic environment and its ecological effects. This is followed by energy inputs and community structure. Succession and change is a common theme and a study of human impact provides the reader with some idea of how we are affecting these systems. A summary completes the chapter whilst references, glossary and index complete the book.

There is much to recommend this text. Its relative brevity allows one to get an overview of the subject without becoming bogged in detail. The less usual approach of focusing on common aspects rather than the more normal marine/freshwater division is both helpful and stimulating. Although aimed at the beginner in aquatic systems some ecological knowledge would be useful to gain maximum benefit from this text.