Osnove ekologije

The textbook Fundamentals of Ecology (Osnove ekologije) by Prof. Dr. Ratimir Klepac, published in 1980 (by Školska knjiga, Zagreb), stands as a seminal work in Croatian and regional ecological literature. Conceived primarily as a university textbook for students of forestry, biology, and related natural sciences, Dr. Klepac’s work made an exceptional contribution to the understanding and popularization of ecology at a time when environmental awareness was gaining global significance. The book systematically addresses key areas of ecology, divided into autecology (the relationship of individual species to environmental factors) and synecology (the structure, development, and functioning of biological communities and ecosystems). The author provides a detailed analysis of abiotic factors (light, temperature, water, soil) and biotic relationships, as well as nutrient cycling, energy flow, and primary and secondary production in nature. Special attention is devoted to forest ecosystems and the stability of the biosphere. Distinguished by its clear methodology, scientific precision, and rich terminological foundation, Dr. Ratimir Klepac’s Fundamentals of Ecology has served as an essential resource for the education of numerous generations of experts in the fields of natural sciences, forestry, and nature conservation.