Sources of scientific information

Blog Post 2: Sources of Scientific Information

1. Source

• Title: Ecology: Concepts and Applications
• Author: Manuel C. Molles
• Published by: McGraw-Hill Education, 7th Edition, 2016
• ISBN: 9780077837280

2. Classification

This source should be classified as academic peer-reviewed textbook material.

3. Documentation and Justification

1. Author Expertise: The textbook is authored by Manuel C. Molles, a well-respected ecologist and academic with extensive experience in teaching and researching ecological concepts. His work is widely used in university-level ecology courses, providing a reliable foundation for understanding key ecological principles.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: The textbook offers a thorough exploration of ecological concepts, from basic principles to more complex applications. It includes numerous references to peer-reviewed studies, ensuring that the content is grounded in current scientific research.
3. Educational Purpose: The book is designed for educational purposes, and intended for use by students and professionals alike. It covers a wide range of topics in ecology, making it a valuable resource for understanding the theoretical background of ecological research.
4. Peer-Reviewed Textbook: While textbooks are not typically peer-reviewed in the same way as journal articles, this textbook is published by McGraw-Hill Education, a reputable academic publisher known for producing high-quality, peer-reviewed educational materials. The content has been rigorously reviewed by experts in the field to ensure accuracy and relevance.
5. Relevance to Research: This textbook provides a solid theoretical framework that is directly applicable to my research on plant biodiversity and distribution in urban environments. The concepts and applications discussed in the book will help inform my study design and interpretation of results.