Ecology: The Economy of Nature

Ecology: The Economy of Nature (10th Edition) is a 2025 textbook authored by Rick Relyea and published by W.H. Freeman & Company. Designed for students and instructors in biology and environmental science, this work provides a foundational examination of living systems and physical environments.

The content synthesizes large-scale environmental dynamics and evolutionary responses. It covers global climates, global climate change, and the characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Subsequent sections examine evolutionary ecology alongside specific adaptations to aquatic, terrestrial, and variable environments. The text also details life histories, reproductive strategies, and social behaviors among organisms.

To support analytical skill development, the volume includes quantitative tools, statistical tables, and graph reading guides. These pedagogical features prompt students to analyze empirical data, while embedded questions encourage critical thinking across ecological topics.