Stress Effects on Natural Ecosystems

The utility and methods involved in studying stress effects on natural ecosystems are reviewed. Ecosystem theory may be useful for impact assessment or land use planning. Ways of designing large-scale ecosystem studies to monitor the effects of perturbations on ecosystems are outlined. An application of such studies to environmental analysis of an area in central Ohio is described. Predictive studies can integrate descriptive, experimental, and theoretical approaches to ecosystem analysis. The future professional role of ecologists in environmental studies is evaluated. (numerous diagrams, graphs, references, tables)