The paradigm of forests and the survival of the fittest

This book demonstrates the social, historical, and environmental framework within which humans have developed a relationship with the forest and its resources. Starting from the biological basis that permits the existence of forests to the use of forest resources in a modern human context, this book summarizes the interaction between humans and forest ecosystems. Designed for readers from a broad range of disciplines and interests including those from environmental sciences, environmental economics, sociology, anthropology, biology, forestry and human ecology and other related disciplines, the book evokes interest in the development of an integrated approach towards forest ecosystems and natural resources in the context of sustainability. Content: Forests in a changing world / John Markham and Mauricio Fernández Otárola -- How do forests work? Primary production, energy and forest growth / Gerardo Avalos -- Forest carbon sequestration and global change / Achim Häger and Luitgard Schwendenmann -- Forest ecosystems and civilization: an overview of the footprint of modernity in the exploitation-conservation relationship / Anthony Goebel McDermott -- The economy of forests / Sergio A. Molina-Murillo and Timothy M. Smith -- Silviculture and forest management / Adrián A. Monge Monge -- Challenges to forest conservation / J. Edgardo Arévalo and Richard J. Ladle -- Forests, sustainability, and progress: safeguarding the multiple dimensions of forests through sustainable practices / Robin R. Sears.