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HARRY POTTER AND THE ECOLOGIST'S THESAURUS: DIACES 2002
Author(s) -
Meysman Filip J.R.,
Campbell Linda M.,
Chasar Lynda C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.433
H-Index - 10
eISSN - 1539-6088
pISSN - 1539-607X
DOI - 10.1002/lob.200413484a
Subject(s) - library science , citation , greenwich , thesaurus , limnology , art history , history , sociology , ecology , geography , computer science , geology , artificial intelligence , biology , soil science
There is a strong similarity between the wizarding world of Harry Potter and the world of ecologists. In her Potter novels, J.K. Rowland has invented an astonishing vocabulary for the magical spells that endow Harry with supernatural powers (Encylopaedia of Spells, ES). As shown by the latest book of the series, the author’s creativity for new enchantments remains unrivalled. As it happens, the same mesmerizing creativity can be found in the ecological literature, hinting at a deeper connection between magic and ecology. In the last 50 years, the discipline has been teeming with novel concepts, and as a result a compelling parade of new terms has entered the ecological lexicon. According to this eco-speak, ecosystems are governed by “drivers” and “stressors”, while ecologists investigate their “resilience” and “stability”, assess their “health” using “ecological indicators”, and occasionally subject them to “restoration” and “rehabilitation” efforts. Clearly, some of these terms are as captivating and mysterious as Harry Potter’s charms.