The new edition of this introductory ecology text, previously published as Ecology and Our Endangered Life-Support Systems , preserves its predecessor's 'big picture' approach while incorporating the latest concepts and research. It is suited to anyone seeking to become more environmentally literate, including students and professionals alike. The organization of the text is 'top down,' beginning with experimental life-support systems and ending with development and evolution. The relevance of ecological principles and the need for long-term solutions to environmental problems are stressed throughout.