Comprehensive Study of the History and Current State of Tellerman Forest

摘要

The book under review is devoted to Tellerman Forest, one of the unique natural objects in Russia. It summarizes the results of 60-year-long research performed in Tellerman Forest by the Institute of Forestry of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The versatility of this research cannot but amaze a reader of the new book. A really comprehensive approach to the study of nature is realized in full measure. In this context, it is pertinent to remember a bitter comment of A. A. Rode concerning one of the reports by A.A. Molchanov: "We hoped that comprehensive and versatile studies would allow us to gain qualitatively new knowledge about forest ecosystems. Instead, we only see heaps of disembodied tables." This is not the case with the new book. It clearlydemonstrates the important advantages of comprehensive studies of ecosystems and their functioning with the use of quantitative characteristics and evolutionary approaches, It should be noted that the classical notion of forest ecosystems and their functioning developed in the works of G.F. Morozov, V.N. Sukachev, and other scientists has withstood the test of time. The book under review elucidates the role of forest ecosystems in the biosphere using the example of Tellerman Forest. A comprehensive description of the long-term history of this natural ecosystem, which has been subjected to heavy anthropogenic loads, is given in the book. It consists of the Introduction, five chapters, Conclusions, and an Afterward; a brief dictionary of the major termsis also included.