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Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology ›› 2025, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (8): 2257-2269.doi: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202508.034

• Opinion of the Editor-in-Chier • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Constructing a knowledge system for theoretical research and practical application in macroecosystem science

YU Guirui1,2*, YU Zongxu1, WANG Qiufeng1,2, HAO Tianxiang1,2, YANG Meng1,2, CHEN Zhi1,2   

  1. 1Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
    2College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2025-04-15 Accepted:2025-06-03 Online:2025-08-18 Published:2026-02-18

Abstract: Ecological research in the 21st century has entered a new stage of ecosystem science. Macroecosystem science, as the engine and frontier direction of ecosystem science, is focusing on the mutual feedbacks among “environmental change-ecosystem-human well-being-social development”, based on the systemic cognitive framework of “multiple elements-multiple processes-multiple functions-multiple scales-multiple dimensions”. It is committed to developing integrated research methods of “cross media-cross interface-cross time and space-cross level-cross disciplinary”, concentrating on the cascading relationships and process mechanisms of “resource environment-system structure-ecological process-functional service” and “system construction-state evolution-resource and environment effect-regulation and supervision”, and understanding the evolution laws of macroecosystem and the scientific principles of human regulation. We reviewed the theoretical framework of macroecosystem science, adopting the logical framework of “scientific axiom-principle system-basic theory-application technology”, guided by the rational cognition of macroecosystem science such as “biological agglomeration and co-evolution, component riveting and structure nesting theory, process coupling and mechanism mutual feedback, function emergence and service spillover, dynamic succession lineage and spatial succession, natural change and artificial regulation”, and tentatively constructed a knowledge system and logical framework for theoretical research and practical application of macroecosystem science. We aimed to promote the upgrading and transformation of traditional ecological research scope and paradigm to multi-dimensional ecosystem science, expand the application of macroecosystem science to large-scale and long-term ecological science, promote the innovation and practical application of ecosystem science knowledge, and provide technological support for regional and global natural resource management, ecological security pattern construction, and the sustainable development of society.

Key words: macroecosystem science, integrative ecology, basic theory, scientific principle, scientific knowledge and engineering technology of ecology