Ecological Theory Research Articles

Trapnell's Upper Valley soils of Zambia: the production of an integrated understanding of geomorphology, pedology, ecology, and land use

Abstract. The Ecological Survey of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), undertaken in the 1930s under the leadership of Colin G. Trapnell, was a seminal exercise to relate soil, vegetation, and agricultural practices through intensive field observation. In this article, we examine early activities of the survey in the Upper Valley region around the Kafue Flats and the neighbouring plateau, where Trapnell recognized how geomorphological processes of normal erosion gave rise to distinctive soils with associated vegetation communities and considerable potential for crop production. We consider how Trapnell's approach to fieldwork gave him a particular insight into how soil conditions constrained agriculture in the Zambian environment; the adaptive value of traditional practices; and how these were developed as communities moved and responded to social, economic, and environmental change. We argue that Trapnell's work was innovative and that distinctions must be drawn between his understanding and what has been called the ecological theory of development. Close attention to Trapnell's experience could inform modern efforts to understand indigenous knowledge of African soils and their agricultural potential.

Peering into the mechanism: uncovering critical drivers of green entrepreneurial orientation through total interpretive structural modelling

PurposeThe growing pressure on businesses to balance environmental sustainability with profit maximisation has led to the development of green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO), which proactively integrates green practices into core business operations. Grounded in the ecological modernisation theory, GEO acts as a green management practice which helps in achieving competitiveness through environmental innovation. However, despite the growing emphasis on GEO, there remains a gap in understanding how specific drivers influence the organisational structures and processes that lead to GEO. Therefore, the study addresses this gap by analysing the key drivers of GEO using an integrated approach.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) were used to identify and interpret the interrelationship between key drivers of GEO. Here, TISM technique aided in constructing a contextual relationship-based structural model of drivers, whereas MICMAC assisted in categorising the drivers based on their driving and dependence power. A case evaluation was also carried out in the Indian textile industry to validate the TISM model.FindingsThe result indicates that institutional pressure, managerial environment concern, organisational resilience and big data analytical capabilities are the most influential drivers of GEO at organisational level, and other drivers act as secondary and linked variables in this process. The MICMAC analysis further supports the results of TISM. In addition, the overall TISM model is validated in the Indian textile sector.Practical implicationsThe study findings will assist researchers and policymakers in adopting a systematic approach to prioritise GEO in pollution intensive industries. Moreover, it will help managers in leveraging GEO to achieve strategic advantages amid environmental challenges.Originality/valueThis study is amongst the first to employ an integrated qualitative approach to analyse drivers of GEO.

The Transformation of Climate Justice: New Approaches in Environmental Ethics and Human-Nature Relations

This study aims to examine climate justice from the perspective of environmental ethics. While climate justice is often discussed in the context of international, class, and gender inequalities, the inequality between species and the connection to nature are frequently overlooked. This study seeks to propose an environmental ethics-based approach to end the climate crisis justly. The study employs literature review and theoretical analysis methods to examine environmental ethics approaches (anthropocentric, biocentric, and ecocentric) and evaluate the concept of climate justice in light of these approaches. Additionally, it explores the relationship between climate change and justice by drawing on deep ecology and justice theories. The study reveals that climate change creates significant injustices not only among human communities but also between humans and nature. It is found that low-income groups and women are more adversely affected by climate change despite being less responsible for it. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need to redefine human-nature relationships to achieve climate justice. Climate change is not merely a matter of fair distribution but also a crisis that necessitates restructuring the human-nature relationship. Inclusive and fair approaches from an environmental ethics perspective must be developed to address this crisis. The deep ecology approach, which acknowledges the intrinsic value of nature beyond human needs, provides crucial guidance for a sustainable future. This study contributes uniquely to the literature by addressing climate justice in the context of not only human inequalities but also interspecies inequalities and recognizing nature as an ethical subject.

Abundance-mediated species interactions.

Species interactions shape biodiversity patterns, community assemblage, and the dynamics of wildlife populations. Ecological theory posits that the strength of interspecific interactions is fundamentally underpinned by the population sizes of the involved species. Nonetheless, prevalent approaches for modeling species interactions predominantly center around occupancy states. Here, we use simulations to illuminate the inadequacies of modeling species interactions solely as a function of occupancy, as is common practice in ecology. We demonstrate erroneous inference into species interactions due to error in parameter estimates when considering species occupancy alone. To address this critical issue, we propose, develop, and demonstrate an abundance-mediated interaction framework designed explicitly for modeling species interactions involving two or more species from detection/non-detection data. We present Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) samplers tailored for diverse ecological scenarios, including intraguild predation, disease- or predator-mediated competition, and trophic cascades. Illustrating the practical implications of our approach, we compare inference from modeling the interactions in a three-species network involving coyotes (Canis latrans), fishers (Pekania pennanti), and American marten (Martes americana) in North America as a function of occupancy states and as a function of abundance. When modeling interactions as a function of abundance rather than occupancy, we uncover previously unidentified interactions. Our study emphasizes that accounting for abundance-mediated interactions rather than simple co-occurrence patterns can fundamentally alter our comprehension of system dynamics. Through an empirical case study and comprehensive simulations, we demonstrate the importance of accounting for abundance when modeling species interactions, and we present a statistical framework equipped with MCMC samplers to achieve this paradigm shift in ecological research.

Shifting phenology as a key driver of shelf zooplankton population variability

AbstractThe timing of biological events, known as phenology, plays a key role in shaping ecosystem dynamics, and climate change can significantly alter these timings. The Gulf of Maine on the Northeast U.S. Shelf is vulnerable to warming temperatures and other climate impacts, which could affect the distribution and production of plankton species sensitive to phenological shifts. In this study, we apply a novel data‐driven modeling approach to long‐term datasets to understand the population variability of Calanus finmarchicus, a lipid‐rich copepod that is fundamental to the Gulf of Maine food web. Our results reveal how phenology impacts the complex intermingling of top‐down and bottom‐up controls. We find that early initiation of the annual phytoplankton bloom prompts an early start to the reproductive season for populations of C. finmarchicus in the inner Gulf of Maine, resulting in high spring abundance. This spring condition appears to be conducive to enhanced predation pressure later in the season, consequently resulting in overall low C. finmarchicus abundance in the fall. These biologically controlled dynamics are less pronounced in the outer Gulf of Maine, where water exchanges near the boundary have a greater influence. Our analysis augments existing hypotheses in fisheries oceanography and classical ecological theory by considering unique plankton life‐history characteristics and shelf sea dynamics, offering new insights into the biological factors driving C. finmarchicus variability.

Taking cues from ecological and evolutionary theories to expand the landscape of disgust.

Behavioural avoidance of parasites in the environment generates what is known as the 'landscape of disgust' (analogous to the predator-induced 'landscape of fear'). Despite the potential for improving our inference of host-parasite dynamics, three limitations of the landscape of disgust restrict the insight that is gained from current research: (i) many host-parasite systems will not be appropriate for invoking the landscape of disgust framework; (ii) existing research has primarily focused on immediate choices made by hosts on small scales, limiting predictive power, generalizability, and the value of the insight obtained; and (iii) relevant ecological and evolutionary theory has yet to be integrated into the framework, challenging our ability to interpret the landscape of disgust within the context of most host-parasite systems. In this review, we explore the specific requirements for implementing a landscape of disgust framework in empirical systems. We also propose greater integration of habitat selection and evolutionary theories, aiming to generate novel insight, by exploring how the landscape of disgust varies within and across generations, presenting opportunities for future research. Despite interest in the impacts of parasitism on animal movement and behaviour, many unanswered questions remain.

Revolutionizing Education: Harnessing Graph Machine Learning for Enhanced Problem-Solving in Environmental Science and Pollution Technology

Amidst the shifting tides of the educational landscape, this research article embarks on a transformative journey delving into the fusion of theoretical principles and pragmatic implementations within the realm of Graph Machine Learning (GML), particularly accentuated within the sphere of nature, environment, and pollution technology. GML emerges as a potent and indispensable tool, adeptly leveraging the intrinsic interconnectedness embedded within environmental datasets. Its application extends far beyond mere analysis towards the profound ability to forecast ecological patterns, prescribe sustainable interventions, and tailor pollution mitigation strategies with precision and efficacy. This article does not merely scratch the surface of GML’s applications but dives deep into its tangible implementations, unraveling its potential to revolutionize environmental science and pollution technology. It endeavors to bridge the gap between theory and practice, weaving together relevant ecological theories and empirical evidence that underpin the theoretical foundations supporting GML’s practical utility in environmental domains. By synthesizing theoretical insights with real-world applications, this research elucidates the profound transformative potential of GML, paving the way for proactive and data-driven approaches toward addressing pressing environmental challenges. In essence, this harmonization of theory and application catalyzes advancing the adoption of GML in environmental science and pollution technology. It not only illuminates the path towards sustainable practices but also lays the groundwork for fostering a holistic understanding of our ecosystem. Through this integration, GML emerges as a beacon guiding us toward a future where environmental stewardship is informed by data-driven insights, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions for the benefit of our planet and future generations.

Identification of biodiversity priority conservation areas in China by integrating genetic, species and ecosystem diversity

Genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity are the three fundamental levels of biodiversity, each crucial for identifying priority conservation areas (PCAs). Globally or regionally, the areas with the highest genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity are not necessarily the same. To comprehensively represent biodiversity, this study fully considers these three fundamental levels from the foundational concept of biodiversity. We applied systematic conservation planning theory to develop an integrated framework for identifying PCAs for key protected species in China. We used species richness (SR), weighted endemism (WE), phylogenetic diversity (PD), evolutionary distinctiveness (ED), phylogenetic endemism (PE), and ecosystem service value (ESV) as conservation indicators and built different scenarios in Zonation. The results show that the total area of PCAs is approximately 3.29 million km2, accounting for about 34.29 % of China's total land area. More than half (approximately 52.21 %) of existing protected areas (PAs) overlap with the PCAs, indicating that current PAs are somewhat effective in biodiversity protection. However, there are still some PCAs that are not located within PAs, suggesting a significant potential for expanding the PAs network. Additionally, the distribution of newly established national park pilot areas aligns well with that of the PCAs, demonstrating the effectiveness of national park policies in protecting biodiversity. This study bridges traditional ecological theory with practical conservation planning, offering new insights into the theoretical methods and practical applications for identifying PCAs. It also provides valuable guidance for the selection and adjustment of PCAs in other regions globally.

The Hidden Pandemic: School Counselors’ Insights on Post-Pandemic Socialization

Background The role of school counselors has undergone a considerable evolution in response to societal, economic, and cultural shifts, with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic standing as a particularly significant period of change. With students reentering formal school environments after prolonged isolation, disruptions in learning, and potential trauma, the importance of social skill development has become paramount. Objectives This study aimed to explore school counselors’ perceptions and experiences related to students’ social skills after the pandemic. To understand the multifaceted role of school counselors in supporting this development, we drew on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, emphasizing the interconnected layers of influence on a child’s development. Research Questions 1. How do school counselors’ experiences in post-pandemic classrooms relate to students’ social development? 2. How do school counselors perceive students’ social needs in post-pandemic classrooms? Methods The study employed a qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach to gather in-depth data. We conducted focus groups with 48 school counselors across the United States, organized into nine groups based on grade levels (elementary, middle, high) and school settings (rural, suburban, urban). Results Two major themes emerged: (a) interpersonal/communication skills and (b) online communication, with school counselors highlighting the need for targeted interventions in both areas. Conclusion The findings underscore the common social challenges faced by school counselors nationwide with K–12 students in post-pandemic classrooms. They emphasize the need for adapting classroom lessons to address students’ evolving social needs. Future research should further explore this topic, particularly in online contexts, and incorporate culturally responsive approaches.

Swedish Parents’ Descriptions of Giftedness and Experiences of Home–School Collaboration

ABSTRACT There is insufficient Swedish research on giftedness and home-school collaboration and meeting gifted children’s needs in early childhood education. This qualitative study explored these issues by interviewing parents of gifted children. The thematic analysis examined parents’ descriptions of children’s early development, asynchronicity, and differences from their peers. The parents’ stories of their children’s first encounters with the Swedish school system evoked reports of contentment, suffering, and exhaustion. Adopting Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the study shows how the parents positioned enabling and limiting factors for their children’s acceptance and further development at different system levels. Positive learning conditions in preschool (unlike primary school), and respectful home–school communication were identified as crucial to gifted children’s development and well-being.

Family Resilience in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Ecological Systems Theory Perspective.

Drawing on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (1992), we asked how certain resources contribute to family resilience in families of children with ASD: family quality of life (FQOL; family resources), sense of community and loneliness (informal resources), and family-centered support provided by the state (formal resources). One hundred and twenty-one Israeli parents of children with ASD completed an online survey. Path analysis using AMOS was conducted. FQOL contributed to increased family resilience. Path analysis showed loneliness, sense of community, and services use contributed to family resilience through FQOL. Overall, the research model explained 68% of the variance in family resilience. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

“The World Isn't Black and White”: Adolescent Youth of Color Reflect on School Ethnic‐Racial Climate, Context, and Identity in Middle School

ABSTRACTContemporary scholars of race contend that the long‐heralded “American Dream” rhetoric continues to thrive within the ideology of colorblindness, whereby race is deemed insignificant. Public schools are not insulated from this, and recent political assaults the teaching of “divisive” concepts have already had a chilling effect on classroom content, posing a threat to the affirmation of racially marginalized students. Using qualitative interviews, we examined the salience of ethnicity‐race and ethnic‐racial identity for students of varied ethnic‐racial groups (n = 22) in a middle school community that was ethno‐racially diverse, but where White students constituted a large segment of the population. Guided by critical race theory (CRT) and phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory (PVEST), our analyses generated five thematic categories upon which ethnicity‐race were relevant to students: learning and appreciation for diversity, ethnic‐racial identity, teacher behaviors, student treatment, and same‐race peer connections and support. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for teachers and counselors to stand in solidarity with youth in challenging hegemonic whiteness in schools.

Relative deprivation and aggressive behavior: The serial mediation of school engagement and deviant peer affiliation

According to previous studies and ecological systems theory, relative deprivation may influence aggressive behavior, and individual contexts may mediate this relationship. The present study examined whether and how the factors of ecological microsystems (i.e., school engagement and deviant peer affiliation) act as serial mediators in this relationship. To investigate this issue, the current study surveyed 1153 adolescents (601 males, 52 %, mean age = 14.76, SD = 1.64) who enrolled in six middle and high schools in Guangdong and Henan provinces, China. The serial mediation model was used to test the relationship between relative deprivation, school engagement, deviant peer affiliation, and aggressive behavior. The study’s results support the serial mediation of school engagement and deviant peer affiliation, providing a promising serial mediation pathway for intervening in adolescents’ aggressive behavior. Specifically, the mediation pathway of deviant peer affiliation was significant. However, the effect of relative deprivation through the mediating effect of school engagement is significant only with the serial mediation of deviant peer affiliation. Relative deprivation presented a risk for the aggressive behavior of adolescents and the effect of relative deprivation was serially mediated by school engagement and deviant peer affiliation. Implications and interventions for educational strategies about aggressive behavior must consider factors related to the individual (relative deprivation), school, and peers.

A Test of Functional Balance Theory for Wetland Biomass Allocation in a Global Change Experiment

AbstractForecasts of root growth and carbon sequestration under global change are compromised by uncertainty in how plants will allocate biomass between above and belowground pools. Here, we develop a simple model to assess whether functional balance theory can explain a complex biomass allocation response observed in a brackish marsh under experimental warming and elevated CO2. Our model shows how treatment‐driven changes in nitrogen supply and demand can explain divergent observations of root growth (i.e., maximum responses under intermediate warming and elevated CO2). The model also reveals a surprising interaction between warming and eutrophication, where enhanced N loading to coastal marshes may reduce adverse impacts of warming on root growth. Our findings provide a mechanistic basis for incorporating biomass allocation into forecast models of marsh evolution. They also provide a general example of using ecological theory to decompose complex net responses observed in multi‐factor global change experiments into constituent processes.

Ecological niche segregation between sympatrically breeding blue petrels and thin-billed prions

Ecological niche theory predicts coexisting species will segregate spatially, temporally or trophically to limit competition. Few studies have investigated niche segregation in multiple dimensions during the breeding season in sympatric, morphologically similar seabird species. Moreover, these studies showed discrepancies between theoretical predictions and observations. We tested the hypothesis of niche segregation during breeding between 2 sympatric small-sized seabirds, the blue petrel Halobaena caerulea and the thin-billed prion Pachyptila belcheri, by quantifying foraging niche and trophic differences. Combining at-sea GPS and isotopic (stable carbon and nitrogen) data, we assessed spatial, foraging habitat and trophic segregation. We found strong latitudinal and longitudinal segregation between species during incubation. Mean maximum distance from the colony during foraging trips was ~2330 and ~1300 km for blue petrels and thin-billed prions, respectively. Foraging habitat segregation varied during incubation, with blue petrels foraging close to the ice edge and prions foraging in oceanic areas far from ice. Although sample size was low, there was also some evidence for spatial and habitat segregation during chick-rearing, with prions foraging in areas with negative sea surface height anomalies. Trophic segregation was revealed by differences in stable isotopes, with blue petrels feeding on higher trophic level prey than prions (mean plasma δ15N : 9.6 ± 0.4 and 9.0 ± 0.3‰, respectively). Spatial distribution and diet are the primary segregation mechanisms, and patterns of segregation may result from competitive exclusion rather than niche specialization. Spatial and trophic segregation may have evolved to minimize competition, allowing co-existence of these 2 abundant sympatric breeding species.

A Phenomenological Variant Ecological Systems Theory Approach for Exploring Racial Stress, and Campus Engagement Among Black Male College Students

Studies show that a nexus exists between racialized campus experiences, racial-ethnic identity, and engagement in campus activities for Black college men and shapes their perceptions about an institution's commitment to support the communities they represent. Yet, there is limited knowledge about how this nexus may unfold ecologically for this student population during their undergraduate experience. Using the Phenomenological Variant Ecological System Theory, this qualitative study describes how 31 Black college males leveraged their identities to manage self and societal appraisals, cope with stress experienced in university programs, and navigate feelings of marginalization and sense of belonging during their undergraduate experience.

Canadian educators' post-pandemic recovery and students’ unmet needs: Who is left behind?

We investigated post-pandemic recovery in education sector employees by role in 2024. The frameworks of the job demands-resources model and ecological systems theory were employed. Canadian educators (N = 243) completed surveys exploring their mental health (well-being, resilience, recovery), intention to leave their jobs, and their perceptions of students' current and post-pandemic needs. Quantitative findings revealed educators who intended to leave their jobs had poorer levels of mental health. Also, they were not meeting their students’ needs adequately. The qualitative data showed that students with complex needs were disproportionally under-served. Theoretical, practical, and policy implications on equitable education are discussed.

Derivation of toxicity parameters from field data: Analysis of lake zooplankton species responses to metals and acidity

The WHAM-FTOXβ model describes the toxic effects of mixtures of protons and metal cations towards biological species, using a set of intrinsic parameters for the cations (αH, αM*) and a sensitivity parameter (β) for each species. We applied the model to extensive water chemistry and zooplankton species occurrence data for four lakes contaminated with acidity and metals (Al, Ni, Cu, Zn) at Sudbury, Ontario, over the period 1973-2018, during which cation contamination declined, and zooplankton species numbers increased. Assuming that the appearance of a species resulted solely from decreases in water toxicity, and that αH and αM* values previously derived from laboratory toxicity test data could be applied in the field, we used the field data to estimate values of β for individual lake zooplankton species. Results for lake-species pairs with 20 or more species occurrences (from six samplings per year) were analysed. In most cases, the number of occurrences increased over time from zero to five or six per year, then remained at the high level. For a minority of pairs, occurrences per year increased initially, but subsequently declined, and so data only from the initial period were used to estimate β. The β values derived for the lake zooplankton are reasonably consistent with values derived from laboratory data for a range of other species. The findings support the application of WHAM-FTOXβ to describe toxic effects of mixtures of cations in the field, and the toxicity model might be combined with ecological theory to interpret natural population responses.

“The Last Waterfront in Pearl River Delta”: Space Generation and Cultural Ecological Characteristics of Traditional Village in Gulao Waterfront

Lingnan waterfront is a relatively complete cultural ecosystem formed under the influence of unique natural environment, social economy and regional culture. However, the existing researches on Lingnan waterfront pay more attention to the physical space of traditional settlements than the overall natural environment surrounding the settlements. Taking Gulao Waterfront as an example, this paper analyzes it from the perspective of interactions between human and natural environment, social economy and regional culture by using the theory of cultural ecology. This paper also analyzes the spatial generation process of Gulao Waterfront, systematically sorts out the overall village pattern, water network and water conservancy space, settlement space, agriculture and fairs space, folk beliefs and ritual space, and conclude that the cultural ecological characteristics of Gulao Waterfront is under the law of water. The important value in Gulao Waterfront of the cultural ecological characteristics and integrated historical heritage protection for the Pearl River Delta has been excavated, which enriches and deepens the cultural heritage research of traditional village in Lingnan waterfront.

Green roof runoff reduction of 84 rain events: Comparing Sedum, life strategy-based vegetation, unvegetated and conventional roofs

Green roofs have emerged as effective stormwater management systems, but understanding the contribution of their various components to hydrological performance is crucial for optimizing their design and implementation. More empirically measured data on the hydrological function of green roof vegetation is needed, especially under realistic low-maintenance, non-irrigated scenarios. Further, targeted, evidence-based plant selection based on ecological theories may improve green roof hydrological performance. Previous research has suggested that, in contrast to monocultures, mixtures of species with complementary traits could optimize provisioning of various ecosystem services. Thus, species mixtures based on their adaptive life strategy using the CSR theory (Competitor, Stress tolerator, and Ruderal) were hypothesized to have better hydrological performance than a Sedum monoculture or bare substrate under natural conditions over multiple seasons. To test this hypothesis, the runoff from thirty 2 m2 green roof modules was measured. The retention and detention performance of different green roof treatments were evaluated for 84 precipitation events of varying rain depth and intensity during snow-free periods. Differences in retention as well as detention between the vegetation treatments varied, but generally increased with increasing rain event volume and the Stress-tolerant treatment generally performed better than bare substrate. On a mean event basis, the mixture of stress-tolerator species demonstrated a 74 % retention rate, while the Bare substrate retained 72 % of the rainfalls. Overall, the green roofs, including bare substrate and vegetated treatments, effectively retained >50 % of the cumulative precipitation depth. In line with previous studies, the Sedum monoculture generally showed worse hydrological performance than other non-succulent vegetation mixtures, despite its relatively high cover and survival. The vegetated treatment with the highest species richness and diversity in life strategies (Mix) did not provide the best vegetation cover, or hydrological performance. Instead, the Stress-tolerant treatment, characterized by the high survival rate of a single graminoid species, consistently demonstrated superior event-based stormwater retention and peak attenuation capabilities.