Work: An Overview
Odum left a large legacy in many fields associated with ecology, systems, and energetics. He studied ecosystems all over the world, and pioneered the study of several areas, some of which are now distinct fields of research. According to Hall (1995, p.ix), Odum published one of the first significant papers in each of the following areas:
- Ecological modeling (Odum 1960a);
- Ecological engineering (Odum et al. 1963);
- Ecological economics (Odum 1971);
- Estuarine ecology (Odum and Hoskins 1958);
- Tropical ecosystems ecology (Odum and Pidgeon 1970);
- General systems theory.
Odum's contributions to these and other areas are summarized below.
Odum also wrote on radiation ecology, systems ecology, unified science, and the microcosm. He was one of the first to discuss the use of ecosystems for life-support function in space travel. Some have suggested that Odum was technocratic in orientation, while others believe that he sided with those calling for "new values."
Read more about this topic: Howard T. Odum