THE EVOLUTIONARY STRATEGIES THAT SHAPE ECOSYSTEMS In 1837 a young Charles Darwin took his notebook, wrote “I think”, and then sketched a rudimentary, stick-like tree. Each branch of Darwin’s tree of life told a story of survival and adaptation – adaptation of animals and plants not just to the environment but also to life with other living things. However, more than 150 years since Darwin published his singular idea of natural selection, the science of ecology has yet to account for how contrasting evolutionary outcomes affect the ability of organisms to coexist in communities and to regulate ecosystem functioning. In this book Philip Grime and Simon Pierce explain how evidence from across the world is revealing that, beneath the wealth of apparently limitless and bewildering variation in detailed structure and functioning, the essential biology of all organisms is subject to the same set of basic interacting constraints on life-history and physiology. The inescapable resulting predicament during the evolution of every species is that, according to habitat, each must adopt a predictable compromise with regard to how they use the resources at their disposal in order to survive. The compromise involves the investment of resources in either the effort to acquire more resources, the tolerance of factors that reduce metabolic performance, or reproduction. This three-way trade-off is the irreducible core of the universal adaptive strategy theory which Grime and Pierce use to investigate how two environmental filters selecting, respectively, for convergence and divergence in organism function determine the identity of organisms in communities, and ultimately how different evolutionary strategies affect the functioning of ecosystems. This book refl ects an historic phase in which evolutionary processes are finally moving centre stage in the effort to unify ecological theory, and animal, plant and microbial ecology have begun to find a common theoretical framework. Companion website This book has a companion website www.wiley.com/go/grime/evolutionarystrategies with Figures and Tables from the book for downloading.

Often known simply as depression, major depressive disorder can affect anyone. This extremely common disorder causes intense feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness, often without any identifiable cause; it is much more than merely feeling sad. Through engaging text and enlightening sidebars, this volume discusses some of the scientific causes of depression and the ways it can be treated. Information is also provided to help those who are struggling with major depressive disorder.

The Great Depression was a time of severe hardship, especially in the United States. With a quarter of the population out of work, families struggled to survive, obsessively saving money, food, and material to reuse or recycle. This "Depression mentality" stuck with many people for the rest of their lives. Supplemented by historical photographs, annotated quotes, and a fact-filled timeline, this engaging narrative discusses the causes and lingering effects of the Great Depression. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter encourage readers to think critically about this period and how it has impacted the world they live in today.

Peanuts are one of the most common—and most deadly—allergens around the world, and the rates of peanut allergies have been on the rise in the 21st century. Fears about exposure to peanuts as well as the large number of people who are affected by them have prompted some schools to ban peanut products. Are these bans effective? Are they fair to the people whose lunch options are thus restricted? This objective text, augmented with engaging fact boxes and vibrant photographs, examines arguments on both sides of this relatable issue for young students.

Epilepsy can be frightening to both the sufferer and their loved ones. However, knowing more about the symptoms and treatment can give people a sense of empowerment. This volume discusses what epilepsy is, how it can be treated, and what can be done for someone who is having a seizure. The informative book, supplemented with in-depth sidebars, full-color photographs, and detailed charts, dispels the myths surrounding epilepsy and gives readers a clearer picture of this often misunderstood disorder.

Although medical experts know people need sleep to remain healthy, many of the mechanics of sleep remain a mystery, which can make it difficult to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Through informative main text, annotated quotes, detailed charts, and engaging sidebars, readers learn about these difficulties as well as the realities of living with sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy. A list of organizations to contact for further resources and support is also available for readers who want to go more in-depth into a particular disorder that they or a loved one may be suffering from.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, has long been misunderstood, even by medical and psychological professionals. Formerly called shell-shock, it was considered a disorder that exclusively affected soldiers. Today, this myth persists, and many people are still unaware that any traumatic event can be the catalyst for PTSD. Understanding the facts about this disorder helps young adults learn the best way to interact with a loved one who has it or learn whether their own symptoms warrant seeking further help. Annotated quotes from medical experts, detailed graphs, and full-color photographs show readers this disorder from all sides.

The economy affects nearly every aspect of a person's life, yet many find it confusing or boring. This outlook can cause people to ignore changes in economic policy that have a profound effect on them. By gaining a deeper understanding of what the economy is and how it affects people, budding activists are more equipped to advocate for themselves and others. Full-color photographs, graphic organizers, and informative fact boxes give readers a basic introduction to the economy and how to get more involved in economic issues. A list of resources gives them a jumping-off point for more in-depth research.

Since prescription drugs can be obtained legally and found in medicine cabinets in young adults’ own homes, there is a perception that they are not as dangerous as other types of drugs. However, abuse of prescriptions can have hazardous—sometimes even deadly—consequences, which readers discover in great detail. Enlightening charts and sidebars augment the discussion of prescription drug abuse, and a list of websites provides resources for those who may already be struggling with this addiction.

"Project 2025, a mandate for authoritarian leadership. The Heritage Foundation's conservative promise for a second Trump administration."--back cover.