Ecology for the 21st century

Ecology for the 21st century, 1st Edition, is an introductory textbook authored by Orianna Carter that presents fundamental ecological principles alongside modern environmental challenges. Published by Academic Press, the work covers introductory ecology topics ranging from global climate change and biogeography to population dynamics and biodiversity loss across terrestrial and aquatic environments.

The material connects physical environmental drivers with biological responses, ecosystem energetics, and biogeochemical cycling. The narrative moves from foundational natural selection and adaptations to species interactions and community structure. To illustrate atmospheric carbon dynamics, the text examines coral reef ecosystem health when explaining ocean acidification.

To assist study, the material includes ten-minute interactive videos that reinforce key concepts. This introductory volume suits non-majors and majors-level ecology undergraduates, biological and environmental science majors, as well as upper-level undergraduates and graduate students examining environmental law, environmental health, or public policy on conservation.